B.S. in Computer Science

students examining computer code on a screen

Part of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department of the College of Engineering, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science blends theory, applications, algorithms and data structures to prepare students for a multitude of commercial or government computer science and software development positions. The program simultaneously lays a foundation for graduate studies in computer science or software programming while placing an emphasis on interacting with other disciplines, just like real-world engineers.

The Computer Science program at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus offers a strong technical foundation combined with specialized expertise in areas like cybersecurity, software engineering, artificial intelligence and systems development, all within a STEM-focused environment that emphasizes hands-on projects, industry connections and preparation for careers in aerospace, technology and other high-growth sectors. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs. 

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
  • Communicate effectively in various professional contexts.
  • Analyze complex computing problems and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate computing-based solutions to meet specific computing requirements within their program’s discipline.
  • Function effectively as members or leaders of teams engaged in activities appropriate to their program’s discipline.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.

Daytona Beach Program Requirements

General Education Requirements39
Core Requirements60
Area of Concentration21
Total Credits120

Program Details

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours. The program may be completed in eight regular semesters, assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Students pursuing this undergraduate degree must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 for all work completed at the University.

General Education Requirements

For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs.

Communication9
English Composition
Speech
Technical Communication
Humanities - Lower Level3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level3
Computer Science/Information Technology 3
Scientific Programming in C
Mathematics8
Calculus and Analytical Geometry I
Calculus and Analytical Geometry II
Physical/Life Sciences (must include a lab)7
Total Credits39

Core Requirements

CESC 220Digital Circuit Design3
CESC 220LDigital Circuit Design Laboratory1
CESC 320Microprocessor Systems3
CESC 320LMicroprocessor Systems Laboratory1
CESC 470Computer Architecture3
CPSC 222Introduction to Discrete Structures3
CPSC 225Computer Science II3
CPSC 225LComputer Science II Laboratory1
CPSC 303Cryptography and Network Security3
CPSC 315Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms3
CPSC 317Files and Database Systems3
CPSC 332Organization of Programming Languages3
CPSC 344C Programming and UNIX3
CPSC 362Computing Theory3
CPSC 420Operating Systems3
CPSC 432Information and Computer Security3
CPSC 462Computer Networks3
CPSC 490Computer Science Capstone Design I3
CPSC 491Computer Science Capstone Design II3
ENGR 101Introduction to Engineering2
MATH 412Probability and Statistics3
SFTW 300Software Engineering Practices3
UNIV 101College Success1
Total Credits60

Areas of Concentration

Standard Track

CPSC 455Artificial Intelligence3
Specified Electives *9
Open Electives9
Total Credits21
*

Courses to be selected, with the approval of the Program Coordinator, to support acquiring a Minor, an identified concentration of domain knowledge (aerospace, aviation, business, communications, human factors, mathematics, etc.), or further depth in computer science or related disciplines.

Cybersecurity Engineering AOC

CPSC 426Digital Forensics3
CPSC 427System Exploitation and Penetration Testing3
CPSC 428Applied Cryptography3
CYBR 155Foundations of Information Security3
CYBR 465Cybercrime and Cyberlaw3
Technical Electives **6
Total Credits21
**

CESC/CPSC/ELEC/SFTW/SYSE Upper-Level Elective, with approval from the Program Coordinator.

Suggested Plan of Study

Standard Track

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
COMM 122 - English Composition3
MATH 241 - Calculus and Analytical Geometry I4
ENGR 101 - Introduction to Engineering2
UNIV 101 - College Success1
CPSC 223 - Scientific Programming in C3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
Semester Hours16
Spring
RequirementsCredits
MATH 242 - Calculus and Analytical Geometry II4
CPSC 225 - Computer Science II3
CPSC 225L - Computer Science II Laboratory1
CPSC 222 - Introduction to Discrete Structures3
Physical/Life Sciences3
Semester Hours14

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
CESC 220 - Digital Circuit Design3
CESC 220L - Digital Circuit Design Laboratory1
COMM 219 - Speech3
SFTW 300 - Software Engineering Practices3
MATH 412 - Probability and Statistics3
Humanities - Lower Level (140 Series)3
Semester Hours16
Spring
RequirementsCredits
CESC 320 - Microprocessor Systems3
CESC 320L - Microprocessor Systems Laboratory1
COMM 221 - Technical Communication3
CPSC 344 - C Programming and UNIX3
Physical/Life Sciences3
Physical/Life Sciences Lab1
Semester Hours14

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Three

Fall
RequirementsCredits
CPSC 315 - Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms3
CPSC 332 - Organization of Programming Languages3
CPSC 420 - Operating Systems3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level3
Open Elective3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
CPSC 303 - Cryptography and Network Security3
CPSC 317 - Files and Database Systems3
CPSC 362 - Computing Theory3
CPSC 455 - Artificial Intelligence3
Open Elective3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Four

Fall
RequirementsCredits
CESC 470 - Computer Architecture3
CPSC 462 - Computer Networks3
CPSC 490 - Computer Science Capstone Design I3
CPSC 432 - Information and Computer Security3
Specified Elective3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
CPSC 491 - Computer Science Capstone Design II3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level3
Open Elective3
Specified Elective3
Specified Elective3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Cybersecurity Engineering Area of Concentration

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
MATH 241 - Calculus and Analytical Geometry I4
ENGR 101 - Introduction to Engineering2
UNIV 101 - College Success1
CPSC 223 - Scientific Programming in C3
COMM 122 - English Composition3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
Semester Hours16
Spring
RequirementsCredits
MATH 242 - Calculus and Analytical Geometry II4
CPSC 225 - Computer Science II3
CPSC 225L - Computer Science II Laboratory1
CPSC 222 - Introduction to Discrete Structures3
Physical/Life Sciences3
Semester Hours14

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
CESC 220 - Digital Circuit Design3
CESC 220L - Digital Circuit Design Laboratory1
COMM 219 - Speech3
CYBR 155 - Foundations of Information Security3
SFTW 300 - Software Engineering Practices3
Humanities - Lower Level (140 Series)3
Semester Hours16
Spring
RequirementsCredits
CESC 320 - Microprocessor Systems3
CESC 320L - Microprocessor Systems Laboratory1
COMM 221 - Technical Communication3
CPSC 344 - C Programming and UNIX3
Physical/Life Sciences3
Physical/Life Sciences Lab1
Semester Hours14

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Three

Fall
RequirementsCredits
CPSC 315 - Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms3
CPSC 332 - Organization of Programming Languages3
CPSC 420 - Operating Systems3
MATH 412 - Probability and Statistics3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
CPSC 303 - Cryptography and Network Security3
CPSC 317 - Files and Database Systems3
CPSC 362 - Computing Theory3
CPSC 426 - Digital Forensics3
Technical Elective3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Four

Fall
RequirementsCredits
CESC 470 - Computer Architecture3
CPSC 462 - Computer Networks3
CPSC 490 - Computer Science Capstone Design I3
CPSC 432 - Information and Computer Security3
CYBR 465 - Cybercrime and Cyberlaw3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
CPSC 491 - Computer Science Capstone Design II3
CPSC 427 - System Exploitation and Penetration Testing3
CPSC 428 - Applied Cryptography3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper or Lower Level3
Technical Elective3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30