Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Requirements
The BSc in Computer Science program is concerned with the theoretical foundations of information and computation. Computation is defined as any type of calculation or use of computing technology that follows well-defined models (such as algorithms and protocols) in the practice of information processing. The study of computer science involves systematically studying, building, and testing methodical processes (such as algorithms) in order to aid the acquisition, representation, processing, storage, and communication of information. The program provides a strong understanding of the relationship between computer hardware and software and all related issues. It is key to many career opportunities in high-tech manufacturing, in software development, and in mobile and digital security. Students are offered opportunities to customize their education by selecting from a wide pool of technical elective courses.
Program Educational Objectives
The program’s graduates are expected to be able to:
- Develop in their chosen profession and/or progress toward an advanced degree
- Gain the trust and respect of others as effective and ethical team members
- Achieve a reputation as a source of innovative solutions to complex problems in computer science and related areas; and
- Reach positions of leadership in an organization and/or on teams.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the BSc in CS program, the graduates of the B.Sc. in Computer Science program will be able, without guidance, to:
| (1) |
Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions. |
| (2) |
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of computer science. |
| (3) |
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts. |
| (4) |
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. |
| (5) |
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to computer science. |
| (6) |
Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions. |
Career Opportunities
Computer Scientists usually work in research laboratories that design, build and test various types of computer software models. Most work in high-tech manufacturing firms in the software development, mobile and digital security industries. There are also computer systems opportunities in design firms, research and development firms, or in governmental bodies such as defense, armed forces, police, health care and information technology (IT).
Career Specialization
Some indicative career specializations include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Data Mining and Business Intelligence
- Game Development
- Digital Security/Cryptography
- Mobile Applications Development
- Robotics
- Software development & Testing
- Virtualization
- Quantum Computing
- Large Language Models
Degree Requirements
To be recommended for graduation with a BSc in Computer Science degree, students must successfully complete the courses in the specified categories as set out below. The categories cover the University General Education Requirements (GER, 48 credits), Additional Math/Science requirements (15 credits), as well as Computer Science Core (67 credits) that includes 18 credits of Technical Electives requirements and 2 credits of internship. The normal length of the program is 130 credits. Students may also opt for a concentration in Artificial Intelligence or Cybersecurity.
Additional Math/Sciences Requirements (15 credits)
To satisfy the program requirements, the BSc in Computer Science requires the following courses in addition to the Math/Sciences required in GERs: CHEM 115, PHYS 121, MATH 111, MATH 112, COSC 114, and COSC 202.
Computer Science Core Requirements
The BSc degree program core requires a minimum of 47 credits core, 18 credits of technical electives, and 2 credits of internship.
Computer Science Technical Electives (18 credits)
Students are required to take a total of 18 credits from the following approved technical electives list. Technical electives must be at the 300-level or 400-level, and at most three credits may be Undergraduate Research. Additional courses may be approved by the department as technical electives.
Computer Science Concentrations (Optional)
Computer Science students may opt for selecting a concentration in either Artificial Intelligence or Cyber Security. Selecting a degree concentration at Khalifa University leads to a specialization which will be specified on the student’s academic record (transcript). The concentration consists of 15 credits in the specialized area.
Artificial Intelligence Concentration
Students pursuing the AI concentration must complete 15 credit hours: 9 credit hours of core requirements and 6 credit hours of cybersecurity technical electives.
Core Requirements
| COSC 330 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| COSC 430 | Machine Learning Systems Design | 3 |
| COSC 434 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
Elective Requirements
AI Technical Electives (choose any two – 6 credits):
Cyber Security Concentration
Students pursuing the Cybersecurity concentration must complete 15 credit hours: 9 credit hours of core requirements and 6 credit hours of cybersecurity technical electives.
Core Requirements
Elective Requirements
choose any two courses from the following technical electives – 6 credits:
| COSC 435 | AI Security Engineering with Foundation Models and Agents | 3 |
| COSC 437 | Introduction to Quantum Cryptography | 3 |
| COSC 440 | Digital Forensics | 3 |