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DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
BA/BS in Computer Science
Computational Biology
Cyber Criminology
Programming Applications
Computer Science Minor
GRADUATE STUDIES
MS COMPUTER SCIENCE
MS INTERDISCIPLINARY DATA SCIENCE
DOCTORAL DEGREE

Undergraduate Department of Computer Science

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Department of Computer Science Website

Chair:  A.Wang; Professors:  Burmester, Duan, Haiduc, Kumar, Xiuwen Liu, Mascagni, Schwartz, Tyson, Whalley, Yu, Yuan, Z. Zhang, P. Zhao; Associate Professors: Chakraborty, Fedyukovich, Hoang, X. Zhang; Assistant Professors: Dong, Gao, Gubanov, A. Li, S. Li, Xin Liu, Mallory, G. Wang, Wu,  K. Zhao; Courtesy Professors: Z. He, K. Mohror, T. Mukherjee, S. Onder, Pakin, Srinvasan; Computing Resources Manager: James Y. Wang; Teaching Faculty III: Langley, M. Myers, R. Myers; Teaching Faculty II: Jayaraman, Mills; Teaching Faculty I: Mithila; Professors Emeriti: Aggarwal, Baker, Hawkes, Lacher, Leach; Panama City Faculty: Gaitros, Uh, Works

In computer science education, whether graduate or undergraduate, currency is essential. Computer science is an exceptionally fast-moving field where knowledge is subject to rapid obsolescence and ideas progress swiftly from research to practice. The department therefore seeks to offer technical instruction that stays on the cutting edge of new developments while simultaneously providing each student with a core of intellectual tools that will never become obsolete. The department views skills in communication, mathematics, and algorithmic reasoning as central and the understanding of underlying principles as more important than familiarity with specific technical products. Still, direct hands-on experience is essential to mastering these skills and principles. If students are to be adequately prepared for careers in computer science, they should have extensive experience with machines and software that are state-of-the-art.

The Department of Computer Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, and the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.

The Department has a number of active research programs across the spectrum of computing, including: artificial intelligence, computer architecture, computer graphics, computational biology, compilers, data science, networks and tools for distributed applications, parallel computation, databases and data mining, operating systems, algorithms, scientific problem solving environments, large-scale scientific computation and databases, computer and network security (including cryptography), computer forensics, computer vision, applied computational geometry, random number generation and Monte Carlo methods, as well as applications of fuzzy relations and non-classical logics. These research programs enjoy external support from agencies ranging from the National Science Foundation to the private sector.

The Department of Computer Science has a full range of computing facilities available for instruction and research. Faculty and students share multiple groups of high-performance workstations, file servers, and computer servers over departmental LANs. Students and faculty whose research requires greater computational power have a variety of such equipment and may access other machines, including supercomputers and computer clusters, across the University.

Affiliated research laboratories and research groups include the following:

The Center for Security and Assurance in Information Technology (C-SAIT) Laboratory (C-SAIT Website) is dedicated to synthesis of education and research through the combined focus on theory and application of information security techniques.

The Mobile Lab investigates mobile computing and develops mobile and web applications for all platforms, with special emphasis on Android and iOS.

The Computer Architecture and SysTems Research Laboratory (CASTL) has broad research interests in novel architectural and system technologies for big data analytics, cloud computing, high-performance computer and network systems, and the use of these technologies for fast scientific discoveries on computational biology and climate changes.

The EXPLORER (EXtreme-scale comPuting, modeLing, netwORk & systEms Research) laboratory (EXPLORER Website) explores cutting-edge technologies for designing, evaluating, constructing, programming, and using extreme-scale distributed computing systems including super-computing systems, cloud computing data centers, networked computing systems, heterogeneous computing systems, and Internet of things.

The Serene (Software EngineeRing: EvolutioN and maintEnance) Laboratory (Serene Website) is dedicated to research in the field of Software Engineering and focusing on novel approaches and techniques to assist software developers in undertaking tasks common to the creation, understanding and maintenance of increasingly large software systems.

The Applied Computer Vision Laboratory develops novel and mathematically sound representations, modeling, and computational algorithms for computer vision, image analysis, and pattern recognition with direct medical, biological, and real-time video and image analysis applications.

The E-Crime Investigative Technologies (ECIT) conducts research in support of digital forensics investigations. It develops new technologies and forensic tools to address real-world problems related to electronic or digital crime. ECIT often works closely with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and with the National White Collar Crime Center.

Technology Access

While the Department of Computer Science and Florida State University provide students access to computational resources sufficient to succeed, it is strongly recommended that students have personal access to these resources to minimize logistical burdens on their time. Due to the project-driven nature of studying Computer Science, students are encouraged to have regular access to a personal computer to support the project-driven nature of the curriculum.

Degrees Offered

The Department of Computer Science offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, the Master of Science (MS) degree, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Computer Science (CS). At the bachelor and master levels, programs of study are available for those who plan to work toward higher degrees, as well as for students planning on careers as computing professionals.

Additionally, the department offers a Computer Programming and Applications BA major intended to allow students to choose from a variety of computer science electives to create the academic plan that best suits their needs. The department also offers two interdisciplinary degrees.

The department offers a Combined Bachelor's/Master's Pathway: Computer Science BS/MS, designed for academically strong students who wish to pursue an accelerated program culminating in a bachelor's degree and an MS degree in Computer Science. Students who have reached junior status and have at least a minimum 3.5 GPA at FSU and a minimum 3.5 GPA in major coursework should contact the CS undergraduate advisor for more information.

The Computer Science BS, Computer Science BA, and Computer programming and Applications majors also offer the combined path-way programs with the Computer Science MS and Interdisciplinary Data Sciences MS Degrees. Likewise, the Cyber Criminology BS offers the pathway program with the Cyber Criminology MS. These combined bachelor's/master's programs offers select undergraduate students the option of accelerating their studies and getting a head start on graduate school by allowing students in these programs to substitute specific graduate coursework for undergraduate classes and count up to four courses (12 credit hours) toward both bachelor's and master's degrees.

In conjunction with the Department of Biological Science, the department offers an interdisciplinary BS degree in Computational Biology. The purpose of this interdisciplinary major is to provide a top-notch educational program for students interested in the areas of computational biology and bioinformatics. The program seeks to achieve two goals: (1) to develop an understanding of the issues associated with developing biologically meaningful computational models, and (2) to give students the broad-based education that is needed to create a set of models directed toward solving a practical biomedical problem.

In conjunction with the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the department offers an interdisciplinary BS degree in Cyber Criminology. This program teaches students to understand the emerging problem of cyber-related crime as well as how computers can assist in the prevention, detection, and apprehension of cyber-crime perpetrators.

In each of the undergraduate degree programs within the Department of Computer Science, students must meet all applicable University and College requirements and, unless otherwise specified, coursework required for the major must be completed with a “C–” or better. No CGS courses, and no internship courses such as CIS 3943r Cooperative Education Work Experience will count toward the requirements for Computer Science BS, Computer Science BA, Cyber Criminology or Computational Biology. CGS courses may count toward the requirements for the BA in Computer Programming and Applications major. CIS 4900r Directed Individual Study may count toward the requirements for Computer Science BS, Computer Science BA, and Computational Biology, but not for Cyber Criminology and Computer Programming and Applications BA. CIS 3250 is a required course for the Computer Science BS major. CIS 3250 can count as a CS elective for Cyber Criminology and Computer Programming and Applications majors. CIS 3250 cannot count as a CS elective for the Computer Science BA major. Starting Fall, CIS 3250 will no linger satisfy the General Education Ethics requirement. Students may take CIS 4930 up to three times, for a maximum of nine credit hours, provided each instance covers a different topic for CS BS, CS BA, and Computer Programming and Application majors.

Computational Biology and Cyber Criminology students who have major codes within the Department of Biological Science or the College of Criminology are subject to the rules and requirements of those units. All students graduating from the Department of Computer Science will be asked to complete an exit survey in the term prior to graduation.

Currently, Computer Science has no restrictions on the number of hours that can overlap with another major.

Note: All degree requirements stated are subject to change. Please refer to the Undergraduate Programs page for the most current information.

Honors in the Major

The Department of Computer Science offers a program in honors in the major to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter.

Accreditation

The BS degree program in computer science is accredited as a computer science degree program by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (ABET Website). Note that ABET views the BS and BA as distinct degree programs, and that this accreditation is specifically for the BS degree program in CS and is not applicable to the BA degree in CS or the degrees in computational biology or cyber criminology.

Distance Learning

The Computer Science BS, Computer Science BA, and Computer Programming and Applications BA majors offered from the FSU Panama City campus are available through Internet-supported distance learning. Certain limitations regarding students seeking admission to upper-division studies in the Computer Science at the Panama City campus apply. For more information contact Florida State University's Office of Distance Learning (ODL) (ODL Website). Tallahassee computer science students wishing to take a computer science course that is remotely offered by the Panama City computer science faculty need to get permission from the Computer Science Director of Under-graduate Studies. Such permission is typically only provided when a required computer science course is full, is not offered by the Tallahassee campus, or the student has a course conflict that cannot otherwise be resolved.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

  • Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information

  • Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications

  • Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology

  • Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications

  • Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively

  • Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement. Undergraduate computer science, computational biology, and cyber criminology majors must satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in COP 3014 or COP 3363.

Note: The Department of Computer Science offers several courses, including CGS 2060, CGS 2100, CGS 3406, CGS 3465, COP 3014, and COP 3363, which are intended to meet the Digital Literacy requirement for students in other majors. However, students should check with their major department regarding whether any of these courses are designated as satisfying the computer skills competency in their major.

Oral Communication Competency

Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement is met through a college-level approved course, such as SPC 1017 or SPC 2608(3). Students taking CIS 3250 or any GE Ethics course may take CIS 3250L (1) Ethics & CS lab to satisfy this requirement.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Computer Science

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting the Florida Postsecondary Academic Library Network.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Computer Science. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit the Computer Science page of the Common Prerequisites Manual.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

College of Arts & Sciences Requirements

Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the An Overview of the College of Arts & Sciences chapter, as well as all University-wide requirements.

Definition of Prefixes

CAP—Computer Applications

CDA—Computer Design/Architecture

CEN—Computer Software Engineering

CGS—Computer General Studies

CIS—Computer Science and Information Systems

CNT—Computer Networks

COP—Computer Programming

COT—Computing Theory

IDC—Interdisciplinary Computing