B.Sc. Program
B.Sc. Degree Requirements
The mission of LSU's undergraduate computer science program is to provide students with a strong and versatile foundational understanding of computer science through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will be able to draw from their skill sets to solve challenging problems and will possess the fundamental understanding required to build upon their knowledge as the field of computer science rapidly grows and evolves. Graduates of the program will be able to use concepts such as abstraction and complexity analysis to find innovative solutions to problems and orchestrate evolutionary change as applied to the development of software systems and emerging applications.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 1350 | Computer Science I for Majors | 4 |
| CSC 1351 | Computer Science II for Majors | 4 |
| CSC 2259 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CSC 2262 | Numerical Methods | 3 |
| CSC 3102 | Advanced Data Structures & Algorithmic Analysis | 3 |
| CSC 3200 | Ethics in Computing | 1 |
| CSC 3380 | Object Oriented Design | 3 |
| CSC 3501 | Computer Organization & Design | 3 |
| CSC 4101 | Programming Languages | 3 |
| CSC 4103 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSC 4330 | Software Systems | 3 |
| CSC 4402 | Introduction to Database Management | 3 |
In addition to the above core requirements, students must complete a 3 credits of a 2000-level computer science course and 3 credits of a 3000-level computer science course.
Students must complete a total of 6 credits of approved technical electives. At least one 3-credit elective must be from Group A while the other credits may come from either group.
Group A – 2000-level and above only chosen from:
CSC, BE, CHE, CE, CM, EE, ENGR, EVEG, IE, ME, PETE, EMS, ENVS, OCS, MATH, ECON, FIN, ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, GEOG, GEOL, PHYS, ISDS 3100, ISDS 3105, ISDS 3120 , ISDS 4+++.
Group B:
ART 2050, ART 2055, ART 2210, ART 2220, ART 2230, ART 2551, ART 4020, ART 4050, ART 4055, ART 4230 ,ART 4240, ART 4290, ART 4550, ART 4059, ART 4560, ART 7250 ART 7255, ARTH 4480, ARTH 4482, ARTH 4484, MC 2035, MC 3031, MC 4002, MC 4015, MC 4260, MC 4550, MC 4600, MC 4720, MUS 2745, MC 4260, MC 4550, MC 4600, MC 4720, MUS 2745, MUS 4744, MUS 4745, MUS 4746, MUS 4748, ENGL 2009, ENGL 2231, ENGL 4000, ENGL 4009, ENGL 7109.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1550 or MATH 1551 | Analytic Geometry & Calculus I or Analytic Geometry & Calculus I (Honors) | 5 |
| MATH 1552 | Analytic Geometry & Calculus II | 5 |
| MATH 2090 | Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | 4 |
| IE 3302 | Engineering Statistics | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1001 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 2000 | English Composition II | 3 |
| - | General Education/Humanities | 9 |
| - | General Education/Social Science I & II | 6 |
| - | General Education/Art | 3 |
| BIOL 1001 or BIOL 1201 | General Biology or Biology for Science Majors I | 3 |
In addition to the above requirements, a total of three natural science courses and two corresponding lab courses must be taken. One science course must be either BIOL 1001 (General Biology I) or BIOL 1201 (Biology for Science Majors I), as listed above. A sequence of two science courses and their corresponding lab courses are also required. This sequence must be from a choice of physics, chemistry, astronomy, or geology (e.g., you can take Physics I and Physics I Lab one semester, then take Physics II and Physics II Lab another semester; you can take Chemistry I and Chemistry I Lab one semester, then take Chemistry II and Chemistry II Lab another semester; etc.) Please note that sequences or courses in geography or physical science will NOT count towards the science requirement.
*One three-credit course must be either English (other than 1001 or 2000) or an honors course. One three-credit course must be a Communications Studies course. The last three-credit course can be any general education humanities course.
Concentrations
For detailed information on computer science concentrations, please refer to our concentration overviews and course flowcharts. Click the buttons below to be taken to the respective concentration section of the page.
Cloud Computing & Networking
Cloud Computing & Networking focuses on cloud computing as a contemporary method of distributed computing. By separating services and components across various computers or platforms, cloud computing enables developers to access distinct resources and rapidly build customized, adaptable applications by integrating multiple subsystems. This approach allows software developers to leverage a distributed network of computers, collaborating in real-time to enhance efficiency and scalability.
With benefits such as limitless scalability, flexibility, enhanced reliability, and robust security through redundancy, cloud computing has become a cost-effective alternative to traditional approaches. Organizations and users can avoid the need for extensive hardware investment and associated depreciation costs, thus optimizing resource use and reducing infrastructure expenses.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 2610 | Cloud Fundamentals and Web Programming | 3 |
| CSC 4501 | Computer Networks | 3 |
| CSC 4562 | Mobile Security and Applied Cryptography | 3 |
| CSC 4610 | Virtualization and Cloud Systems | 3 |
Two, 3 hour approved elective courses, are required from the following options:
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 3304 | Introduction to Systems Programming | 3 |
| CSC 4362 | Software Vulnerabilities and Exploitation | 3 |
| CSC 4444 |
Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSC 4512 | Optimization: Modeling Approaches, Algorithms and Applications | 3 |
| CSC 4585 | Multiprocessor Programming | 3 |
| CSC 4762 | Blockchain and Cryptocurrency | 3 |
| EE 4625 | Digital Communication and Networking | 3 |
| EE 4660 | Random Processes I | 3 |
| IE 4426 | Distributed Information Systems Engineering | 3 |
| ISDS 4120 | Enterprise Architecture | 3 |
| ISDS 4123 | Computer and Networking Security | 3 |
| MATH 4023 | Applied Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 4025 | Optimization Theory and Applications | 3 |
| MATH 4171 | Theory of Graphs | 3 |
| MATH 4172 | Combinatorics | 3 |
| MATH 4325 | Fourier Transforms | 3 |
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or malicious activities while ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. As one of the most vital areas in computer science, cybersecurity is increasingly essential for protecting systems across the private sector, government, and military.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 2362 | Introduction to Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense | 3 |
| CSC 3304 | Introduction to Systems Programming | 3 |
| CSC 4360 | Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering | 3 |
| CSC 4362 | Software Vulnerabilities and Exploitation | 3 |
| CSC 4501 | Computer Networks | 3 |
| CSC 4562 | Mobile Security and Applied Cryptography | 3 |
One, 3 hour approved elective course, is required from the following options:
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 3730 | Machine Learning and Data Analytics | 3 |
| CSC 4243 | Interface Design and Technology | 3 |
| CSC 4444 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSC 4610 | Virtualization and Cloud Systems | 3 |
| CSC 4762 | Blockchain and Cryptocurrency | 3 |
| IE 4462 | Safety Engineering | 3 |
| IE 4466 | Human Computer Interaction | 3 |
Data Science & Analytics
In today’s digital age, vast amounts of data are generated, and extracting valuable insights from large datasets has become both essential and challenging. The Data Analysis & Analytics concentration focuses on managing data effectively by using software tools to record, organize, and analyze it. This discipline involves understanding data management constraints and gathering and defining requirements through elicitation. Data analysis has diverse applications across fields like mathematics, biology, statistics, data warehousing, artificial intelligence, and more. Many companies and organizations employ data scientists for purposes such as identifying consumer trends, deciphering codes, optimizing processes, and even analyzing sports outcomes.
"Big data" refers to extremely large datasets that require specialized tools for analysis, a significant aspect of data science and analytics. The Data Analysis & Analytics concentration also covers skills and techniques essential for big data.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 2730 | Data Science and Analytics | 3 |
| CSC 3730 | Machine Learning and Data Analytics | 3 |
| CSC 4343 | Applied Deep Learning | 3 |
| CSC 4740 | Big Data Technologies | 3 |
One, 3 hour approved elective course, is required from the following options:
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 4444 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSC 4501 | Computer Networks | 3 |
| CSC 4512 | Optimization: Modeling Approaches, Algorithms and Applications | 3 |
| CSC 4610 | Cloud Systems and Virtualization | 3 |
| CSC 4762 | Blockchain and Cryptocurrency | 3 |
| ISDS 3105 | Internet Development Tools | 3 |
| ISDS 4118 | Web Analytics | 3 |
| ISDS 4141 | Introduction to Data Mining | 3 |
| MATH 4024 | Mathematical Models | 3 |
| MATH 4025 | Optimization Theory and Applications | 3 |
Software Engineering
The Software Engineering concentration prepares students to systematically develop high-quality software by applying engineering principles to meet specific requirements, design standards, budgets, and deadlines. Courses within this concentration emphasize design and implementation, equipping students with skills to manage the full software lifecycle. Key sub-disciplines in software engineering include requirements engineering, software design, construction, testing, maintenance, configuration management, and quality management. Emerging opportunities in this field span mobile app and OS development, entertainment software design, digital media, and gaming, among others.
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 3304 | Introduction to Systems Programming | 3 |
| CSC 4332 | Software Quality & Testing | 3 |
| CSC 4351 | Computer Construction | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 4243 | Interface Design and Technology | 3 |
| CSC 4263 | Video Game Design | 3 |
| CSC 4356 | Interactive Computer Graphics | 3 |
| CSC 4357 | Applied Computer Graphics | 3 |
| CSC 4360 | Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering | 3 |
| CSC 4362 | Software Vulnerabilities and Exploitation | 3 |
| CSC 4370 | Software Modeling Techniques | 3 |
| CSC 4444 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSC 4501 | Computer Networks | 3 |
| CSC 4585 | Multicore Programming | 3 |
| CSC 4610 | Cloud Systems and Virtualization | 3 |
| CSC 4740 | Big Data Technologies | 3 |
| CSC 4890 | Introduction to Theory of Computation | 3 |
| EE 4859 | Digital Media Capstone | 3 |
| IE 4461 | Human Factors Engineering | 3 |
| ISDS 4111 | Enterprise Systems | 3 |
| ISDS 4112 | Data Warehousing | 3 |
| ISDS 4113 | Management of Information Systems Projects | 3 |
| ISDS 4120 | Enterprise Architecture | 3 |
| ISDS 4125 | Analysis and Design of Information Systems | 3 |
| ISDS 4141 | Introduction to Data Mining | 3 |
Second Discipline
Students may choose a secondary discipline in any area or department, with popular choices including economics, mathematics, physics, biology, digital media, and Information Systems and Decision Sciences (ISDS). It is recommended that students select a secondary discipline that complements their computer science coursework for a well-rounded academic experience.