Program at a Glance
- Program
- Bachelor
- College(s)
- College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Department(s)
- Computer Science
4
Years
- In State Tuition
- Out of State Tuition
$212.28 per credit hour
$748.89 per credit hour
Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.
Combine Engineering, Science and Math to Create Software Solutions to Real-World Issues
A BS in Computer Science degree emphasizes the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing, rather than teaching specific technologies. It provides the foundation you need to break into some of the most exciting and profitable careers. Prepare for opportunities in a variety of fields, including robotics, computer gaming, virtual reality, computer vision, media convergence, digital, evolutionary computing, computer architecture and so much more.
Housed in the L3Harris Engineering Center, the computer science program has classrooms and high-tech innovative lab spaces where cutting-edge research is performed covering a wide range of topics. These labs include the Siemens Digital Grid Laboratory and a planned 360-degree augmented-virtual reality lab space.
Here, you’ll learn from faculty who have internationally recognized expertise in fundamental and application areas. Your coursework offers opportunities to study phenomena connected with computers and computation, including software (algorithms and data structures), hardware (design of computers) and many diverse applications of computational thinking and techniques.
All computer science majors must pass the Computer Science Foundation Exam in order to advance to upper-level coursework. Nationally, only UCF’s computer science program uses a test this way to qualify its students. The exam covers problem solving techniques, algorithms, abstraction, proofs and language skills. Tests are held each semester, and the exam helps ensure the success of our students. It’s also a resume builder and a feature many industry partners highlight as a primary reason they want to hire our computer science graduates.
Highlights
CSRankings.org ranks UCF’s Department of Computer Science in the top 50 for publishing in the most selective computer science conferences.
The UCF Programming Team is one of the best in the world. CS teams compete annually in the ACM’s International Programming Contest, and our CS team has an unmatched record — finishing in the Southeast region’s top three every year since 1982.
The job outlook for computer science grads is expected to grow 12% over the next decade.
The average annual salary of computer science grads is $103,000.
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
- Freshmen
- Transfers
- International
- Fall
- May 1
- Spring
- November 1
- Summer
- March 1
- Fall
- July 1
- Spring
- November 1
- Summer
- March 1
- Fall
- March 1
- Spring
- September 1
- Summer
- January 1
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Course Overview
Computer Science I & II
Explore problem solving techniques, order analysis and notation, abstract data types and recursion. Then in the second course, you’ll cover algorithm design and analysis for tree, list, set and graph data models; algorithmic strategies and applications, and algorithmic complexity analysis; sorting and searching; practical applications.
Computer Logic and Organization
Learn about logic design, computer arithmetic, Instruction Set Architecture (MIPS, SPIM simulator), performance, data path, control unit, memory hierarchy, I/O interface.
Security in Computing
Gain an understanding of security theory. Legal and human factors, Malware, Intrusion patterns and tools, Windows, Unix, TCP/IP, and applications vulnerabilities. Detection. Policies and enforcement. Protection and assurance.
View All Computer Sciences Courses You’ll Take
Computer Science Skills You’ll Learn
- Develop an understanding of algorithms and data structures, as well as coding skills in various languages — Java, C, C++, Python and Javascript.
- Learn about the concepts, principles, processes and methods for developing large software systems.
- Cover skills that encompass a wide range of areas such as AI and machine learning, graphics and games, algorithms and complexity, software engineering, cybersecurity, big data,vision and robotics, and computer networks.
- Gain first-hand knowledge of ethical standards related to the field of computer science, including considerations involving artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Career Opportunities
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Database Administrator
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Network Architect
College of Engineering and Computer Science News
Check out more stories
Science & Technology
2 Promising UCF Researchers Earn 2024 NSF CAREER Awards
Early-career professors Fan Yao and Li Fang are receiving significant research funding to continue catalyzing their work as part of an annual NSF grant program.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Hosts ‘Battle of the Brains’ Programming Championship, Seeking 13th Straight Trip to World Finals
The competition helps build students’ problem-solving skills, which are valuable to those seeking a career in software development, data science and research, and related fields.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Researcher Is Developing Algorithms to Further Space, Sea Exploration
The work will help protect spacecrafts from colliding with objects like asteroids and satellites.
Science & Technology
UCF Researcher’s Nanoparticles Serve as Pivotal Delivery Component of Promising Pediatric Cancer Treatment
A crucial molecular mixture created at UCF combines with an RNA-targeting therapy to potentially shrink an aggressive class of pediatric brain tumor.
University of Central Florida Colleges
Foundation Examination: Prior to taking courses beyond basic core requirements, students must pass a foundation exam (COT 3960) which covers problem solving techniques, algorithms, abstraction, and programming language skills. Tests will be administered each semester. Refer to the computer science website for more information about the foundation exam.
Admission Requirements
- None
Degree Requirements
- Students are required to consult with a departmental advisor and file a plan of study after passing the foundation exam
- Students must meet a Residency Requirement of at least 24 semester hours of regularly scheduled 3000-5000 level courses taken from the Computer Science Department at UCF
- 18 of the 24 Residency hours must be at the 4000-5000 level
- Students must earn at least a grade of "C" (2.0) in each course in sections 2-5. In addition, students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in all courses in section 4.
- Students in the Computer Science major are expected to make consistent good progress toward their degrees to remain enrolled in, or eligible for, any major in the College of Engineering & Computer Science (CECS) or the College of Optics and Photonics (COP). Therefore, any student majoring in Computer Science who repeats any UCF course and does not earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better on the second attempt will be placed on Lack of Progress Probation and remain on Lack of Progress Probation as long as the student is enrolled in a CECS or COP major. If a student on Lack of Progress Probation does not receive a grade of "C" (2.0) or better by the third attempt in the same UCF course, the student will be excluded from all CECS and COP majors. Any student majoring in Computer Science who has accumulated 7 or more unsuccessful attempts (i.e., grades below "C" (2.0) and withdrawals) over all courses taken at UCF will be placed on Lack of Progress Probation and remain on Lack of Progress Probation as long as the student is enrolled in a CECS or COP major. If a student on Lack of Progress Probation has a tenth unsuccessful attempt over all courses taken at UCF, the student will be excluded from all CECS and COP majors.
- A student who is excluded from CECS and COP majors may seek readmission to a major in CECS or COP after at least one full year has passed since exclusion. Readmission is not automatic and is dependent upon a high probability of success after readmission. Any student who is readmitted to the Computer Science major will be subject to all probation conditions that applied at the time of exclusion.
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements: Basic Level
30 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 27 credits from the following:
- STA2023 - Statistical Methods I (3)
- COP3330 - Object Oriented Programming (3)
- COP3502C - Computer Science I (3)
- COP3503C - Computer Science II (3)
- CDA3103C - Computer Logic and Organization (3)
- COT3100C - Introduction to Discrete Structures (3)
- CIS3360 - Security in Computing (3)
- COP3402 - Systems Software (3)
- COT4210 - Discrete Structures II (3)
- COP4331C - Processes for Object-Oriented Software Development (3)
- COT3960 - Foundation Exam
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- ENC3241 - Writing for the Technical Professional (3)
- ENC3250 - Professional Writing (3)
- Earn at least 27 credits from the following:
Grand Total Credits: 30
Core Requirements: Advanced Level (18 Credit Hours)
- Any 4000-5000 level Computer Science (CS) course that is not a required undergraduate course will count as a restricted elective.
- Only ONE of the following six Information Technology courses may count as a CS Restricted Elective: CAP 4102, CIS 4004, CIS 4524, CNT 4603, CNT 4703, and CNT 4714.
- At most 3 hours of independent study or research allowed. No internship or cooperative education credits are allowed.
- It is recommended that students take at least 3 classes from a primary area to gain an in-depth knowledge in that area of Computer Science.
- It is recommended that students take classes from at least 2 different secondary areas to gain a broad knowledge of Computer Science. These courses may also be listed in the student's primary area.
- A minimum grade of "C" (2.0) or better is required in each course in this area.
- Students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in all courses in this section.
- The courses listed in the areas below are for ease of reference only.
Systems Area
- CDA 5106 - Advanced Computer Architecture Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4520 - Concepts of Parallel and Distributed Processing Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4600 - Operating Systems Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4710 - Database Systems Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5611 - Operating Systems Design Principles Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5711 - Parallel and Distributed Database Systems Credit Hours: 3
- EEL 4768 - Computer Architecture Credit Hours: 3
AI and Machine Learning Area
- CAP 4053 - AI for Game Programming Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 4453 - Robot Vision Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 4611 - Algorithms for Machine Learning Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 4630 - Artificial Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 5415 - Computer Vision Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 5512 - Evolutionary Computation Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 5610 - Machine Learning Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 5636 - Advanced Artificial Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
Graphics, Games, and HCI Area
- CAP 4053 - AI for Game Programming Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 4720 - Computer Graphics Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 5725 - Computer Graphics I Credit Hours: 3
- CNT 5008 - Computer Communication Networks Architecture Credit Hours: 3
Algorithms and Complexity Area
- CAP 5510 - Bioinformatics Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 5512 - Evolutionary Computation Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5021 - Program Analysis Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5537 - Network Optimization Credit Hours: 3
- COT 4500 - Numerical Calculus Credit Hours: 3
- COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms Credit Hours: 3
Software Engineering Area
- CEN 5016 - Software Engineering Credit Hours: 3
- CIS 4615 - Secure Software Development and Assurance Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4020 - Programming Languages I Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4520 - Concepts of Parallel and Distributed Processing Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4710 - Database Systems Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5021 - Program Analysis Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5711 - Parallel and Distributed Database Systems Credit Hours: 3
Cybersecurity Area
- CAP 4145 - Introduction to Malware Analysis Credit Hours: 3
- CIS 3362 - Cryptography and Information Security Credit Hours: 3
- CIS 4203C - Digital Forensics Credit Hours: 3
- CIS 4361 - Secure Operating Systems and Administration Credit Hours: 3
- CIS 4615 - Secure Software Development and Assurance Credit Hours: 3
- CIS 4940C - Topics in Cybersecurity Credit Hours: 3
- CNT 4403 - Network Security and Privacy Credit Hours: 3
- EEE 4346C - Hardware Security and Trusted Circuit Design Credit Hours: 3
Big Data Area
- CAP 5610 - Machine Learning Credit Hours: 3
- CDA 5106 - Advanced Computer Architecture Credit Hours: 3
- CDA 5110 - Parallel Architecture and Algorithms Credit Hours: 3
- CNT 4425C - Cloud Computing Management Credit Hours: 3
- CNT 5008 - Computer Communication Networks Architecture Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4520 - Concepts of Parallel and Distributed Processing Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4710 - Database Systems Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5611 - Operating Systems Design Principles Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5711 - Parallel and Distributed Database Systems Credit Hours: 3
- COT 4500 - Numerical Calculus Credit Hours: 3
- EEL 4768 - Computer Architecture Credit Hours: 3
Vision and Robotics Area
- CAP 4453 - Robot Vision Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 4720 - Computer Graphics Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 5415 - Computer Vision Credit Hours: 3
- CAP 5725 - Computer Graphics I Credit Hours: 3
- EGN 4060C - Introduction to Robotics Credit Hours: 3
- EEL 4660 - Robotic Systems Credit Hours: 3
- EEL 5820 - Image Processing Credit Hours: 3
Computer Networks Area
- CNT 4403 - Network Security and Privacy Credit Hours: 3
- CNT 4704 - Analysis of Computer Communication Networks Credit Hours: 3
- CNT 5008 - Computer Communication Networks Architecture Credit Hours: 3
- COP 5537 - Network Optimization Credit Hours: 3
- CNT 5805 - Network Science Credit Hours: 3
- EEL 4781 - Computer Communication Networks Credit Hours: 3
- EEL 5780 - Wireless Networks Credit Hours: 3
Math/Statistics Restricted Electives
- A "C" (2.0) or better is required in each course in this area.
Advanced mathematics or statistics (6 Credit Hours)
Choose at least two courses from the following list of approved choices to satisfy this requirement:
- Any 4000-5000 level courses with STA, MAP, MAA, MAD or MAS prefixes, except independent study hours, internship, or cooperative education hours.
- MAC 2313 - Calculus with Analytic Geometry III Credit Hours: 4
- MAP 2302 - Ordinary Differential Equations I Credit Hours: 3
- MAS 3105 - Matrix and Linear Algebra Credit Hours: 4
- MAS 3106 - Linear Algebra Credit Hours: 4
Capstone Requirements (6 Credit Hours)
A "C" (2.0) or better is required in each of the two courses.
- COP 4934 - Senior Design I Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4935 - Senior Design II Credit Hours: 3
Electives
Remaining hours needed to meet the minimum of 120 hours for graduation should be met with Free Electives.
Foreign Language Requirements
Admissions
- Two years high school, or one year college language (or equivalent proficiency exam) prior to graduation.
Graduation
- None
Additional Requirements
- None
Required Minors
- None
Departmental Exit Requirements
- None.
University Minimum Exit Requirements
- A 2.0 UCF GPA
- 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed
- 60 semester hours earned after CLEP awarded
- 30 of the last 39 hours of course work must be completed in residency at UCF.
- A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
- Complete the General Education Program, the Gordon Rule, and nine hours of Summer credit.
Total Undergraduate Credit Hours Required: 120
Additional Information
Honors In Major
- None
Related Programs
- Computer Engineering
- Information Technology (B.S.)
Certificates
- Cyber Operations Certificate
Related Minors
- Intelligent Robotic Systems (IRS), Interdisciplinary Minor
- Secure Computing and Networks Minor
Advising Notes
- The Computer Science program offers the Accelerated BS/MS Program to students of high academic standing. This program allows up to twelve hours to be shared between the BS and MS degrees. See your department or the Accelerated program section in the back of this catalog for more information.
Transfer Notes
- Courses transferred from private and out-of-state schools must be evaluated for equivalency credit. The student must provide all supporting information.
Acceptable Substitutes for Transfer Courses
- None
Program Academic Learning Compacts
- Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at: http://www.oeas.ucf.edu/alc/academic_learning_compacts.htm
Equipment Fees
- Part-Time Student: $28 per term
- Full-Time Student: $57 per term
Plan of Study
Freshman Year - Fall (13 Credit Hours)
- ENC 1101 - Composition I Credit Hours: 3
- SPC 1603C - Fundamentals of Technical Presentations Credit Hours: 3
- COP 3223C - Introduction to Programming with C Credit Hours: 3
- MAC 2311C - Calculus with Analytic Geometry I Credit Hours: 4
Freshman Year - Spring (12 Credit Hours)
- ENC 1102 - Composition II Credit Hours: 3
- COT 3100C - Introduction to Discrete Structures Credit Hours: 3
- COP 3502C - Computer Science I Credit Hours: 3
- CDA 3103C - Computer Logic and Organization Credit Hours: 3
Freshman Year - Summer (7 Credit Hours)
- MAC 2312 - Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Credit Hours: 4
- COP 3330 - Object Oriented Programming Credit Hours: 3
- COT 3960 - Foundation Exam Credit Hours: 0
Sophom*ore Year - Fall (13 Credit Hours)
- COP 3402 - Systems Software Credit Hours: 3
- COP 3503C - Computer Science II Credit Hours: 3
- PHY 2048C - General Physics Using Calculus I (or PHY2048 and PHY2048L) Credit Hours: 4
- GEP Credit Hours: 3
Sophom*ore Year - Spring (13 Credit Hours)
- COP 4331C - Processes for Object-Oriented Software Development Credit Hours: 3
- PHY 2049C - General Physics Using Calculus II (or PHY2049 and PHY2049L) Credit Hours: 4
- CIS 3360 - Security in Computing Credit Hours: 3
Select One: (3 Credit Hours)
- ENC 3241 - Writing for the Technical Professional Credit Hours: 3
- ENC 3250 - Professional Writing Credit Hours: 3
Sophom*ore Year - Summer (6 Credit Hours)
- STA 2023 - Statistical Methods I Credit Hours: 3
- GEP Credit Hours: 3
Junior Year - Fall (13 Credit Hours)
- BSC 2010C - Biology I Credit Hours: 4
- GEP Credit Hours: 3
- Area Course Credit Hours: 3
- Math/Stat Restricted Elective Credit Hours: 3
Junior Year - Spring (13 Credit Hours)
- CHM 2045C - Chemistry Fundamentals I Credit Hours: 4
- Math/Stat Restricted Elective Credit Hours: 3
- Area Course Credit Hours: 3
- Area Course Credit Hours: 3
Junior Year - Summer (6 Credit Hours)
- Free Elective Credit Hours: 3
- GEP Credit Hours: 3
Senior Year - Fall (12 Credit Hours)
- Area Course Credit Hours: 3
- Area Course Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4934 - Senior Design I Credit Hours: 3
- COT 4210 - Discrete Structures II Credit Hours: 3
Senior Year - Spring (12 Credit Hours)
- Area Course Credit Hours: 3
- COP 4935 - Senior Design II Credit Hours: 3
- Area Course Credit Hours: 3
- Free Elective Credit Hours: 3
