Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The bachelor's degree in computer science emphasizes a broad foundation of computer organization, software and mathematics together with electives that focus on some aspect or application of computers.

Note: This page gives the curriculum requirements effective for Fall 2026. Students entering the Computer Science program prior to Fall 2026 should refer to the Fall 2024 curriculum requirements.

Curriculum requirements (120 hours)

A grade of C or better is required for prerequisitesto all CIS courses taken.
Math and technical electives must have departmental approval if not already on the approved list.
Students who satisfy all or part of K-State Core Electives with courses that satisfy other degree requirements may use additional unrestricted electives to meet the degree requirement of 120 credit hours.

Kansas State University Core (34-36 credit hours)

Each of the 7 K-State Core areas is listed in what follows. For specific courses available in each area, see the K-State Core Course List.

KSC-1: English (Written Communication Outcomes) 6 hours
KSC-2: Communication (Oral Communication Outcomes) 3 hours
KSC-3: Math & Statistics (Quantitative Literacy Outcomes) 3-4 hours
KSC-4: Natural & Physical Sciences (Natural & Physical Sciences Outcomes) 4-5 hours
KSC-5: Social & Behavioral Sciences (Social & Behavioral Sciences Outcomes) 6 hours
KSC-6: Arts & Humanities (Arts & Humanities Outcomes) 6 hours
KSC-7: Free Electives (Institutionally Designated Area) 6 hours

Math (17-18 credit hours)

MATH 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (4 hours, counted under KSC-3 above)
MATH 221 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4 hours)
MATH 510 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
STAT 510 Introductory Probability and Statistics I (3 hours)
Math Elective: Choose one of the following:
- MATH 222 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (4 hours)
- MATH 340 Elementary Differential Equations (4 hours)
- MATH 506 Introduction to Number Theory (3 hours)
- MATH 511 Introduction to Algebraic Systems (3 hours)
- MATH 512 Introduction to Modern Algebra (3 hours)
- MATH 515 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 hours)
- MATH 551 Applied Matrix Theory (3 hours)
- MATH 572 Foundations of Geometry (3 hours)
- MATH 633 Advanced Calculus I (3 hours)
- STAT 511 Introductory Probability and Statistics II (3 hours)

Writing and Communication: (6 credit hours)

Technical Writing
- Choose one of the following:
  - ENGL 415 - Written Communication for Engineers (3 hours)
  - ENGL 516 - Written Communication for the Sciences (3 hours)
Required Communications Elective
- Choose one of the following:
  - COMM 323 - Nonverbal Communication (3 hours)
  - COMM 326 - Group Communication (3 hours)
  - MANGT 220 - Principles of Management (3 hours)
  - THTRE 171 - Fundamentals of Acting (3 hours)
    - Note: Taking THTRE 171 also satisfies KSC 060 (core communication requirement)
  - THTRE 265 – Fundamentals of Improvisation (3 hours)

Computer Science Requirements (41 credit hours)

CIS 115 Introduction to Computing Science (2 hours)
CIS 116 Introduction to Programming (1 hour)
CIS 200 Programming Fundamentals (4 hours)
CIS 300 Data and Program Structures (3 hours)
CIS 301 Logical Foundations of Programming (3 hours)
CIS 308 C/C++ Programming Laboratory (1 hour)
CIS 400 Object-Oriented Design, Implementation and Testing (3 hours)
CIS 415 Ethics and Conduct for Computing Professionals (3 hour)
CIS 450 Computer Architecture and Operations (3 hours)
CIS 501 Software Architecture and Design (3 hours)
CIS 505 Introduction to Programming Languages (3 hours)
CIS 560 Database System Concepts (3 hours)
CIS 575 Introduction to Algorithm Analysis (3 hours)
ECE 241 Introduction to Computer Engineering (3 hours)
Capstone - Choose one of the following:
- CIS 598 - Computer Science Project Credits: 3
- CIS 599 - Cybersecurity Project Credits: 3
- CIS 643 - Software Engineering Project II Credits: 3
- DEN 591 - Interdisciplinary Engineering Capstone Design Experience II Credits: 3

Restricted Electives (18 credit hours)

Systems Elective - Choose one of the following:
- CIS 520 - Operating Systems I Credits: 3
- CIS 525 - Introduction to Network Programming Credits: 3
- CIS 625 - Concurrent Software Systems Credits: 3
Technical Electives (6 credit hours)
- Any CIS course at the 500-level or above OR any of the following:
  - DEN 590 Interdisciplinary Engineering Capstone Design Experience I
  - ECE 542 Computer Networking
  - GEOG 602 Computer Mapping and Geographic Visualization
  - MATH 615 Digital Image Processing
  - MATH 620 Convex Optimization for Data Science
  - MATH 655 Elementary Numerical Analysis I
  - MATH 656 Elementary Numerical Analysis II
  - MATH 725 The Mathematics of Data and Networks I
  - MATH 726 The Mathematics of Data and Networks II
  - MIS 670 Social Media Analytics and Web Mining
Upper Division Electives (9 credit hours) – Any courses at the 300 level or above

Unrestricted Electives (up to 10 credit hours)