Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS)

Program Requirements

• Admissions Requirements

  For acceptance into an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Degree program, applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria:

  High school diploma from a university-recognized high school with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA or university-recognized high school equivalency such as GED, TASC, or HiSET;

  OR

  High school diploma plus a previously earned Associate-level or higher degree from a nationally, regionally, or government-accredited college or university;

  OR

  High school diploma plus twenty-four (24) college-level credits (does not include remedial credits) from a nationally, regionally, or government-accredited college or university earned with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA;

  OR

  Approval from the Admissions Committee following a review of factors considered essential for academic success, including previous academic progress, non-academic achievements, and any additional information requested by the Committee as they relate to standards set by the University's governing bodies.

• Graduation Requirements

  The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) degree program requires 120 credit hours, including 45 credit hours of Core Information Technology courses, 15 credit hours of Concentration courses, 15 credit hours of Elective courses, 30 credit hours of Integrative Studies (General Education) courses, six (6) credit hours of Core Business courses, six (6) credit hours of Internship courses, and a three (3) credit-hour Capstone course.

  Students may complete their entire 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program by taking all 45 credit hours of Core Information Technology courses, 30 credit hours of Concentration courses, 30 credit hours of Integrative Studies (General Education) courses, six (6) credit hours of Core Business courses and three (3) credit hours of a Capstone course at Westcliff University. Alternatively, students may transfer up to 30 Integrative Studies (General Education) credit hours from another accredited school. In any option, 54 of the 60 Integrative Studies (General Education) credit hours must have academic content. Please refer to the Transfer of Credit Policy for more detailed information and requirements.

  Students must apply for graduation. Upon graduation and fulfillment of all academic requirements, students receive a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree.

• Practical Learning Experience Requirements

  Westcliff University requires all students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in the College of Technology and Engineering to successfully complete Practical Learning Experiences (PLEs) as part of the completion of their degree. Practical learning at Westcliff is a key component of the university’s approach to teaching, learning, and student success as these experiences reinforce what students are learning in the classroom and promote the relevant application of this content in a real-world context. This practice reflects Westcliff’s commitment to a practical and relevant education and the value of applied, experiential learning. Students who have this experience demonstrate a more successful transition into a new career or career advancement.

  Practical learning experiences are satisfied by the completion of six (6) credits of internship course as a requirement for the program. During each internship course, students engage in direct work experience relevant to their studies in addition to participating in the assigned classroom activities. Internship opportunities exist on- and off-campus. Off-campus internships require prior university approval, and F-1 students must have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization to participate in off-campus internships.

  Students are responsible for developing and demonstrating the skills necessary to be successful in an internship. In addition to industry knowledge, students should be prepared to demonstrate professionalism, effective communication (written, oral, and digital), and integrity while engaged in an internship. The faculty facilitating the internship courses assess these qualities and provide valuable feedback to students throughout the course.

Program Information

• Required Courses

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Program Requirements - 120 Credit Hours Total

  Core Courses - 45 Credit Hours Total

  DATA 100 Introduction to Data Analytics - 3 Credit Hours
  DATA 200 Applied Statistical Analytics - 3 Credit Hours
  DATA 210 Database Design & Analytics - 3 Credit Hours
  DATA 300 Data-Driven Decision Making - 3 Credit Hours
  MTH 150 Discrete Mathematics - 3 Credit Hours
  PRG 100 System Analysis and Design - 3 Credit Hours
  PRG 200 Programming in the Cloud - 3 Credit Hours
  PRG 300 Software Quality, Architecture, and Documentation - 3 Credit Hours
  PRG 310 DevOps and Agile - 3 Credit Hours
  PRG 320 C# Programming - 3 Credit Hours
  PRG 330 Python Programming - 3 Credit Hours 
  TECH 110 Technology and Systems - 3 Credit Hours
  TECH 250 Technical Documentation and Communication - 3 Credit Hours
  TECH 300 Internet of Things (IoT) - 3 Credit Hours
  TECH 330 Emerging Technologies - 3 Credit Hours

  Core Business Courses - 6 Credit Hours Total

  LDR 325 Introduction to Leadership - 3 Credit Hours
  LDR 349 Foundations in Operations Management - 3 Credit Hours

  Capstone Course - 3 Credit Hours Total

  CAP 490 Capstone Project - 3 Credit Hours  

  Integrative Studies (General Education) Courses - 30 Credit Hours Total

  Communication - 12 Credit Hours 
  Mathematics - 6 Credit Hours 
  Humanities - 6 Credit Hours 
  Social & Behavioral Sciences - 3 Credit Hours 
  Physical & Biological Sciences -  3 Credit Hours 

  Internship Courses - 6 Credit Hours REQUIRED

  INT 361 Systems Analysis: (1 - 6 credit hours)
  INT 363 Systems Integrations: (1 - 6 credit hours)
  INT 365 Database Solutions: (1 - 6 credit hours)
  INT 367 Systems Collaborations: (1 - 6 credit hours)
  INT 369 Data Optimization: (1 - 6 credit hours)
  INT 371 Process Constructions: (1 - 6 credit hours)

• Program Concentrations

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Areas of Concentration

  Advanced Programming - The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Mobile Game Development is designed to lead students in preparation for a certification in Unity game development. Topics include simple game design concepts and structure, AI and intelligent behavior in Unity, Unity game development fundamentals, and technologies associated with augmented and virtual reality systems.

  Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Mobile Game Development - The Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Mobile Game Development concentration is designed to lead students in preparation for a certification in Unity game development. Topics include simple game design concepts and structure, AI and intelligent behavior in Unity, Unity game development fundamentals, and technologies associated with augmented and virtual reality systems.

  Cloud Computing - The Cloud Computing program is designed to provide students with a foundation in cloud computing technologies for business. This program is ideal for professionals who are interested in the field of cloud computing and who may have experience but do not have formal training. Students will learn technologies, processes, and management of systems, including virtualization and storage, APIs and scripting, AWS and Azure, cloud security and disaster recovery, and strategic cloud implementation concepts for business applications.

  Cybersecurity - The Cybersecurity Concentration is designed to advance the professional careers of technologists and computer scientists in the field of computer systems and information technology security. The certificate program is presented in a detailed and innovative approach that examines a variety of computer systems security topics, including cybersecurity essentials and network security; communications security techniques such as cryptography, computer forensics, threats and detection; information security management, and a proactive approach to designing cybersecurity for emerging technologies. Security policies on privacy and legal issues are also presented. Upon completion, graduates can design and implement cybersecurity measures and strategies across several sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, research and development, education, banking and finance, and international business.

  Data Analytics - Provides an overview of quantitative methods essential for analyzing data, with an emphasis on business applications. Topics include identification of appropriate metrics and measurement methods, descriptive and inferential statistics, experimental design, parametric and non-parametric tests, simulation, and linear and logistic regression, categorical data analysis, and select unsupervised learning techniques. Standard and open-source statistical packages are used to apply techniques to real-world problems.

   Information Technology Project Management (ITPM) - The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Information Technology Project Management (ITPM) is designed to provide students with a foundation in IT Project management based on the Project Management Book of Knowledge and Project Management Professional certification. This program is ideal for professionals who are interested in the field of project management and who may have experience but do not have formal training. Students will learn common methodologies used by project managers today focusing on project integration, scope, time, cost, leadership, schedule, risk, quality, and communications management. Graduate students will complete one additional graduate level assignment in each course.
  

  Web Development -The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Web Development bridges a path for students who want to pursue careers in the growing and exciting field of web development. The program focuses on creating dynamic and interactive experiences through a rigorous full stack coding curriculum. Students pursuing this program will gain the necessary skills for front-end and back-end development, all while preparing them for success in the professional world.

   

• Course Catalog and Student Handbook
  Student Handbook/Catalog

Scholarship Opportunities

• Scholarship Application

  As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.

  Apply Now
• Scholarship Application Deadlines

  2023-2024 Academic Year Calendar

  Semester	Session	Scholarship Deadline	Start Date	End Date
  FALL	Session 1	07/07/23	Start: 8/28/23	End: 10/22/23
  	Session 2		Start: 10/23/23	End: 12/17/23
  SPRING	Session 3	11/17/23	Start: 01/08/24	End: 03/04/24
  	Session 4		Start: 03/05/24	End: 04/28/24
  SUMMER	Session 5	03/16/24	Start: 05/06/24	End: 06/30/24
  	Session 6		Start: 07/01/24	End: 08/25/24