Computer Science, BS, Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Sample Plan for New Students
The sample shows a typical plan to complete the degree based on current degree requirements and course offerings, and is not the only possible plan. The number of credits for each course is in parentheses. Some classes have prerequisites, and the order of courses in the sample plan accounts for these. Each new student, in consultation with their advisor, will complete a personal academic plan tailored to their specific goals and interests.
- Semester Degree Plan (for students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond)
- Quarter Degree Plan (for students who enroll prior to Summer 2027)
For more information about Seattle University's transition to the semester calendar, visit SU Moves to Semesters.
Degree Requirements
- Minimum Credits to Graduate: 120 semester credits or 180 quarter credits
- Credits in Major: 72-73 semester credits or 122 quarter credits
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Semester-Based Degree Plan
Four-Year Sample Plan For New Students
For students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CPSC 1420: Programming and Problem Solving I (3) | CPSC 1430: Programming and Problem Solving II (3) |
| Course 2 | MATH 1344: Calculus (4) | MATH 1346: Calculus II (4) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1000: Signature Seminar (3) | UCOR Stage I (3) |
| Course 4 | UCOR Stage I (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 5 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor each term for registration approval
- Take advantage of tutoring
- Get involved on campus
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CPSC 2430: Data Structures (3) | CPSC 3300: Fundamentals of Databases (3) |
| Course 2 | CPSC 2500: Computer Organization (3) | CPSC 3500: Computing Systems (3) |
| Course 3 | CPSC 2600: Foundations of Computer Science (3) | MATH 2310: Probability and Statistics for the Sciences and Engineering (3) |
| Course 4 | PHYS 1210: Physics Mechanics / PHYS 1211: Physics Mechanics Lab (4) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 5 | UCOR Stage II (3) |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor each term for registration approval
- Go to office hours
- Ask for help
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CPSC 3400: Languages and Computation (3) | CPSC 4100: Design and Analysis of Algorithms (3) |
| Course 2 | CPSC 3600: Object-Oriented Development (3) | CPSC 4310: Machine Learning or 4610: Artificial Intelligence (3) |
| Course 3 | MATH 2320: Linear Algebra (3) | Science Elective (3-4) |
| Course 4 | UCOR Stage II (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 5 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor each term for registration approval
- Work on career prep activities
- Look for summer internships
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CPSC 4870: Software Engineering and Project Development I (3) | CPSC 4880: Software Engineering and Project Development II (3) |
| Course 2 | CPSC 4810: Technical Communication & Professional Ethics (3) | CPSC 4XXX Elective (3) |
| Course 3 | CPSC 4XXX Elective (3) | CPSC 4XXX Elective (3) |
| Course 4 | UCOR Stage III (3) | UCOR Stage III (3) |
| Course 5 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor each term for registration approval
- Apply for graduation
- Start your career search or apply to graduate school
Four-Year University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Stage I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Stage. For more information, please visit the University Core Website.
Stage I: Foundations
- UCOR 1000/2000 Signature Seminar
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- UCOR 1200 Quantitative Reasoning
- UCOR 1500 Philosophies of Humanity
Stage II: Inquiry
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2300 Inquiry Seminar in Creative Arts and Expression
- UCOR 2400 Inquiry Seminar in Literature, Art, or History
- UCOR 2600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- UCOR 2800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
- UCOR 29XX Ethical Inquiry
Stage III: Engagement
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3200 Global Perspectives
- UCOR 3300 Responsibility and Action
Curriculum Notes
- A grade of C (2.00) is required in all CPSC courses that are used to satisfy major requirements.
- Independent study and internship courses (CPSC 3960, 4950, 4960, 4990) cannot be used to satisfy computer science electives.
- Students who minor or double major in math may take MATH 3000 in lieu of CPSC 2600.
- Students may take 5000-level CPSC electives to satisfy elective requirements with permission of chair. Up to six credits of 5000-level CPSC electives may apply towards the Master of Science in Computer Science (general option) degree at Seattle University. Up to nine credits of 5000-level CPSC electives may apply towards the Master of Science in Computer Science (data science or software engineering specialization) degree at Seattle University.
Plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements. Reach out to the College of Science & Engineering Advising Center for support via email at se-adv@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.
Quarter-Based Degree Plan
Four-Year Sample Plan For New Students
For students who enroll prior to Summer 2027
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CPSC 1420 – Programming & Problem Solving I (5) | CPSC 1430 – Programming & Problem Solving II (5) | CPSC 2430 – Data Structures (5) |
| Course 2 | MATH 1334 – Calculus I (5) | MATH 1335 – Calculus II (5) | MATH 1336 – Calculus III (5) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
- Take advantage of tutoring!
- Get involved on campus and with ACM!
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CPSC 2500 – Computer Organization (5) | CPSC 3300 – Fundamentals of Databases (5) | CPSC 3500 – Computing Systems (5) |
| Course 2 | CPSC 2600 – Foundations of Computer Science (5) OR MATH 3000 – Intro to Advanced Mathematics (5) | MATH 2310 – Probability & Statistics for Science & Engineering (5) OR MATH 3411 – Probability (5) | PHYS 1210 – Mechanics + PHYS 1211 – Lab (4+1) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
- Go to office hours!
- Ask for help!
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CPSC 3200 – Object-Oriented Development (5) | CPSC 4100 – Design & Analysis of Algorithm (5) | CPSC 3400 – Languages & Computation (5) |
| Course 2 | Science Elective (5) | Science Elective (5) | CPSC Elective (4000-level) (5) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
- Work on career prep activities!
- Look for summer internships!
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CPSC 4870 – Software Engineering & Project Development I (5) | CPSC 4880 – Software Engineering & Project Development II (3) | CPSC 4890 – Software Engineering & Project Development III (3) |
| Course 2 | CPSC 4800 – Technical Communications & Project Management (3) | CPSC Elective (4000-level) (5) | CPSC Elective (4000-level) (5) |
| Course 3 | CPSC Elective (4000-level) (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | General Elective (5) |
| Course 4 | MATH 2320 – Linear Algebra (3) | General Elective (3) |
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
- Apply for graduation!
- Start your career search or apply to graduate school!
University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Module I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Module. See my.seattleu.edu for prerequisites and www.seattleu.edu/core for course descriptions. Honors and Matteo Ricci students have different Core requirements.
Module I
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 1200 Quantitative Reasoning
- UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
- UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
- UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 1800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
Module II:
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
- UCOR 2900 Ethical Reasoning
Module III:
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3400 Humanities and Global Challenges
- UCOR 3600 Social Sciences & Global Challenges
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 3800 Natural Sciences & Global Challenges
Curriculum Notes
- Some CPSC classes may have a minimum grade requirement for credit toward the major.
- Students may take 5000-level CPSC electives to satisfy elective requirements with the permission of the department chair. Up to 10 credits of 5000-level CPSC electives may apply towards the Master of Science in Computer Science degree at Seattle University.
- Entry into the Senior Capstone Requires: 120 credits completed, two completed 3000 level CPSC classes, AND 1 additional 3000 or 4000 level CPSC class, as well as a GPA in good standing in the major.
- For complete information on courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.
Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Visit the Seattle U Advising Services page for support or reach out to the Advising Center. Email CSE Advising at se-adv@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.