2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at APUS comprises a rigorous, balanced curriculum including topics in both hardware and software, focusing on cyber operations. Students will have a comprehensive program of study in computer science and also be able to take a deep-dive by selecting a concentration in specific areas of interest such as communications and artificial intelligence. Our online computer science degree is designed to enable working professionals to gain knowledge in rapidly growing fields within computer science, e.g. software and application developers, computer scientists, system software developers, computer programmers, and more. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at APUS can prepare students for challenging professional endeavors or for ongoing graduate work in Computer Science.

This program has specific admission requirements.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the computer science discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Programmatic Admission Requirements

For admission to the BS of Computer Science, applicants must have completed preparation in mathematics equivalent to pre-calculus or higher. A review of high school or college transcripts showing completion of this requirement will be conducted during the admission process.

Please visit our AMU or APU undergraduate admission page for more information on institutional admission requirements.

Need help?

If you have questions regarding a program’s admission requirements, please contact the Admissions Team at 877-755-2787 or [email protected]

Degree at a Glance

Degree Program Requirements

General Education (30 semester hours)

Major Required (68 semester hours)

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a Concentration in Artificial Intelligence or Concentration in Cyber Operations.

Concentration in Artificial Intelligence (18 semester hours)

The Artificial Intelligence concentration for the BS in Computer Science teaches students to design and execute computational systems that interpret and understand. Students can research and apply machine-learning methods and develop problem-solving models applicable to a variety of domains. Furthermore, students can learn how to build systems that collect and respond to various sensors and measurements, and develop networks that communicate and respond to environmental signals. Self-taught intelligent systems play a significant role in this domain. This concentration of Artificial Intelligence utilizes the basics of computer science and applies advanced methods needed for effective knowledge modeling.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Understand principles of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  • Gain hands-on experience with a variety of machine learning models under different constraints (supervised, unsupervised, semi-supervised, environment feedback).
  • Become proficient in handling different types of data including structured and unstructured, using traditional and advanced machine learning techniques.
  • Apply basic principles of AI in solutions that require problem solving, inference, perception, knowledge representation, and learning.
  • Demonstrate awareness and a fundamental understanding of various applications of AI and machine learning techniques.
Concentration Requirements (18 semester hours)

Concentration in Cyber Operations (18 semester hours)

The Cyber Operations concentration provides students with skills and in-depth expertise to protect and build safe software systems. Students obtain a thorough understanding of the technical needs, risks, and vulnerabilities of computer systems as they learn how to use tools and techniques to investigate, analyze, and respond to cyber-attacks. The concentration examines various aspects of society and focuses on both theoretical and practical dimensions. Students learn about a wide variety of computer security-related subjects, such as networks, mobile technologies, and cloud computing. Students will also have the ability to discuss the social implications of cybersecurity through courses such as STEM470-Cybersecurity, Surveillance, Privacy and Ethics.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Have a firm understanding of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and be able to apply concepts for a secure system development.
  • Understand cyber threat environment, and be able to monitor, detect, analyze, and expel threats from information system.
  • Secure systems to ensure Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA) of the information and protect data and networks from intrusions and malicious actors.
  • Design networks utilizing Risk Management Framework (RMF) methodology, risk analysis, security policies, and monetary damages assessment.
  • Plan and implement security strategies, policies, disaster recovery plans, continuity of operation plans, and audits in a broad range of local and wide area networks.
Concentration Requirements (18 semester hours)

Final Program Requirement (6 semester hours)

  1. All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.

  2. All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.

Overview

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