Chairperson: Shawn Bowers
Program Director: Robert Bryant
Professors: S. Bowers, R. Bryant, P. De Palma, K. Yerion (Emerita)
Associate Professors: D. Hughes (Emeritus), Y. Zhang
Assistant Professors: D. Schroeder, G. Sprint
The department offers one major:
Bachelor of Arts, Computer Science and Computational Thinking major (concentration required, see options below)
Computational thinking and processes permeate our daily lives, transforming our understanding of both the natural world and of ourselves. Career opportunities in computing are substantial and include some of the fastest growing occupations nationally including software engineering, system support specialist, web development, technical support staff, software product management, and database administration. In addition, knowledge of computer science has become highly valued in such diverse fields as psychology, biology, sociology, and even philosophy. A degree in Computer Science gives one both marketable skills and the intellectual breadth that can be applied to any career choice. Upon graduation, students with a B.A. can present themselves as entry-level software developers, and their degree will provide sufficient background for further training later in their careers.
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Computational Thinking serves those students with an interest in computing who would like to obtain the breadth of study in the humanities and social and natural sciences provided by the College of Arts and Sciences. An English major, for instance, will be able to explore his love of literature while at the same time acquiring a directly marketable skill, or a sociology major can combine her depth of knowledge in the social sciences with practical skills in computational thinking. The potential to combine a practical skill with significant study in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences makes the B.A. in Computer Science and Computational Thinking an attractive option for students in Arts and Sciences.
The curriculum provides all majors with a foundation in computing through 25 credits in mathematics and computer science courses. Students select a Discipline for Computational Thinking (DCT), or concentration, consisting of at least 12 credits in a field in the College of Arts and Sciences. In consultation with their advisor, students also choose an additional 18 credits in computer science courses, which include computer science courses relevant to the student’s selected concentration. Each student’s concentration will be overseen by a DCT Committee consisting of the Program Director, the Chair of the Computer Science Department, and the DCT concentration Chair (or Chair’s designate). Students are encouraged to complete the courses in their choice of DCT as well as the computer science courses specific to that DCT before their senior year.
B.A. in Computer Science and Computational Thinking: 55-59 credits
| Lower Division | ||
| CPSC 121 Computer Science I | 3 credits | |
| CPSC 122 Computer Science II | 3 credits | |
| CPSC 223 Algorithm/Abstract Data Structures | 3 credits | |
| CPSC 224 Software Development | 3 credits | |
| One of the following two courses: | 3-4 credits | |
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MATH 148 Survey of Calculus
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MATH 157 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
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| MATH 231 Discrete Structures | 3 credits | |
| Upper Division | ||
| Computer Science Electives* | |
18 credits |
| * Any CPSC 200, 300, or 400-level course. At most three elective courses (9 credits) may be taken at the 200-level. 9 of the 18 elective credits will be determined by the DCT Committee to best coincide with the chosen concentration. |
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| CPSC 491 Software Engineering | |
2 credits |
| CPSC 491L Senior Design Project Lab I |
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1 credit |
| CPSC 492L Senior Design Project Lab II | |
3 credits |
| CPSC 499 Computers and Society | |
1 credit |
| Concentration requirements (DCT specific courses) | |
12-15 credits |
| Art | 12 credits | |
| Biology | 14-15 credits | |
| Communication Studies | 12 credits | |
| Economics | 12 credits | |
| English | 12 credits | |
| Environmental Studies | 15 credits | |
| Philosophy | 12 credits | |
| Sociology | 12 credits | |
| Theatre Arts | 12 credits | |
*No more than five computer science courses in the entire degree are to be at the 200 level. Many upper division computer science courses require CPSC 260 as a prerequisite (see the list of course in the University Catalog for details).
*Note: ECON 201, ECON 202, (BUSN 230, MATH 121, or MATH 321), and (MATH 114 or MATH 148 or MATH 157) are prerequisites for ECON 451.
English Concentration: |
12 credits |
| Any combination of four 300- or 400-level English courses | |
Philosophy Concentration: |
12 credits |
| Four 400-level Philosophy courses chosen by the DCT Committee. | |
Sociology Concentration: |
12 credits |
| Any four Sociology courses at the 100-, 200, and 300-levels. | |
Second Language Competency
Competency in a second language (classical or modern) at the intermediate level (courses numbered 201) is required for students continuing in the study of a language. Students beginning study in a language they have not previously studied can fulfill the requirement by completing one year at the beginning level (courses numbered 101-102). Non-native speakers of English who have completed the required English core credits at Gonzaga may petition the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences for a waiver of this requirement.
Additional information on this requirement can be found at
Language Requirement Information
In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate students follow a common program designed to complete their education in those areas that the University considers essential for a Catholic, Jesuit, liberal, and humanistic education. The University Core Curriculum consists of forty-five credits of course work, with additional designation requirements that can be met through core, major, or elective courses.
The University Core Curriculum is a four-year program, organized around one overarching question, which is progressively addressed through yearly themes and questions. Hence, core courses are best taken within the year for which they are designated. First year core courses encourage intellectual engagement and provide a broad foundation of fundamental skills. Second and third year courses examine central issues and questions in philosophy and religious studies. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, offers a culminating core experience. Taken at any time throughout the four years, broadening courses intersect with the core themes and extend students’ appreciation for the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Finally, the designation requirements (writing enriched, global studies, and social justice) reflect important values and reinforce students’ knowledge and competencies.
Overarching Core Question: As students of a Catholic, Jesuit, and Humanistic University, how do we educate ourselves to become women and men for a more just and humane global community?
Year 1 Theme and Question: Understanding and Creating: How do we pursue knowledge and cultivate understanding?
- The First-Year Seminar (DEPT 193, 3 credits): The First-Year Seminar (FYS), taken in the fall or spring of the first year, is designed to promote an intellectual shift in students as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which students explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of FYS courses).
- Writing (ENGL 101, 3 credits) and Reasoning (PHIL 101, 3 credits): The Writing and Reasoning courses are designed to help students develop the foundational skills of critical reading, thinking, analysis, and writing. They may be taken as linked sections. Writing (ENGL 101) carries one of the three required writing-enriched designations (see below).
- Communication & Speech (COMM 100, 3 credits): This course introduces students to interpersonal and small group communication and requires the application of critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills necessary to organize, write, and present several speeches.
- Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 104/104L, CHEM 104/104L, or PHYS 104/104L, 3 credits): This course explores the scientific process in the natural world through evidence-based logic and includes significant laboratory experience. Students pursuing majors that require science courses will satisfy this requirement through their major.
- Mathematics (above Math 100, 3 credits): Mathematics courses promote thinking according to the modes of the discipline—abstractly, symbolically, logically, and computationally. One course in mathematics, above Math 100, including any math course required for a major or minor, will fulfill this requirement. MATH 100 (College Algebra) and courses without the MATH prefix do not fulfill this requirement.
Year 2 Theme and Question: Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?
- Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 201, 3 credits): This course provides students with a philosophical study of key figures, theories, and intellectual traditions that contribute to understanding the human condition; the meaning and dignity of human life; and the human relationship to ultimate reality.
- Christianity and Catholic Traditions (RELI, 3 credits). Religious Studies core courses approved for this requirement explore diverse topics including Christian scriptures, history, theology, and practices as well as major contributions from the Catholic intellectual and theological traditions (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses) .
Year 3 Theme and Question: Caring and Doing: What principles characterize a well lived life?
- Ethics (PHIL 301 or RELI, 3 credits): The Ethics courses are designed to help students develop their moral imagination by exploring and explaining the reasons humans should care about the needs and interests of others. This requirement is satisfied by an approved ethics course in either Philosophy (PHIL 301) or Religious Studies (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- World/Comparative Religion (RELI, 3 credits): Religious Studies courses approved for this core requirement draw attention to the diversity that exists within and among traditions and encourage students to bring critical, analytical thinking to bear on the traditions and questions considered. These courses carries one of the required two global-studies designations (see below) (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
Year 4 Theme and Question: Imagining the Possible: What is our role in the world?”
- Core Integration Seminar (DEPT 432, 3 credits). The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) offers students a culminating core experience in which they integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the core, and their disciplinary expertise. Some CIS courses may also count toward a student’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of CIS courses).
The Broadening Courses
- Fine Arts & Design (VART, MUSC, THEA, 3 credits): Arts courses explore multiple ways the human experience can be expressed through creativity, including across different cultures and societies. One approved course in fine arts, music, theatre, or dance will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop students’ awareness of the historical context of both the individual and the collective human experience. One course in History (HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 112, HIST 201, HIST 202) will fulfill this requirement.
- Literature (3 credits): Literature courses foster reflection on how literature engages with a range of human experience. One approved course in Literature (offered by English, Classics, or Modern Languages) will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage students in studying human behavior, social systems, and social issues. One approved course offered by Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
The Designations
Designations are embedded within already existing core, major, minor, and elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet designation requirements within elective courses as their schedule allows; however, with careful planning students should be able to complete most of the designation requirements within other core, major, or minor courses.
- Writing Enriched (WE; 3 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the WE designation are designed to promote the humanistic and Jesuit pedagogical ideal of clear, effective communication. In addition to the required core course, Writing (ENGL 101), which carries one of the WE designations, students must take two other WE-designated courses (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring diversity within a context of constantly changing global systems. In addition to the required core course, World/Comparative Religion (RELI 300-level), which carries one of the GS designations, students must take one other GS-designated course (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce students to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum
All Gonzaga students, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some Gonzaga students will satisfy certain core requirements through major-specific programs or courses. Any major-specific adaptations to the core are described with the requirements for the majors to which they apply.