The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Systems program emphasizes the application of principles to practical problem solving in a domain of interest. Students complete a core set of foundation courses and courses in one of the following concentrations: web programming, system administration, game development, graphics programming. Students also have the ability to combine the study of computer systems with another field of study through the general interdisciplinary option.
Program Information
Notice: MATH 2720 has been changed to MATH 2372
Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes
Program Educational Objectives
The graduates of the Computer Systems program will have the following characteristics 3 to 5 years after graduation:
- Be able to apply solve computing problems appropriate to their current work environment.
- Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms.
- Engage in lifelong learning to stay current in their profession.
- Demonstrate competence, integrity and responsibility in diverse work environments.
Student Outcomes
By the time of graduation, student outcomes should include the following:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
The following concentrations are no longer being offered:
- Flowchart of Course Dependencies for the Graphics Programming Option, 2017/18 remained the same till 2019/2020
- Flowchart of Course Dependencies for the Web Programming Option, 2017/18 remained the same till 2019/2020
Computer Systems 4-Year Sequence Roadmaps
Program requirements change from year to year. Students need to complete course requirements according to the academic year they last declared their major. This information is included in the PAWS Report.
Elective Coursework Application Forms
- Interdisciplinary Coursework Application Form
- Game Development Coursework Application Form
- Concentrations no longer being offered
Additional Resources
- Courses
- CSUSB Catalogs of Previous Years
- Transfer Students
Career Advising
Students meet with a faculty adviser at least once per year for the purpose of reviewing progress towards the degree and to ensure that the student’s course choices allow the student to complete their degree program in a timely manner. And also to provide career advising to ensure the students are career ready.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts degree program is to strengthen student means to remain on a fulfilling, productive, life-long learning path by guiding them to fundamental understanding of the structure and operation of modern computer systems and the methods by which these systems are applied to the solution of problems of interest to society. The study of Computer Systems provides an ideal avenue for students to develop intellectual skills that will make them valued by their present and future employers and will lead them to opportunities in which they exercise their creativity and problem solving skills to accomplish tasks that are personally fulfilling and recognized as positive contributions to society. The faculty and staff of the School of Computer Science and Engineering are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for students to attain the benefits that come from mastery of this discipline. The principal characteristic of the BA program that distinguishes it from the traditional BS program offered by the School of Computer Science and Engineering is that it places greater emphasis on applied problem solving in a narrow field of interest. To accomplish this, students take fewer units of theoretical computer science, mathematics, and physics, and increase the number of units taken in applied courses that are relevant to the student’s chosen program option.
The goal of the BA Computer Systems program is for graduates of the program to proceed to graduate study, attain industry positions in the computing field, or engage in other satisfactory activities for which their BA Computer Systems studies have prepared them.
| Year | Enrollment* | Graduations** |
|---|---|---|
| AY 2022/2023 | 177 | N/A |
| AY 2021/2022 | 170 | 21 |
| AY 2020/2021 | 152 | 17 |
| AY 2019/2020 | 191 | 38 |
| AY 2018/2019 | 169 | 23 |
| AY 2017/2018 | 172 | 35 |
| AY 2016/2017 | 195 | 30 |
| AY 2015/2016 | 173 | 25 |
| AY 2014/2015 | 156 | 16 |
| AY 2013/2014 | 139 | 23 |
| AY 2012/2013 | 160 | 21 |
| AY 2011/2012 | 129 | 23 |
| AY 2010/2011 | 100 | 16 |
| AY 2009/2010 | 107 | 17 |
| AY 2008/2009 | 90 | 16 |
| AY 2007/2008 | 105 | 16 |
* Declared computer systems majors in Fall semester of designated year.
** Annual graduations starting from Fall semester of designated year.
Source: CSUSB Office of Institutional Research