The Department of Systems and Computer Science provides an undergraduate program leading to the award of the Bachelor of Science in Systems and Computer Science, and a computer science minor option for nonengineering disciplines at Howard University, and instruction and research leading to the Master's degree in Computer Science.

Lists of all Systems and Computer Science undergraduate and graduate course descriptions are available on separate pages.

Computer Science, generally defined, is the study of problem-solving procedures, computability and computation systems. Computer engineers and computer science professionals are proficient in several programming languages and are familiar with advanced mathematical concepts in subjects such as linear algebra, matrix theory, topology and Boolean algebra. Often they work with individuals from other disciplines to coordinate new developments in hardware and software. Computer utilization has made the solutions to complex problems, once considered intractable, feasible because of the speed, accuracy and versatility of the modern computer.

The Department offers a program of study geared to students who wish to pursue careers in the emerging field of software engineering. The undergraduate curriculum provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the theory, design and application of digital computers, information processing technologies and systems engineering. The program is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Board.

There is an emphasis on the engineering of computer software, as well as engineering with computers, with particular stress on software and the software/hardware interface. The first two years of instruction prepare students in the engineering fundamentals, while the last two years of instruction focus on systems engineering and computer science. In addition to formal course work, students are encouraged to serve an informal internship of at least one summer in a computer-oriented laboratory within the University or at another computing facility.

Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Systems and Computer Science must complete a minimum of 128 credits (credits may not total 128 because of varying credits for electives). This includes 61 credits in arts and sciences/social sciences and 68 credits in computer science and engineering consisting of 6 credits in technical electives at the senior level.

In addition to formal course work, students are encouraged to serve an informal internship of at least one summer in a computer-oriented laboratory within the University or at other computing facilities when deemed appropriate by the departmental advisor. Students are eligible for internships after completion of at least three semesters of course work or in special instances upon recommendation of the advisor.

The general curriculum is shown below with credits on the right. Follow the linked course titles for the course description listed on the undergraduate course description page.

Arts & Science/Social Science
Calculus	12
General Chemistry	4
Physics	8
Humanities/Social Science Electives	18
Symbolic Logic	3
Probability and Statistics	3
Introduction to Linear Algebra	3
Freshman Composition I & II	6
ROTC or Physical Education	4
Computer Science/Engineering
Introduction to Engineering	2
Introductory Programming	4
Computer Fundamentals	3
Elementary Data Structures	3
Advanced Data Structures	3
Foundations of Discrete Structures	3
Analysis of Algorithms	3
Data Base Management (School of Business)	3
Systems Engineering I & II	6
Large-Scale Programming	3
Digital Systems I (Electrical Engineering)	3
Digital Systems II (Electrical Engineering)	3
Operating Systems	3
Systems Management Analysis	3
Senior Project I	2
Senior Project II	2
Computer Graphics	3
Computer Simulation & Modeling	3
Structure of Programming Languages	3
Technical Electives	6
General Elective	3
Total Credit Hours	128

Computer Science Option for Non-Engineering Majors

The Computer Science Option for non-engineering students is intended for use by departments that use it as a minor. Students must take the following three courses:

Introductory Programming	4
Computer Fundamentals	3
Elementary Data Structures	3

At least two additional courses (more if required by the student's own department) must be taken from the following list:

Elementary Computation	3
Digital Systems I (Electrical Engineering)	6
Digital Systems II (Electrical Engineering)	6
Data Base Management (School of Business)	3
Foundations of Discrete Structures	3

The course 306-164 Digital Computation (2 credits) may be taken instead of 306-165; these courses have no prerequisites.

Digital Systems I (303-411) should not be taken until the student has completed 306-136.

Foundations of Discrete Optimization (306-270) should not be taken until the student has completed 306-136. Calculus is also a prerequisite for 306-270; departments offering minors based on this option may choose to count a calculus course taken from the Department of Mathematics as part of the minor.

Computer science has an interdisciplinary structure that relies heavily on the pure sciences, the social sciences, engineering and mathematics. The Master of Computer Science program seeks to provide students with knowledge basic to the computer scientist; the means by which information can be transferred, mathematical modeling of physical systems, development of efficient algorithm to represent processes and the effective means by which information may be stored and retrieved. Major areas of study are software engineering, operating systems, and modeling and simulation.

For the Master of Computer Science, 30 credit hours are required, but no thesis; however, a thesis may replace up to 6 of these credit hours. This program equips the student with comprehensive knowledge of contemporary computer science through training that combines theory and practice.

Each student must complete at least 30 credit hours which are to be taken as follows.

The one-year sequence:

* 237-551 Software Engineering I 237-552 Software Engineering II

Depending on their interests, students may wish to take the following one-year sequences: