Roman Yasinovskyy (department head)

The computer science major at Luther is designed to provide each student with the academic base needed to keep abreast of the changing world of computing. Both theory and practice are taught to allow students to successfully join computer professionals already working in the field.

The major contains a set of core courses in which computer science students learn concepts common to all areas of the discipline. Students then select from a wide range of computer science electives. Since computer science relates to so many different disciplines, students are encouraged to select additional supporting courses from a broad range of academic areas.

In addition, all majors at Luther require a writing component. In computer science, this is fulfilled by taking CS 296 in conjunction with a companion course. See the CS 296 course description for a list of acceptable companion courses. The research will be graded and must be completed with a grade of C or above in order to fulfill the writing and presentation requirement in the major.

Software Development Tools (SDT) proficiency: A number of courses within the computer science curriculum require the student to first complete an online module to demonstrate proficiency in using certain software development tools. The online module introduces students to these tools and includes a test to demonstrate proficiency. Students can enroll in the Dev Tools Proficiency module on KATIE at https://katie.luther.edu/course/view.php?id=15244. In this proficiency module, students are introduced to tools for software development including shell programming, use of the Linux operating system, redirection of input and output, piping, file management, processes, and system security.

Required for a major: CS 130, 140, 150, 160, Dev Tools proficiency, 252, 260, 296, 330, 360, 370; two from DS 420, CS 430, 440, 450. The year-long senior project (CS 490 and CS 491) is also required.

Computer science majors may wish to take PAID 450: Ethics and Technology, as their Paideia capstone course. Students considering graduate school are strongly encouraged to take MATH 220 as well.

Required for a minor: CS 130, 140, 150, 160, Dev Tools proficiency, 252, and 330.

Advanced Placement: Advanced placement within Computer Science must be approved by the department head. AP credit for CS 150 will be awarded for students completing AP Computer Science A with a score of 4 or 5 after having successfully completed CS 160, the next course in the sequence.