Program options

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Goals and Options

The computer science program is designed to provide students with an excellent background to successfully meet current and future challenges in computer-related fields and in many other areas that involve computer applications and technology.  The program provides students with a broad background incorporating a strong fundamental foundation with an emphasis on practical applications of theoretical concepts.

The computer science program offers students an opportunity to pursue either a B.S. or a B.A. degree in computer science. The B.S. degree requires a strong background in mathematics and is intended to provide a program that prepares our graduates to be top candidates for a wide variety of professions or to be excellent candidates for graduate work in computer science. The B.A. degree in computer science is intended to provide a complete program in computer science for students who may have interests or strengths in areas other than mathematics and will prepare the students for many of the same opportunities as provided by the B.S. degree as well as prepare them for employment involving computers in fields outside of computer science.

In addition to the B.S. and B.A. degrees in computer science, many students also complete a mathematics and/or a computer science endorsement in the education program to expand their options after graduation.

The following majors are to be supplemented with general education and electives or other coursework to total 128 or more hours.

B.A. MAJOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

1. General Education (48 hours)

2. Computer Science Core (30 hours)

  • CS 131 Computer Programming I (3)
  • CS 141 Computer Programming II (3)
  • CS 231 Introduction to Computer Systems (3)
  • CS 241 Introduction to Computer Organization (3)
  • CS 251 Introduction to File Processing (3)
  • CS 261 Operating Systems & Computer Architecture I (3)
  • CS 334 Organization of Program Languages (3)
  • CS 344 Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis (3)
  • CS 348 Discrete Structures (3)
  • CS 361 Operating Systems & Computer Architecture II (3)

3. Electives (9 hours)

B.S. MAJOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

1. General Education (48 hours)

2. Computer Science Core (30 hours)

  • CS 131 Computer Programming I (3)
  • CS 141 Computer Programming II (3)
  • CS 231 Introduction to Computer Systems (3)
  • CS 241 Introduction to Computer Organization (3)
  • CS 251 Introduction to File Processing (3)
  • CS 261 Operating Systems & Computer Architecture I (3)
  • CS 334 Organization of Program Languages (3)
  • CS 344 Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis (3)
  • CS 348 Discrete Structures (3)
  • CS 361 Operating Systems & Computer Architecture II (3)

3. Computer Science (30 hours)

MATHEMATICS

Goals and Options

The goal of the mathematics program is to provide the student with a foundation in the mathematical sciences. Both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are offered. The B.S. degree allows the student more electivity to design a program of study to match the particular interests of the student. Upon graduation the student may continue studies in mathematics or a related area at the graduate level or pursue a career in a mathematics-related area. Some of these related areas include computer science, applied statistics, and actuarial science. The following majors are to be supplemented with general education and electives or other coursework to total 128 or more hours.

B.A. MAJOR IN MATHEMATICS

1. General Education (48 hours)

2. Mathematics Core (27 hours)

3. Mathematics Courses (12 hours)

B.S. MAJOR IN MATHEMATICS

1. General Education (48 hours)

2. Mathematics Core (see B.A.) (27 hours)

3. Mathematics (18 hours)

 A minimum of four additional courses from the following: Math 318, 321, 323, 332, 335, 348, 365, 382; and CS 141. The mathematics department must approve this elective portion of the program.

Sample Individualized Programs:
Student planning to attend graduate school in mathematics: Math 332, 335, 348, 365 and 382.
Student planning to attend graduate school in biometry: Math 318, 321, 323, 382 and CS 141.

Actuarial Science Minor

An actuary is a professional who uses mathematical skills to define, analyze, and solve business and social problems. Actuaries are generally employed in life, health, and casualty insurance companies, consulting firms and government. The minor in actuarial science is designed to help prepare the student for a career as an actuary. The required courses include the material which is covered in the first examination administered by the national actuarial societies, course 1. The required courses also cover portions of material found on additional examinations. Elective courses may be chosen to prepare the student for additional examinations and future educational pursuits. Ideally, a summer internship would also be part of the student’s undergraduate experience.

This minor would usually be taken in conjunction with a major in mathematics or computer science. However, it would also be an option for a student with a strong background in mathematics. Contact the program director for additional information.

Course Requirements: The minor requires a minimum of 18 hours in addition to the prerequisite courses (Math 184, 186, 284, 322, 333; CS 131, 141; Econ 101, 102). Math 321, 323, Bus 121, 281, 331, 336. Electives: Additional mathematics and business courses are encouraged for the student. These would be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Bachelor of Science in Education

Mathematics is available as a school subject concentration for students in the elementary education program.

Mathematics – 18 hours
A minimum of 18 hours of coursework with MATH or CS prefixes. Courses approved by department chair.

Mathematics is available as a content teaching area for middle level education students.

Mathematics – 18 hours
A minimum of 18 hours of coursework with MATH or CS prefixes. Required courses are Math 122, 184 and 301. Courses approved by department chair. 

Mathematics is available as a field endorsement for secondary education majors.

Mathematics – 51 hours
Math 184, 186, 252, 284, 322, 332, 333, 335, 365, 382, 384, 475 and CS 131. Nine additional hours from the following: any 300-level mathematics course, excluding Math 301, or any computer science course above CS 131. Educ 374 is the methods course for this endorsement.

Computer science is available as a subject endorsement for secondary education majors.

Computer Science – 30 hours
CS 131, 141, 231, 251, 261, 334, 344, 351, 361, one course from CS 241, 321, 324, 348, 390. The Computer Science endorsement counts as one of the two subject endorsements required of Secondary Education students but is viewed by the State of Nebraska as a supplemental endorsement. Educ 368 is the methods course for this endorsement.

Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems 

A major in management information systems is also available. For more information please see the listing among business majors at Concordia.

Minors in Mathematics and Computer Science

Minors are available to all students.  Minors are not available in an area similar to a student's major.

Computer Science (18 hours)

  • CS 131 Computer Programming I (3)
  • CS 141 Computer Programming II (3)
  • CS 231 Introduction to Computer Systems (3)
  • CS 241 Introduction to Computer Organization (3)
  • CS 251 Introduction to File Processing (3)
  • CS 261 Operating Systems and Computer Architecture I (3)

Mathematics (20 hours)

See also: Please check the course catalog for other information about programs in which you are interested.