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Computer Science: Degrees & Policies
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate: BA, BS, Minor
Graduate: MS, PhD
Combined: BS/MS (accelerated)
Graduate: MS, PhD
Combined: BS/MS (accelerated)
Advisement
Upon admission, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering writes to inform students of their faculty advisors. Students should make an appointment with their advisor as soon as possible to discuss a program of study and to choose between the BA and the BS program. Students must see their advisor at least once a semester thereafter. Under current departmental guidelines, students may freely switch degree programs (from B.A. to B.S. or from B.S. to B.A.) at any time, but must complete all appropriate courses.
For the BS program, a minimum GPA of 2.5 in technical courses is required to remain in good standing as well as graduate. This is the GPA among all CSE, MTH, STA, and EAS courses used below as required courses, except those courses taken to satisfy the science sequence requirement.
For the BA program, a minimum GPA of 2.5 in technical courses is required to remain in good standing as well as graduate. This is the GPA among all CSE, MTH, STA, MGT and EAS courses used below as required courses, except those courses taken to satisfy the science sequence requirement and external concentration.
No required courses may be taken Pass-Fail or Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites are satisfied with a grade of C- or better.
For the BS program, a minimum GPA of 2.5 in technical courses is required to remain in good standing as well as graduate. This is the GPA among all CSE, MTH, STA, and EAS courses used below as required courses, except those courses taken to satisfy the science sequence requirement.
For the BA program, a minimum GPA of 2.5 in technical courses is required to remain in good standing as well as graduate. This is the GPA among all CSE, MTH, STA, MGT and EAS courses used below as required courses, except those courses taken to satisfy the science sequence requirement and external concentration.
No required courses may be taken Pass-Fail or Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites are satisfied with a grade of C- or better.
Acceptance Information
Generally, incoming freshmen and transfer students are provisionally accepted into the program (provided completed coursework is satisfactory) and progress is tracked until successful completion of requirements are satisfied, at which time students are fully accepted. Incoming transfer students, who have successfully completed the prerequisite admission courses, are fully accepted. Specific GPA requirements and prerequisite admission courses are stated in the acceptance criteria outlined in each degree program.
Transfer Policy
Transfer students must first apply to the university and meet the university transfer-admission GPA requirements before consideration for admission to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Computing courses taken outside the department, and offered as substitutes for computer science courses, are evaluated individually by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee. Most courses taken from a recognized college-level computer science department are acceptable. Data-processing courses are generally not acceptable as substitutes for any computer science course. Experience has shown that any course with a specific programming language in its title is often a skills course rather than a computer science course. The student must provide evidence to help the department determine whether courses taken at another institution are equivalent to UB courses; course syllabi are generally preferable to catalog descriptions as catalog descriptions do not provide enough detail for accurate evaluation. Additional information on course equivalencies may be found on the university's transfer and articulation website at: http://taurus.buffalo.edu.
Computer Science - B.S.
Acceptance Criteria
Prerequisite Courses
CSE 115 Intro to Computer Science for Majors I
CSE 116 Intro to Computer Science for Majors II
CSE 191 Introduction to Discrete Structures
CSE 116 Intro to Computer Science for Majors II
CSE 191 Introduction to Discrete Structures
Required Courses
CSE 241 Digital Systems
CSE 250 Data Structures
CSE 305 Intro to Programming Languages
CSE 331 Intro to Algorithm Analysis & Design
CSE 341 Computer Organization
CSE 396 Intro to the Theory of Computation
CSE 421 Intro to Operating Systems
CSE 442 Software Engineering
One calculus-based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
One CSE course in the Artificial Intelligence area:
CSE 463 Knowledge Representation
CSE 467 Computational Linguistics
CSE 473 Intro to Computer Vision & Image Processing
CSE 474 Intro to Machine Learning
One CSE course in the Software Systems area:
CSE 321 Real-Time & Embedded Operating Systems
CSE 451 Program Development
CSE 462 Database Concepts
CSE 486 Distributed Systems
CSE 489 Modern Networking Concepts
MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
One 400-level CSE course from any area (except CSE 494-CSE 499, a required CSE 400-level courses, or a course already used to satisfy the Artificial Intelligence or Software Systems areas above)
One mathematical course from any dept. (approval of CSE faculty advisor is required for course selection)
Any two-course science and engineering sequence (from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or any department in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, except CSE)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 77-80
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
CSE 250 Data Structures
CSE 305 Intro to Programming Languages
CSE 331 Intro to Algorithm Analysis & Design
CSE 341 Computer Organization
CSE 396 Intro to the Theory of Computation
CSE 421 Intro to Operating Systems
CSE 442 Software Engineering
One calculus-based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
One CSE course in the Artificial Intelligence area:
CSE 463 Knowledge Representation
CSE 467 Computational Linguistics
CSE 473 Intro to Computer Vision & Image Processing
CSE 474 Intro to Machine Learning
One CSE course in the Software Systems area:
CSE 321 Real-Time & Embedded Operating Systems
CSE 451 Program Development
CSE 462 Database Concepts
CSE 486 Distributed Systems
CSE 489 Modern Networking Concepts
MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
One 400-level CSE course from any area (except CSE 494-CSE 499, a required CSE 400-level courses, or a course already used to satisfy the Artificial Intelligence or Software Systems areas above)
One mathematical course from any dept. (approval of CSE faculty advisor is required for course selection)
Any two-course science and engineering sequence (from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or any department in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, except CSE)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 77-80
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall CSE 115, MTH 141
Spring CSE 116, MTH 142, CSE 191
SECOND YEAR
Fall CSE 241, CSE 250, one calculus-based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
Spring CSE 305, CSE 396, CSE 341
THIRD YEAR
Fall CSE 421, CSE 442, spring mathematical course (approved by committee)
Spring CSE course (AI), CSE 331
FOURTH YEAR
Fall CSE course (SYS), one science and engineering sequence course
Spring CSE 400-level course, one science and engineering sequence course
Fall CSE 115, MTH 141
Spring CSE 116, MTH 142, CSE 191
SECOND YEAR
Fall CSE 241, CSE 250, one calculus-based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
Spring CSE 305, CSE 396, CSE 341
THIRD YEAR
Fall CSE 421, CSE 442, spring mathematical course (approved by committee)
Spring CSE course (AI), CSE 331
FOURTH YEAR
Fall CSE course (SYS), one science and engineering sequence course
Spring CSE 400-level course, one science and engineering sequence course
Computer Science - B.A.
Acceptance Criteria
Prerequisite Courses
CSE 115 Intro to Computer Science for Majors I
CSE 116 Intro to Computer Science for Majors II
CSE 191 Intro to Discrete Structures
CSE 116 Intro to Computer Science for Majors II
CSE 191 Intro to Discrete Structures
Required Courses
CSE 241 Digital Systems
CSE 250 Data Structures
One of the following: MTH 121/MTH 122 Survey of Calculus & Its Applications I & II; MTH 131 Mathematical Analysis for Management; or MTH 141/MTH 142 College Calculus I & II
Two of the following: CSE 305 Intro to Programming Languages; CSE 321 Real Time and Embedded Operating Systems; CSE 331 Intro to Algorithm Analysis and Design; CSE 341 Computer Organization; or CSE 396 Intro to the Theory of Computation
Three CSE courses at the 300 level or above with minimum two at the 400 level (excludes CSE 494 - CSE 499)
One of the following: STA 111 Intro to Probability and Statistics I; STA 119 Statistical Methods; MGQ 301 Statistical Decisions in Management; MTH 411 Probability Theory; EAS 305 Applied Probability; or other probability/statistics courses that may be subject to approval upon request
Any two-course science and engineering sequence (from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or any department in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, except CSE).
Five external concentration courses [five courses at the 200-level or above, with at most two 200-level bearing a total of at least 15 credits; the courses may be in one department, or multiple departments (with approval from Undergraduate Affairs Committee) (excludes any required courses used above or any courses numbered 494-499)].
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 67-77
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
CSE 250 Data Structures
One of the following: MTH 121/MTH 122 Survey of Calculus & Its Applications I & II; MTH 131 Mathematical Analysis for Management; or MTH 141/MTH 142 College Calculus I & II
Two of the following: CSE 305 Intro to Programming Languages; CSE 321 Real Time and Embedded Operating Systems; CSE 331 Intro to Algorithm Analysis and Design; CSE 341 Computer Organization; or CSE 396 Intro to the Theory of Computation
Three CSE courses at the 300 level or above with minimum two at the 400 level (excludes CSE 494 - CSE 499)
One of the following: STA 111 Intro to Probability and Statistics I; STA 119 Statistical Methods; MGQ 301 Statistical Decisions in Management; MTH 411 Probability Theory; EAS 305 Applied Probability; or other probability/statistics courses that may be subject to approval upon request
Any two-course science and engineering sequence (from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or any department in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, except CSE).
Five external concentration courses [five courses at the 200-level or above, with at most two 200-level bearing a total of at least 15 credits; the courses may be in one department, or multiple departments (with approval from Undergraduate Affairs Committee) (excludes any required courses used above or any courses numbered 494-499)].
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 67-77
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall CSE 115, one of (MTH 121, MTH 131 or MTH 141)
Spring CSE 116, MTH 122 or MTH 142 (unless completed MTH 131), one external concentration course
SECOND YEAR
Fall CSE 191, CSE 241, one science and engineering sequence course
Spring CSE 250, one probability or statistics course (e.g., STA 111, MTH 411), one science and engineering sequence course
THIRD YEAR
Fall one of (CSE 305, CSE 321, CSE 341, or CSE 396), one external concentration course
Spring one of (CSE 305, CSE 321, CSE 331, CSE 341, or CSE 396), one 300 or 400-level required CSE course
FOURTH YEAR
Fall one 300 or 400-level required CSE course, two external concentration courses
Spring one 300 or 400-level required CSE course, one external concentration course
Fall CSE 115, one of (MTH 121, MTH 131 or MTH 141)
Spring CSE 116, MTH 122 or MTH 142 (unless completed MTH 131), one external concentration course
SECOND YEAR
Fall CSE 191, CSE 241, one science and engineering sequence course
Spring CSE 250, one probability or statistics course (e.g., STA 111, MTH 411), one science and engineering sequence course
THIRD YEAR
Fall one of (CSE 305, CSE 321, CSE 341, or CSE 396), one external concentration course
Spring one of (CSE 305, CSE 321, CSE 331, CSE 341, or CSE 396), one 300 or 400-level required CSE course
FOURTH YEAR
Fall one 300 or 400-level required CSE course, two external concentration courses
Spring one 300 or 400-level required CSE course, one external concentration course
Computer Engineering - B.S.
About the Program
The computer engineering B.S. degree combines the study of mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering. Computer engineering emphasizes those topics that bridge the electrical engineering and computer science disciplines: computer hardware, device-oriented software, and the interface between hardware and software. General education is integrated into the curriculum consistent with other engineering programs at UB. For further information, see the Computer Engineering entry in this catalog, http://undergrad-catalog.buffalo.edu/academicprograms/comeng.shtml.
Computer Science / Computer Science and Engineering - B.S./M.S.
Acceptance Criteria
Completion of at least 56 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall (five-year path), or a minimum GPA of 3.3 overall (four-year path) in all required CSE, MTH, and EAS courses. Transfer students must complete at least one semester at the university before applying.
Application must be accompanied by two letters of recommendation from our faculty.
It is recommended that candidates complete CSE 115, CSE 116, CSE 191, CSE 241, CSE 250, *MTH 141 or *MTH 142 and a calculus-based probability or statistics course prior to applying.
*Unless exempted by an SAT score, Advanced Placement credits, or transfer credits.
Application must be accompanied by two letters of recommendation from our faculty.
It is recommended that candidates complete CSE 115, CSE 116, CSE 191, CSE 241, CSE 250, *MTH 141 or *MTH 142 and a calculus-based probability or statistics course prior to applying.
*Unless exempted by an SAT score, Advanced Placement credits, or transfer credits.
Advising Notes
In addition to university-wide graduation requirements, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for each of the following three sets of courses: (a) all undergraduate CSE, EAS, MTH, and STA required courses; (b) all graduate courses; and (c) CSE 505, CSE 521, one of [CSE 531, CSE 596], one of [CSE 563, CSE 573, CSE 574, CSE 655], one of [CSE 552, CSE 589, CSE 590, CSE 593).
No required courses may be taken Pass-Fail or Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory.
The grade for each course must be a B- or higher.
A minimum of 30 graduate credits is required by the Graduate School to satisfy M.S. university requirements. A total of 134 credits (both undergraduate and graduate) is required for this program, which includes the university general education courses.
No required courses may be taken Pass-Fail or Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory.
The grade for each course must be a B- or higher.
A minimum of 30 graduate credits is required by the Graduate School to satisfy M.S. university requirements. A total of 134 credits (both undergraduate and graduate) is required for this program, which includes the university general education courses.
Prerequisite Courses
CSE 115 Intro to Computer Science for Majors I
CSE 116 Intro to Computer Science for Majors II
CSE 191 Intro to Discrete Structures
CSE 241 Digital Systems
CSE 250 Data Structures
MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
One calculus-based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
CSE 116 Intro to Computer Science for Majors II
CSE 191 Intro to Discrete Structures
CSE 241 Digital Systems
CSE 250 Data Structures
MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
One calculus-based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
Required Courses
CSE 331 Intro to Algorithm Analysis & Design
CSE 341 Computer Organization
CSE 396 Intro to the Theory of Computation
CSE 442 Software Engineering
One 300-level or higher MTH or STA course
Any two-course science and engineering sequence (from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or any department in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, except CSE).
CSE 505 Fundamentals of Programming Languages
CSE 521 Intro to Operating Systems
CSE 531 Analysis of Algorithms or CSE 596 Intro to the Theory of Computation
One of the following:
CSE 563 Knowledge Representation
CSE 573 Intro to Computer Vision & Image Processing
CSE 574 Intro to Machine Learning
CSE 655 Intro to Pattern Recognition
One of the following:
CSE 552 VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Testing
CSE 589 Modern Networking Concepts
CSE 590 Computer Architecture
CSE 593 Intro to VLSI Electronics
One additional 500-level CSE course (but not CSE 503 Computer Science for Nonmajors I, CSE 504 Computer Science for Nonmajors II, or CSE 507 Object Oriented Applications & Systems Design (for nonmajors)
One additional 600-level CSE course
Capstone event (MS Thesis or MS Project)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the undergraduate portion: 58-60
Total required credit hours for the BS/MS: 88-90
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Refer to the graduate school's policies and procedures manual for requirements for master's degree candidates.
CSE 341 Computer Organization
CSE 396 Intro to the Theory of Computation
CSE 442 Software Engineering
One 300-level or higher MTH or STA course
Any two-course science and engineering sequence (from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or any department in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, except CSE).
CSE 505 Fundamentals of Programming Languages
CSE 521 Intro to Operating Systems
CSE 531 Analysis of Algorithms or CSE 596 Intro to the Theory of Computation
One of the following:
CSE 563 Knowledge Representation
CSE 573 Intro to Computer Vision & Image Processing
CSE 574 Intro to Machine Learning
CSE 655 Intro to Pattern Recognition
One of the following:
CSE 552 VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Testing
CSE 589 Modern Networking Concepts
CSE 590 Computer Architecture
CSE 593 Intro to VLSI Electronics
One additional 500-level CSE course (but not CSE 503 Computer Science for Nonmajors I, CSE 504 Computer Science for Nonmajors II, or CSE 507 Object Oriented Applications & Systems Design (for nonmajors)
One additional 600-level CSE course
Capstone event (MS Thesis or MS Project)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the undergraduate portion: 58-60
Total required credit hours for the BS/MS: 88-90
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Refer to the graduate school's policies and procedures manual for requirements for master's degree candidates.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
Four-Year Path
FIRST YEAR
Fall CSE 115, MTH 141
Spring CSE 116, CSE 191, MTH 142
SECOND YEAR
Fall CSE 241, CSE 250, one calculus based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
Spring CSE 396, CSE 341, CSE 331
THIRD YEAR
Fall CSE 505, one 300-level or higher MTH or STA course, one science and engineering sequence course
Spring CSE 442; one of: CSE 563, CSE 573, CSE 574, CSE 655; one science and engineering sequence course
FOURTH YEAR
Fall CSE 521; one of: CSE 531, CSE 596; one 600 level CSE course
Spring one of: CSE 552, CSE 589, CSE 590, CSE 593; one 500 level CSE course (but not CSE 503, CSE 504, or CSE 507), Capstone event (M.S. Thesis or M.S. Project)
Five-Year Path
FIRST YEAR
Fall CSE 115, MTH 141
Spring CSE 116, MTH 142
SECOND YEAR
Fall CSE 191, CSE 241
Spring CSE 250, calculus-based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
THIRD YEAR
Fall CSE 396, one 200-level or higher MTH or STA course, one science and engineering sequence course
Spring CSE 341, CSE 331, one science and engineering sequence course
FOURTH YEAR
Fall CSE 505, CSE 521
Spring CSE 442, one 500-level CSE course (but not CSE 503, CSE 504, or CSE 507)
FIFTH YEAR
Fall One of: CSE 563, CSE 573, CSE 574, CSE 655; one of: CSE 552, CSE 589, CSE 590, CSE 593; one 600-level CSE course
Spring One of: CSE 531, CSE 596; Capstone Event (M.S. Thesis or M.S. Project)
FIRST YEAR
Fall CSE 115, MTH 141
Spring CSE 116, CSE 191, MTH 142
SECOND YEAR
Fall CSE 241, CSE 250, one calculus based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
Spring CSE 396, CSE 341, CSE 331
THIRD YEAR
Fall CSE 505, one 300-level or higher MTH or STA course, one science and engineering sequence course
Spring CSE 442; one of: CSE 563, CSE 573, CSE 574, CSE 655; one science and engineering sequence course
FOURTH YEAR
Fall CSE 521; one of: CSE 531, CSE 596; one 600 level CSE course
Spring one of: CSE 552, CSE 589, CSE 590, CSE 593; one 500 level CSE course (but not CSE 503, CSE 504, or CSE 507), Capstone event (M.S. Thesis or M.S. Project)
Five-Year Path
FIRST YEAR
Fall CSE 115, MTH 141
Spring CSE 116, MTH 142
SECOND YEAR
Fall CSE 191, CSE 241
Spring CSE 250, calculus-based probability or statistics course (e.g., EAS 305, MTH 411)
THIRD YEAR
Fall CSE 396, one 200-level or higher MTH or STA course, one science and engineering sequence course
Spring CSE 341, CSE 331, one science and engineering sequence course
FOURTH YEAR
Fall CSE 505, CSE 521
Spring CSE 442, one 500-level CSE course (but not CSE 503, CSE 504, or CSE 507)
FIFTH YEAR
Fall One of: CSE 563, CSE 573, CSE 574, CSE 655; one of: CSE 552, CSE 589, CSE 590, CSE 593; one 600-level CSE course
Spring One of: CSE 531, CSE 596; Capstone Event (M.S. Thesis or M.S. Project)
Computer Science - Minor
About the Minor
Six CSE courses (excluding CSE 494 - CSE 499), with at least two at the 300- level or above. A minimum GPA of 2.5 overall in those courses is required. At least three courses must be taken at UB. A maximum of two of these courses may be used for a student's major.
Admission into the computer science minor is based on completion of any three of the courses that constitute a minor in computer science with a minimum combined GPA of 2.5 in those courses. Applicants to the computer science minor should bring a copy of their current UB DARS report directly to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering during the semester after three of the six required courses are completed.
SAMPLE MINOR PROGRAMS
Software track: CSE 115, CSE 116, CSE 191, CSE 250, CSE 305, CSE 442
Hardware track: CSE 115, CSE 116, CSE 191, CSE 241, CSE 379, CSE 380
Admission into the computer science minor is based on completion of any three of the courses that constitute a minor in computer science with a minimum combined GPA of 2.5 in those courses. Applicants to the computer science minor should bring a copy of their current UB DARS report directly to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering during the semester after three of the six required courses are completed.
SAMPLE MINOR PROGRAMS
Software track: CSE 115, CSE 116, CSE 191, CSE 250, CSE 305, CSE 442
Hardware track: CSE 115, CSE 116, CSE 191, CSE 241, CSE 379, CSE 380
Last updated: Wednesday, 23-Apr-2008 15:42:53 EDT