Curriculum
Oregon State's postbaccalaureate computer science curriculum meets the needs of industry for computer science professionals trained in areas such as software engineering, mobile and web development, and databases. All courses in this program are developed and taught by Oregon State employees who are renowned in their field.
You must complete 60 quarter credits of major courses in order to graduate with your B.S. in Computer Science.
“I was lucky to find a job where I am able to make use of my new degree in computer science as well as my previous degree in mechanical engineering," says Kristen Dhuse, who studied online with OSU while starting a family. Read more »
Required courses
NOTE: Check the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science website for the most up-to-date curriculum and program requirements. You can also find course descriptions and watch videos of course lectures on the EECS site.
Programming fundamentals
- Programming I, II (CS 161 and CS 162 or CS 165)
- Discrete Structures in Computer Science (CS 225)
- Data Structures (CS 261)
- Analysis of Algorithms (CS 325)
Mobile & web development
- Web development (CS 290)
Databases
- Introduction to databases (CS 340)
Software engineering
- Software Engineering I, II (CS 361 and CS 362)
Computer systems & networking
- Computer architecture & assembly language (CS 271)
- Operating Systems (CS 344)
- Introduction to computer networks (CS 372)
Capstone
- Software Projects (CS 467)
Electives (pick two)
- Introduction to Usability Engineering (CS 352)
- Defense Against the Dark Arts (CS 373)
- Open Source Software Development (CS 464)
- Parallel Programming (CS 475)
- Mobile and Cloud Software Development (CS 496)
Program rigor
This program is very rigorous and requires you to take ownership of your learning and time. For more details, visit the flexible academic plans webpage.
Math requirement
This computer science program includes one required math class. CS 225 Discrete Structures in Computer Science provides the mathematical foundation for students planning to enter software development and related fields. This course includes topics in Boolean and relational algebra, graph theory, inductive proofs, and combinatorics.
A strong aptitude in mathematics is imperative to be successful in computer science. In computer science, math ability is often used as a demonstration of logical thinking. The discipline and ability to think through problems, break them down into simpler problems and apply transformations and rules that are needed to succeed in math is the same as that required to be successful in computer science. Some sub-areas require advanced math courses (e.g. graphics, scientific computing, machine learning, etc.), but most developers do not need upper-level math courses.
If you plan to apply to graduate school in computer science or work in areas such as computer graphics, simulations, or game design, or bioinformatics, you may want to consider taking additional math and statistics courses.
Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization to operate in your state.
Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree details
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 60 quarter credits are equal to 40 semester credits.
† Cost per credit is calculated using tuition per credit for the current academic year. It does not include associated fees, course materials, textbook expenses, and other expenses related to courses.
‡ You can complete all courses online. Some courses may require proctored exams in your local area.
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