The Computer Science: Systems Option at UNH is designed for students eager to delve into fundamental concepts in computing systems and data communication with the flexibility to explore other academic interests. This specialized degree program offers rigorous coursework in algorithms, operating systems, and network architecture, providing a solid foundation for addressing complex technological challenges. Benefit from hands-on experience in UNH’s state-of-the-art labs and internships at the Interoperability Lab, a leading data network testing facility that works with some of the top technology companies in the world. Whether pursuing careers in software engineering, network administration, or cloud computing, graduates are well-prepared for success in diverse sectors of the tech industry.
What is computer science with an option in systems?
The B.A. in computer science will allow you to combine the study of computer science with the study of another field. Given the emergence of computational approaches to virtually all areas of scholarship and creative expression, it is important to offer this flexibility. The systems option is tailored to students who want to focus on fundamental concepts in the areas of computing systems and data communication.
Why study computer science at UNH?
You’ll have access to the UNH InterOperability Lab, where you’ll work alongside top tech companies to test their equipment before it hits the marketplace. All computer science students are encouraged to conduct research through capstone projects and independent studies. Many of UNH’s student organizations are a natural fit for computer science majors, such as the Cyber Security Club, the Linux Club, and Wildcat Women in Computer Science. Plus, the Programming Assistance Center offers walk-in support and tutoring.
Potential careers
- Application developer
- Computer and information research scientist
- Database developer
- Data security specialist
- Network architect
- Product development manager
- Quality assurance analyst
- Software engineer
- Software systems developer
- User experience designer
- Web developer
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Meet a Wildcat: Computer SciencePatrick O'Neil is a senior computer science major in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Read more to learn about why he loves being a computer science student at UNH.Learn More
Curriculum & Requirements
The B.A. in Computer Science will allow students to combine the study of computer science with the study of another field. Given the emergence of computational approaches to virtually all areas of scholarship and creative expression, it is important to offer this flexibility. The three tracks in the B.A. program contain the same computer science core as the B.S. program, but give more control to the student to choose the complementary and advanced courses.
Sample Degree Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CS 400 | Introduction to Computing | 2 |
| CS 415 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
| IT 403 | Introduction to Internet Technologies | 4 |
| MATH 425 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Discovery I (or Foreign Language) | 4 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 416 | Introduction to Computer Science II | 4 |
| CS 420 | Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems | 4 |
| MATH 539 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 4 |
| ENGL 401 | First-Year Writing | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS 515 | Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms | 4 |
| CS 518 or CS 527 | Introduction to Software Engineering or Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | 4 |
| CS 501 | Professional Ethics and Communication in Technology-related Fields (or Discovery II) | 4 |
| Discovery II (or Foreign Language) | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 520 | Computer Organization and System-Level Programming | 4 |
| CS 527 or CS 518 | Fundamentals of Cybersecurity or Introduction to Software Engineering | 4 |
| MATH Elective I | 4 | |
| Discovery III (or CS 501) | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS 619 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Design and Development | 4 |
| CS 620 | Operating System Fundamentals | 4 |
| MATH Elective II | 4 | |
| Discovery IV | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 700-level Elective I | 4 | |
| CS 700-level Elective II | 4 | |
| Discovery V | 4 | |
| General Elective I | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS 791 | Senior Project I | 2 |
| Discovery VI | 4 | |
| General Elective II | 4 | |
| General Elective III | 4 | |
| General Elective IV | 4 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 792 | Senior Project II | 2 |
| Discovery VII | 4 | |
| General Elective V | 4 | |
| General Elective VI | 4 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 130 | |
Discovery (7): Historical Perspectives, Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts, Social Science, World Cultures, Physical Science Discovery Lab, Biological Science Discovery Lab.
Two Discovery or General Elective courses must have the Writing Intensive (WI) attribute.
Degree Requirements
All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.
Major Requirements
Computer science majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required computer science, mathematics, and computer engineering courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student's cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as a CS major.
The following courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better: CS 410C, CS 410P, CS 415, CS 416, CS 420, CS 515, CS 520, IT 403
If a student wishing to transfer into the computer science major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in computer science. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the university.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Courses | ||
| CS 400 | Introduction to Computing | 2 |
| CS 415 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
| or CS 410C | Introduction to Scientific Programming/C | |
| or CS 410P | Introduction to Scientific Programming/Python | |
| CS 416 | Introduction to Computer Science II | 4 |
| CS 420 | Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems | 4 |
| IT 403 | Introduction to Internet Technologies | 4 |
| CS 501 | Professional Ethics and Communication in Technology-related Fields | 4 |
| CS 515 | Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms | 4 |
| CS 518 | Introduction to Software Engineering | 4 |
| CS 520 | Computer Organization and System-Level Programming | 4 |
| CS 527 | Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | 4 |
| CS 619 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Design and Development | 4 |
| CS 620 | Operating System Fundamentals | 4 |
| Capstone | ||
| CS 791 & CS 792 | Senior Project I and Senior Project II | 4 |
| or CS 799 | Thesis | |
| Computer Science Electives | ||
| Select two additional CS courses numbered 690-799 | 8 | |
| Mathematics Courses | ||
| MATH 425 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 539 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 4 |
| or MATH 644 | Statistics for Engineers and Scientists | |
| Select two courses from the following: | 8 | |
CS 659 | Introduction to the Theory of Computation | |
MATH 420 | Finite Mathematics | |
MATH 426 | Calculus II | |
MATH 445 | Mathematics and Applications with MATLAB | |
Any MATH 500-level course or higher | ||
| Science Courses 1 | ||
| One Discovery Biological Science (BS) with Discovery Lab | 4 | |
| One Discovery Physical Science (PS) with Discovery Lab | 4 | |
| Discovery requirements not already covered by required courses | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 102 | |
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Courses must carry the Discovery attributes of Biological Science or Physical Science and include Discovery lab (DLAB).
Graduates of the UNH B.A. CS programs will have an ability to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
- Learn independently about new technologies, and have the skills needed to understand them.
Explore Program Details
Those interested in the Computer Science Systems Option major may also be interested in the following advanced degrees. Students in the program also have the opportunity to participate in the UNH accelerated master’s program.
