Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at APUS comprises a rigorous, balanced curriculum including topics in both hardware and software, focusing on cyber operations. Students will have a comprehensive program of study in computer science and also be able to take a deep-dive by selecting a concentration in specific areas of interest such as communications and artificial intelligence. Our online computer science degree is designed to enable working professionals to gain knowledge in rapidly growing fields within computer science, e.g. software and application developers, computer scientists, system software developers, computer programmers, and more. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at APUS can prepare students for challenging professional endeavors or for ongoing graduate work in Computer Science.
This program has specific admission requirements.
Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the computer science discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Programmatic Admission Requirements
For admission to the BS of Computer Science, applicants must have completed preparation in mathematics equivalent to pre-calculus or higher. A review of high school or college transcripts showing completion of this requirement will be conducted during the admission process.
Please visit our APU undergraduate admission page for more information on institutional admission requirements.
Need help?
If you have questions regarding a program’s admission requirements, please contact the Admissions Team at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].
Degree at a Glance
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General Education Requirements
30
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Major Required
68
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Select one of the following concentrations:
18
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Final Program Requirement
6
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Total Semester Hours
122
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Degree Program Requirements
General Education (30 semester hours)
| Arts & Humanities (6 semester hours) 1 |
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Thinking and Acting Ethically
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Arabic I
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Arabic II
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Art Appreciation
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Survey of Photography
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Film and Literature
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Image Enhancement using Adobe Photoshop®
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French I
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French II
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German I
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German II
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Introduction to Japanese
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Literature of American Encounters, Revolution, and Rebellion
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From Abolition to #MeToo: Literature of the American Civil Rights Movement
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Pivotal Figures in Early British Literature
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British Literature from Wordsworth through the Wasteland
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Leadership in World Literature: Antiquity to the Early Modern Period
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Literature of the Newly Globalized World: The Individual’s Struggle to Adapt
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Music Appreciation
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Jazz and Rock
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World Music and Cultures
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Introduction to Philosophy
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Critical Thinking
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Introduction to Ethics
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Philosophy of Science
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Introduction to Brazilian Portuguese
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Introduction to the Study of Religion
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Introduction to World Religions
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Russian I
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Spanish I
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Spanish II
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| Civics, Political & Social Sciences (6 semester hours) 2 |
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Exploring Society and Cultures via Science Fiction
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Introduction to Anthropology
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World Archaeology
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Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
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Human Sexuality
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Planning Your Future with Purpose in STEM
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Social Media and Society
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Intercultural Communication
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Microeconomics
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Macroeconomics
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Humane Education: A Global Interdisciplinary Perspective
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Introduction to Geography
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Practical Food Safety and Awareness
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International Relations I
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Introduction to Political Science
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American Government I
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Introduction to Psychology
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Death and Dying
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Race & Religion
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Hope and Resilience
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Introduction to Sociology
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Social Problems
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American Popular Culture
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| Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours) |
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Information and Digital Literacy
3 |
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Making Writing Relevant
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Emerging Technology for College Success
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Public Speaking
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Interpersonal Communications
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Proficiency in Writing
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Argumentation and Rhetoric
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Introduction to Literature
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Technical Writing
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Scientific Writing
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Effective Business Communication
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Human Relations Communication
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Information Literacy and Global Citizenship
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Introduction to Information Technology Writing
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Human Relations
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| History (3 semester hours) |
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The History and Context of STEM
3 |
| Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours) |
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Calculus
3 |
| Natural Sciences (3 semester hours) |
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Introduction to STEM Disciplines
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 30 |
Major Required (68 semester hours)
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Physics I with Lab
4 |
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Discrete Mathematics
3 |
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Calculus II
3 |
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Linear Algebra
3 |
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Physics II with Lab
4 |
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Introduction to Programming
3 |
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Digital Systems I
3 |
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Introduction to Networking I
3 |
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Algorithms and Data Structures I
3 |
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Machine Architecture and Organization I
3 |
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Operating Systems I
3 |
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Statistics
3 |
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Digital Systems II
3 |
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Program Design and Development
3 |
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Algorithms and Data Structures II
3 |
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Operating Systems II
3 |
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Introduction to Database Systems
3 |
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Network Security Fundamentals
3 |
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Software Engineering
3 |
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Cybersecurity/Cyber Defense
3 |
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Formal Languages and Automata Theory
3 |
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Principles of Programming Languages
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 68 |
Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a Concentration in Artificial Intelligence, Concentration in Cyber Operations, or Concentration in Quantum Computing.
Concentration in Artificial Intelligence (18 semester hours)
The Artificial Intelligence concentration for the BS in Computer Science teaches students to design and execute computational systems that interpret and understand. Students can research and apply machine-learning methods and develop problem-solving models applicable to a variety of domains. Furthermore, students can learn how to build systems that collect and respond to various sensors and measurements, and develop networks that communicate and respond to environmental signals. Self-taught intelligent systems play a significant role in this domain. This concentration of Artificial Intelligence utilizes the basics of computer science and applies advanced methods needed for effective knowledge modeling.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Understand principles of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Gain hands-on experience with a variety of machine learning models under different constraints (supervised, unsupervised, semi-supervised, environment feedback).
- Become proficient in handling different types of data including structured and unstructured, using traditional and advanced machine learning techniques.
- Apply basic principles of AI in solutions that require problem solving, inference, perception, knowledge representation, and learning.
- Demonstrate awareness and a fundamental understanding of various applications of AI and machine learning techniques.
Concentration Requirements (18 semester hours)
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Introduction to Artificial Life I
3 |
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Machine Learning
3 |
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Advanced Topics in Machine Learning
3 |
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Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
3 |
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Deep and Reinforcement Learning
3 |
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Analytics, Algorithms, AI, and Humanity
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 18 |
Concentration in Cyber Operations (18 semester hours)
The Cyber Operations concentration provides students with skills and in-depth expertise to protect and build safe software systems. Students obtain a thorough understanding of the technical needs, risks, and vulnerabilities of computer systems as they learn how to use tools and techniques to investigate, analyze, and respond to cyber-attacks. The concentration examines various aspects of society and focuses on both theoretical and practical dimensions. Students learn about a wide variety of computer security-related subjects, such as networks, mobile technologies, and cloud computing. Students will also have the ability to discuss the social implications of cybersecurity through courses such as STEM470-Cybersecurity, Surveillance, Privacy and Ethics.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Have a firm understanding of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and be able to apply concepts for a secure system development.
- Understand cyber threat environment, and be able to monitor, detect, analyze, and expel threats from information system.
- Secure systems to ensure Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA) of the information and protect data and networks from intrusions and malicious actors.
- Design networks utilizing Risk Management Framework (RMF) methodology, risk analysis, security policies, and monetary damages assessment.
- Plan and implement security strategies, policies, disaster recovery plans, continuity of operation plans, and audits in a broad range of local and wide area networks.
Concentration Requirements (18 semester hours)
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Software Reverse Engineering
3 |
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Cellular and Mobile Technologies
3 |
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Development of Secure Software Systems
3 |
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Cloud Computing
3 |
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Embedded Systems
3 |
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Cybersecurity, Surveillance, Privacy and Ethics
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 18 |
Concentration in Quantum Computing (18 semester hours)
The Quantum Computing concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program equips students with foundational knowledge and skills at the intersection of computer science, quantum mechanics, and mathematics. This concentration introduces students to quantum computing principles, the design and analysis of quantum algorithms, and quantum information science, preparing them to engage with cutting-edge computing technologies.
Students will explore topics such as quantum systems, quantum circuits, and quantum hardware, while applying theoretical frameworks to simulate and program quantum computers using modern tools. Coursework emphasizes both theoretical and applied dimensions of computing, integrating physics, data analysis, and machine learning concepts to understand how quantum technologies achieve computational advantages over classical systems.
Graduates will be prepared for careers or graduate study in quantum software development, quantum algorithm design, or emerging quantum technologies, contributing to the next generation of innovation in computer science and engineering.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Design, analyze, and implement quantum algorithms using principles of quantum mechanics and computational theory.
- Apply quantum information science and quantum programming tools to model complex computing systems.
- Integrate mathematics, physics, and computer science concepts to solve problems in quantum computing research.
- Evaluate the performance and potential of quantum technologies compared to classical computers.
- Prepare for careers in quantum computing, data science, or advanced engineering fields.
Concentration Requirements (18 semester hours)
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Quantum Computing Systems
3 |
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Quantum Algorithm Engineering
3 |
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Quantum Information Theory and Cybersecurity
3 |
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Quantum Machine Learning and AI Integration
3 |
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Advanced Quantum Software Architecture
3 |
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Applications of Quantum Algorithms in AI and Cybersecurity
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 18 |
Final Program Requirement (6 semester hours)
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Senior Project Design
3 |
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Senior Project Implementation
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 6 |
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.