Computer Science (Accelerated MBA) B.S.

Go to information for Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Go to information for Master of Business Administration, M.B.A.

Department Contact:

Chair: Dr. Rachel Wagner, rwagner@francis.edu, 814-471-1215

Program Coordinator: Dr. Kevin Slonka, kslonka@francis.edu, 814-471-1155

Program Description:

Computers are integral to our world and the skills to utilize them are in great demand. These skills come in many varieties and can be applied in any number of different ways.

One of the key features of the Computer Science program at Saint Francis University is its flexibility. All Computer Science students complete a common core that focuses on coding as well as fundamental concepts that all Computer Scientists should understand, but after completing this core, students have a great deal of freedom in deciding how to configure their education to best utilize their individual strengths and preferences, and to prepare for an outstanding career.

We offer a variety of different specialization tracks, such as

• Information Technology

• Machine Learning and Data Science

• Programming and Languages

• Software Development

In addition to earning the Computer Science B.S., students in this program will also have the opportunity to accelerate the completion of the MBA program by earning nine credits towards the undergraduate degree that will also fulfill requirements in the MBA program. Upon successful completion of all undergraduate degree requirements for the Computer Science (Accelerated MBA) B.S., and if all progression standards are met, students will be automatically accepted into the Saint Francis University MBA program and will not be required to complete the GMAT exam.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, Computer Science graduates will:

• be able to write programs of substance;

• understand the fundamental concepts of Computer Science;

• have an understanding of the skills and competencies needed of Computer Scientists in multiple domains;

• understand the importance of the human element in Computer Science.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Capstone Requirement:

Students will complete semester-long projects in at least one course in every track in the program.

Total Credits Required:

128 credits minimum

Courses Required for the Major: (59 credits)

Major Requirements: 17 credits

Collateral Requirements: 33 credits

CSA 130 - Cybersecurity Foundations
MATH 130 - Discrete Mathematics
One of the following two sets of courses:
MATH 121 - Calculus I
MATH 122 - Calculus II
MATH 322 - Linear Algebra
or
STAT 205 - Essentials of Statistics
BUSA 321 - Business Analytics with Python
BUSA 322 - Data Mining and Machine Learning

And two (2) of the following Tracks:

Information Technology track

Machine Learning and Data Science track

Programming and Languages track

Software Development track

MBA coursework: 9 credits

Students in this accelerated program may take up to 9 credits of graduate MBA courses that can be utilized to fulfill both free electives in the undergraduate program and requirement in the MBA program.

Progression and/or Retention Criteria:

All students in the Computer Science (Accelerated MBA) B.S., program must meet the following academic requirements to have guaranteed admission to the MBA program upon completion of the undergraduate degree requirements. Failure to meet the progression standards will result in dismissal from the major but not the university. This includes all accelerated majors leading to the MBA program approved by the University.

1. At any time after earning 30 credits but before earning 60 credits, the student must have achieved a minimum overall cumulative QPA of 2.750. Failure to achieve this QPA will result in Department Academic Warning.

2. At any time after earning 60 credits but before earning 90 credits, the student must have achieved a minimum overall cumulative QPA of 3.000. Failure to achieve this QPA will result in dismissal from the major.

3. At any time after earning 90 credits and upon graduation from the undergraduate program, the student must have achieved a minimum overall cumulative QPA of 3.200. Failure to achieve this QPA will result in dismissal from the major.

Students dismissed from the Computer Science (Accelerated MBA) B.S., major should contact their academic advisor to select another major. Dismissed students can still apply for admission to the MBA program upon completion of their undergraduate degree; however, there is no acceleration option and acceptance is not guaranteed.