Welcome to the Department of Computer Science

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science

Administration Dr. Cal Ribbens, Associate Dept Head 114 McBryde, ribbens@cs.vt.edu, 231-6931 Ms. Terry Arthur, Academic Advisor (A-Q) 114 McBryde, arthurt@vt.edu, 231-3984 Ms. Libby Bradford, Academic Advisor (R-Z) 114 McBryde, bradford@vt.edu, 231-3209 Ms. Frenda Wall, Academic Advisor 114 McBryde, fwall@vt.edu, 231-4032

Important Dates http://www.registrar.vt.edu/registration/fall11_calendar.php

CS Undergraduate Homepage

CS Advising Handbook

How to get into CS To transfer to CS, students must have completed all first year courses EngE 1024/1104 Math 1114/1205/1206/1224 Engl 1105/1106 Chem 1035/45 Phys 2305 Students must also have 2.3 overall GPA C (2.0) or better in CS 1114 or CS 1124 Intro to Media Computation

Degree in Computer Science Mathematics (22 hours) Computer Science (at least 43 hours) Lab Sciences (12 hours) Computer Science Public Speaking Statistics Engineering Ed (10 hours) Liberal Arts (30 hours)

2014 Checksheet College of Engineering Department of Computer Science Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science For students graduating in calendar year 2014 DRAFT Fall Spring Freshman Year Chem 1035 General Chemistry 3 (3) CS 1114 Intro to Software Design or (3) Chem 1045 General Chem Lab 3 (1) CS 1124 Intro to Media Computation EngE 1024 Engineering Exploration (2) EngE 1104 Exploration of the Digital Future (2) Math 1114 Elementary Linear Algebra (2) Math 1224 Vector Geometry (2) Math 1205 Calculus I (3) Math 1206 Calculus II (3) Engl 1105 Freshman English 1, 4 (3) Phys 2305 Foundations of Physics I 3 (4) CLE Elective 1, 4 (3) Engl 1106 Freshman English 1,4 (3) Total 17 Total 17 Sophomore Year CS 2104 Intro to Problem Solving in CS (3) CS 2505 Intro to Computer Organization I (3) CS 2114 Software Design & Data Structures (3) Math 2214 Intro to Differential Equations (3) CS 1944 First Year Seminar (1) Comm 2004 4 Public Speaking (3) Math 2224 Multivariable Calculus (3) CLE Elective 1, 4 (3) Math 2534 Discrete Math and Logic 2 (3) CLE Elective 1, 4 (3) Natural Science Elective 3 (3) Natural Science Lab 3 (1) Total 17 Total 15 Junior Year CS 3114 Data Structures and Algorithms (3) CS 3304 Comparative Languages (3) CS 2506 Intro to Computer Organization II (3) CS 3214 Computer Systems (3) CS 3604 Professionalism in Computing (3) CS 3/4XXX Elective 6a (3) CLE Elective 1, 4 (3) Stat 4705 Statistics for Engineers or (3) Math 3134 Combinatorics 2 (3) Stat 4714 Probability & Statistics for EE Free Elective (3) Total 15 Total 15 Senior Year CS 41X4 Theory Course 5 (3) CS 4944 Senior Seminar (1) CS 3/4XXX Elective 6a (3) CS 4XXX Capstone 8 (3) CS Technical Elective 7 (3) CS 4XXX Elective 6b (3) Engl 3764 Technical Writing 4 (3) CLE Elective 1, 4 (3) CLE Elective 1, 4 (3) Free Elective (2) Total 15 Total 12 Footnotes: 1. Curriculum for Liberal Education Requirements (CLE). (Consult Guide for Curriculum for Liberal Education at http://www.uaac.vt.edu/coreguides/index.html for list of allowable courses for Areas 2, 3, 6 & 7.) Area 1: Writing and Discourse. 6 credits of freshman English. Engl 1105 (3 cr) Engl 1106 (3 cr) Area 2: Ideas, Cultural Traditions, and Values, 6 credits Area 3: Society and Human Behavior, 6 credits (3 cr) (3 cr) (3 cr) (3 cr) Area 4: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery is met by courses required for the major. Area 5: Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning is met by courses required for the major. Area 6: Creativity and Aesthetic Experience, 1 credit. While CS majors can meet Area 6 with a one-credit course, taking a threecredit course for this area may help meet the 30-hour non-technical elective requirement discussed in footnote 4. (1 or 3 cr) Area 7: Critical Issues in a Global Context, 3 credits (3 cr) 2. CS/Math double majors take the pair of courses Math 3034, Math 3124 in place of Math 2534, Math 3134. 3. Natural Science Elective/Lab. Computer Science majors must have a minimum of 12 hours of natural science. Of those 12 hours, 8 hours must be in a sequence. This requirement can be satisfied by taking the required Chem 1035/45 and Phys 2305, and then one of (Chem 1036/46) or Phys 2306. (Chem 1036/46 may not be offered every fall semester.) Students can also satisfy the sequence requirement by completing an eight hour sequence in Biology in addition to Chem 1035/45 and Phys 2305: to do so, students must complete one of the following sequences: (Bio 1005-6 & 1015-6), or (Bio 1105-6 & 1115-6), or (Bio 1105-6 & 1125-6). 4. Computer Science Non-technical Course Requirement. CS majors must complete 30 credits of non-technical courses. All courses are approved as non-technical courses except those in the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics, and all departments in the College of Engineering, except for engineering courses appearing in CLE Area 7. Also excluded are courses listed as technical electives in footnote 7; a course cannot be both a technical and non-technical course. 5. Computer Science Theory Course. All CS majors must take one of the CS senior-level theory courses: 4104, 4114, 4124. 6. Computer Science 3000/4000 Elective. a. For a CS 3/4XXX elective, students can select any 3-credit CS 3000 or 4000-level course from CS 3000 to CS 4999 not used to satisfy another requirement, including CS Independent Study (4974) and CS Undergraduate Research (4994), but excluding 4004 and 4014. b. For the CS 4XXX elective, students can select any 3-credit CS 4000-level course from CS 4000 to CS 4999 not used to satisfy another requirement, including CS Independent Study (4974) and CS Undergraduate Research (4994), but excluding 4004 and 4014. 7. Computer Science Technical Elective. a. Any 3-credit CS 3/4/5000-level course (except 4004 and 4014) not otherwise used to fulfill a Computer Science requirement can be used as a technical elective, including both Independent Study (CS 4974) and Undergraduate Research (CS 4994). b. An approved 4000-level course in another discipline that has significant technical content relevant to the science or application of computer technology can be used as a technical elective. i. Requests to have a non-cs course approved as a technical elective are made by submitting, prior to taking the course, the request for substitution form available in the CS Advising Center. This includes non-cs Independent Study (4974) and Undergraduate Research (4994) courses. ii. Below is a listing of non-cs courses that are approved as technical electives. Note: Many of these courses are restricted to majors other than CS in certain semesters, and virtually all have prerequisites that must be met to be eligible to take the course. ACIS 4514, 4515, 4524 COMM 4374 GEOG/GEOS 4084 ACIS/BIT 4554, 4564 ECE 3504, 3534, 4510, 4524, 4550, 4560, 4564 GEOG 4314, 4324 BIT 4434, 4444, 4494, 4514, 4614 ECE 4984 (depending on topic) MATH 4175, 4454 8. Capstone Requirement. CS Majors must complete one senior capstone course. Students can choose from CS 4284, CS 4624, CS 4644, and CS 4704, and other 4/5000-level CS courses that have received prior approval as fulfilling the capstone requirement. Additional Requirements and Notes: A. Grade of C or Better Required in Specific CS Courses: To qualify for a B.S. degree in Computer Science, a student must earn a C (2.0) or better in (CS 1114 or CS 1124), CS 2104, CS 2114, CS 2505, CS 2506 and CS 3114. B. Prerequisites: There are no hidden prerequisites for required courses on this checksheet. Students should always refer to the latest version of the Undergraduate Course Catalog for the most up-to-date listing of prerequisites. To ensure timely completion of requirements, please see a Computer Science academic advisor before scheduling classes each semester.

2014 Checksheet C. Progress Towards Degree (Policy 91): A Computer Science major must do the following in order to maintain satisfactory progress towards the degree: 1. be registered in at least one 3-credit course required in the major during each on-campus semester of the regular academic year; 2. maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in the major; 3. maintain an overall GPA of 2.3 or better; 4. not take any CS course required in the major more than twice, including attempts ending in course withdrawal; and 5. not repeat more than 3 CS courses required in the major, including attempts ending in course withdrawal. D. Total Hours and Minimum GPA Requirements: Each student must complete at least 123 semester credit hours with a minimum overall GPA of 2.00 and a minimum in-major GPA of 2.00. The in-major GPA is calculated using all classes with a CS designator except CS 1004, 4004, and 4014. E. Applicable Checksheet and Curriculum for Liberal Education Requirements: Graduation requirements are determined by the checksheet in effect at the time of graduation (except for University CLE requirements as discussed below). Each checksheet is applicable for an entire calendar year, i.e., the May, Summer, and December completion dates of that year. Curriculum for Liberal Education requirements are based upon the date of entry to Virginia Tech, which is assumed to be Fall Semester, four years prior to the date of graduation. Students whose date of entry into Virginia Tech differs from that assumed by the checksheet must determine which University CLE Requirements apply to them. Students with questions about this matter should refer to the University CLE guides at http://www.uaac.vt.edu/coreguides/index.html and consult with their advisor. F. Foreign Language Requirement: Any student who did not complete two years of one foreign language in high school must earn six credits in one language in college-level courses. These credits do not count toward minimum graduation requirements. G. CS Independent Study/Undergraduate Research Credits: Maximum credits, minimum GPA. No more than a total of 6 credits of CS Independent Study (4974) and/or CS Undergraduate Research (4994) may be used to fulfill Computer Science degree requirements. To take Independent Study (2974 or 4974), a minimum overall and in-major GPA of 2.5 is required. To take Undergraduate Research, a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and an in-major GPA of 3.0 is required. Additionally, at least 6 credits of required CS 3000-level courses must have been completed before CS 4974 or CS 4994 may be taken.

30 hours non-technical electives 4. Computer Science Non-technical Electives. CS majors must complete 30 credits of non-technical electives. All courses are approved as non-technical electives except those in the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics, and all departments in the College of Engineering, except for engineering courses appearing in CLE Area 7. Also excluded are courses listed as technical electives in footnote 7; a course cannot be both a technical and non-technical elective.

Typical Schedule CS course(s) CS 1944 First Year Seminar (Sophomore Seminar)* Math course Math course Phys 2306 OR Chem 1036/46 (delay to Spring 2012) Curriculum for Liberal Education (3) Total: 16-17

CS 1944 Sophomore Seminar Required for students graduating in 2014 and beyond One credit, pass/fail Covers a variety of topics CS tracks (optional areas of specialty) Career / Professional Development Speakers from industry / academia When registering, also add free time CRN 90016

CS Lower Division CS 1/2XXX courses that need to be completed CS 1114 or 1124 CS 2114 (Soft Des & Data Struc) (pre-req CS 1114 or 1124; co-req is Math 1205) CS 2104 Problem Solving CS 2505 Comp Org I (prereq is 2114; Math 2534 is co-req) CS 2506 Comp Org II (pre-reqs are CS 2505, CS 2114, and Math 2534)

CS Force/Add Policy Attend the first day of class Submit the force/add and prerequisite forms to the instructor If the force/add is approved, the course will be added by the next class meeting.

Math courses Current Course(s) Spring 2011 Math 1205 (3) Math 1114 (2) Math 1206 (3) Math 1224 (2) Math 1206 (3) Math 2534 (3) Other Fall 2011 Recommended /Required Math 1206 (3) Math 1224 (2) Math 2224 (3) Math 2534 (3) Math 1224 (2) Math 2214 (3) Consult CS Advisor

Natural Sciences 12 hours CS requires 8 hours (in sequence) + 4 hours Choices: Phys 2305, 2306 and Chem 1035/45 OR Chem 1035/45, 1036/46 and Phys 2305 OR Chem 1035/45, Phys 2305, and Biol 1005/15 AND 1006/16

Minors Math minor 25 hours required / 0-3 additional hours Business minor 42 hours required / 30 additional hours

Summer School at VT www.summer.vt.edu Accelerate your program of study and graduate early Focus your energy on one or two important classes Enjoy smaller classes and closer interaction with faculty Explore a new major and still graduate on time Take an online course from home while you work, or from some exotic location as you travel Pace yourself and ease a heavy load in fall or spring semester Make the most of your time by combining an undergraduate research project or internship with your summer studies Study abroad and expand your horizons Take an intriguing class for personal growth And, in your leisure time, enjoy all the wonderful recreational activities in the New River Valley

Summer I Courses CS 1114 Comm 2004 Math 1114 CS 2505 Stat 4714 Math 1205 CS 3114 Math 1206 Math 1224 Math 2214 Math 2534 Math 3034

Summer II Courses CS 2114 Comm 2004 Math 1114 CS 3304 Math 1206 Math 1224 Math 2214 Math 2224 Math 3134

Taking courses elsewhere Taking courses elsewhere To take a course at another institution, students should make sure before they attempt a course that it will transfer by completing the following three steps: 1. Contact the college or university that they would like to attend to determine what courses will be offered. 2. Obtain and complete this form, which also is available from 212 Hancock Hall. This form should be completed at least 3 weeks before the beginning of the classes at the non-vt institution. If the course to be transferred is a CS course, the Dean's Office may refer you to the CS Department, which will require you to supply a course syllabus (not just the catalog description of the course) before the transfer request is evaluated. Make sure the course will transfer as you think it will. 3. After the course has been completed, have a copy of your official transcript sent to the Virginia Tech Registrar's Office at: Office of the University Registrar 250 Student Services Building, Mail Code 0134 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061 A student may not receive credit for course work taken at another college or university during any period in which the student has been placed on suspension by Virginia Tech for academic or disciplinary reasons. http://www.eng.vt.edu/students/transferring-credits

Transfer Database https://banweb.banner.vt.edu/ssb/prod/hzsktgid.p_disptranguide 1. Transfer courses must be approved in advance by the Office of Assoc Dean of Engineering/Academic Affairs, 212 Hancock Hall 2. DEADLINES: You may submit the Transfer Credit Request form at any time during the semester. Please allow at least 3 weeks for evaluation/approval of courses at U.S. institutions, and 6 weeks for study abroad courses. 3. All courses must be pre-approved by COE even if they are in the database. 4. To access the Transfer Credit Request form and transfer credit guidelines, see http://www.eng.vt.edu/students/transferring-credits

CS Prerequisite Policy ALL CS courses used as a prerequisite for subsequent CS courses must be passed with a grade of C (2.0) or better. NO EXCEPTIONS An Incomplete does NOT count as C in meeting the prerequisite requirement

I Incomplete Grades Due to illness or extenuating circumstances beyond student s control. Prerogative of the instructor Requirements must be satisfied during the first subsequent term of enrollment Converted to F if requirements are not fully satisfied during the period of time allowed I does not affect GPA, and does NOT satisfy prereqs!

Pass/fail hours Must have 30 hours earned and a 2.0 overall GPA Free electives can be taken as pass/fail Courses for CS major, Core, minors or double majors must be taken for an A-F grade 10% of total hours

Major GPA calculation Includes ALL CS courses: CS XXXX Includes ALL grades for CS courses that are repeated CS 1114 C- Spring 2010 1.7 CS 1114 A Fall 2010 4.0 CS GPA 2.85

Over hours (Overloads) >19 hours in fall/spring >7 hours in a summer term Request for over hours after course request Must complete form (available online in Advising Handbook)

Course Withdrawal 6 hours available Policy Last Friday of classes, 5:00 p.m. April 29 ******************** Forms available in Advising Center Complete Form Advisor Signature Turn in 212 Hancock

Co-Op/Intern Program Eligible after freshman year with a minimum GPA >2.0 http://www.career.vt.edu Start with Career Services Career Services Building ******************** Summer Jobs: http://www.cs.vt.edu/jobs/database

Academic Eligibility Checked after Fall & Spring Semesters If your cumulative GPA 2.0 Academically eligible, i.e. OK If your cumulative GPA < 2.0 1 st ACADEMIC PROBATION

Probation 1) Stay in school, but 2) Take 16 hours or less (Banner does not check, but COE does) 3) Should consult with your academic advisor

Academic Suspension If you have two consecutive semesters with a cumulative GPA < 2.0 1 st Academic Suspension Suspension: Cannot attend school at VT Cannot take courses for transfer at other colleges

CS Progress toward degree 1. Registered for at least 1 course that is required for the CS major. 2. CS GPA 2.0 3. Take no CS course 3 times 4. Cannot repeat more than 3 CS courses

CS Interest Listserv Not for CS majors (students interested in the major or minor) To be added to CS Interest listserv, send e-mail to Ms. Bradford (bradford@vt.edu)

Major Choice Survey All General Engineering Students, Please complete the GE MAJOR CHOICE survey (also located at: http://www.enge.vt.edu/undergraduate/change_of_major.html) regarding your intended major at VT. Once you have completed all of the requirements to enter a degree granting engineering major, the Department of Engineering Education will transfer you into that major. Please note, however, admission into competitive engineering majors is not guaranteed. The GE Major Choice survey is the only way General Engineering students can be transferred into a degree granting engineering major; there are no additional forms necessary. If you indicate one major on the GE Major Choice survey and change your mind BEFORE you are transferred into your intended major, you may simply come back to this survey to indicate your new choice. If you change your mind AFTER you are transferred, you will need to complete a change of major form through the College of Engineering Academic Affairs Office. You will not be officially transferred into the department of your choice until approximately three to four (3-4) weeks after the end of the semester when you complete the requirements to enter a degree granting engineering major. PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to double major, select your primary major now. A separate change of major form will be needed to declare your secondary major after you are transferred and accepted into your primary major.