Core Courses

Degree Checklist (PDF)

The Computer Science degree is designed to establish students in the core knowledge and principles of hardware and software computation. The program’s goal is balanced breadth and depth in the main elements of modern computing systems, languages, and technologies. Every student completes the core Computer Science courses and then takes additional courses in his/her selected emphasis.

Total units required for core courses: 59

• CS121P Introduction to Computer Programming
• CS122J JavaScript Essentials
• CS132S Data Structures & Algorithms
• CS202H Computer Hardware
• CS301A Computer Organization & Architecture
• CS312N Networking Principles & Architecture
• CS321O Operating Systems
• Programming Languages & Theory
• CS322A Algorithms & Complexity
• CS322E Software Engineering
• CS342D Database Management Systems
• CS351S Computer Security
• CS490I Internship
• CS492S Senior Seminar
• MA121 Calculus I
• MA122 Calculus II
• MA231 Linear Algebra
• MA253 Discrete Mathematics
• MA260 Elementary Statistics
• Three units of the following
  • CH151 General Chemistry I (3)
  • GS150 Essentials of Geology (3)*
  • LS150 Essentials of Biology (3)*
  • PS251 General Physics I (3)

*If not taken to satisfy general education science requirement.

Minors & Interdisciplinary Studies

The Biblical Studies minor requires 24 units of coursework. Most students typically complete these courses as part of their standard four-year degree plan. The classes include:

• B101, B102: Old Testament Survey I & II (6 units)
• B121: Essentials of Christian Thought (3 units)
• B201, B202: New Testament Survey I & II (6 units)
• BTH321, BTH322: Christian Theology I & II (6 units)
• Bible Elective: Any Bible course of choice (3 units)

In addition to their major, students can also complete a minor in any of these programs by completing the required 15-27 units, depending on the minor: Accounting, Biology, Business Administration, Communication, Computer Science, Education, English, History, Global Studies, Kinesiology & Physical Education, Mathematics, Music, and/or Political Studies.

For a minor in Computer Science, 27 units are required:

• CS121P Introduction to Computer Programming
• CS132S Data Structures & Algorithms
• CS202H Computer Hardware
• CS301A Computer Organization & Architecture
• CS312N Networking Principles & Architecture
• CS321O Operating Systems
• CS321P Programming Languages & Theory
• CS322E Software Engineering
• CS342D Database Management Systems

Students may also take the B.A in Interdisciplinary Studies. This major allows students to design their own major by specializing in three areas of their choice, including Computer Science.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Analyze, apply, and advance technology for the honor of Christ and Scripture and for the good of all creation.
• Analyze a complex computing problem and 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 program’s discipline.
• Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of principles and practices for secure computing.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of local and global impacts of computing solutions on individuals, organizations, and society.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of algorithms and complexity, computer science theory, programming language concepts, and software development.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of two generalpurpose programming languages.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of computer architecture and organization, information management, networking and communication, operating systems, and parallel and distributed computing.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of computing-based systems at varying levels of abstraction.
• Complete a major project that requires integration and application of knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and elementary statistics.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of two different natural sciences.

Requirements are subject to change; please refer to the current academic catalog for the most up-to-date information.

Program Rankings

The Master’s University is ranked and compared by numerous local and national publications and institutions. These rankings help to recognize the ongoing excellence and competitiveness of our institution. These rankings include:

• #1 retention rate (first-time freshmen who return year to year) (CollegeResults 2017)
• #1 for “Class Size” (US News 2022 13-institution Peer Group)
• 96% of students say professors care about their students’ success (Niche 2022)
• #4 in Influential Computer Science Undergraduate Programs, Liberal Arts Colleges in California (academicinfluence.com, 2022)
• #7 Best Computer Science Schools In California (bestvalueschools.org, 2022)
• #12 Best Computer Science & IT Schools in California, Undergraduate (plexuss.com, 2023)