|
research, and development that
must be addressed in order to realize the full
potential of information processing technologies in
these domains. It is an alternative to the specifically
computer science, engineering-oriented training offered
via the BSE in Computer Science degree program.
The Computer and Cognitive
Science program prepares students for a wide variety of
careers in a number of distinct academic, industrial,
and professional arenas relating to psychology,
philosophy and linguistics. In particular, these
careers pertain to the impact of knowledge and
information technology on the professions, including
those in Media and Communications, Software
Development, and Education (among many others), in
which a broad background in computer science must be
combined with a deep understanding of the human mind.
Employment opportunities for students going
through such a program are excellent at major
information technology companies, software houses,
research labs, as well as in the standard career
structures in the areas identified above.
The minimum requirements for the
BAS degree in Computer and Cognitive Science are:
• Six Mathematics
courses
• Four Natural Science
courses
• Twelve Computer
Science and/or Engineering courses
• Eight Concentration
courses (with the option of including a minor)
• Seven Social
Science, Humanities or Technology in Business and
Society courses
• Three Free Elective
courses
Computer Science
We live in an information age
where the storage, retrieval and processing of
information are central not only to everyday life but
also to many intellectual disciplines. Computer science
interacts significantly with disciplines such as
engineering, biology, physics, business, medicine, and
law. As a result people with expertise in computer
science and knowledge of some of these interlinked
areas are greatly needed in many new careers including
computer consulting companies, financial institutions,
health industries, natural science and medical research
labs, governmental organizations and other contexts
where intensive manipulation of information is
important. Opportunities for computer scientists and
engineers have expanded greatly, both in specialized
fields as well as in numerous dual-career opportunities
in which computer expertise is combined with advanced
degrees in business, communication, engineering, law,
medicine, and science.
The BAS degree in Computer
Science gives students a solid grounding in core topics
such as programming in Java, computer architecture,
data structures, algorithms, and theory. In addition,
|
students choose electives on advanced
topics such as databases, computer graphics, robotics,
artificial intelligence, network security, etc. While this
will ensure that BAS graduates are broadly trained in
computer science, the course requirements are deliberately
set up to provide students flexibility in pursuing a second
degree or at least a minor in another area within a
four-year program of study.
The minimum requirements for the
BAS degree in Computer Science are:
• Six Mathematics
courses
• Four Natural Science
courses
• Twelve Computer
Science and/or Engineering courses
• Eight Concentration
courses (with the option of including a minor)
• Seven Social
Science, Humanities or Technology in Business and
Society courses
• Three Free Elective
courses
Individualized Major
The Individualized Major leading
to the BAS degree is designed for students planning
careers for which a strong foundation in engineering,
technology, and applied science is important, and for
which a traditional engineering education is not
necessary. Stressing breadth of technological concepts,
based on the student’s articulation of a
“career path,” and closely supported by a
sponsoring Faculty Advisor, an Individualized major
provides a student the opportunity to customize an
academic program that matches his or her career or
intellectual interests that is not available through
one of our standing majors.
“Career paths” for
which the Individualized major is appropriate include
such areas as technical management, consulting,
government service, and teaching or writing in such
fields as health care, biotechnology, materials
technology, environmental control, telecommunications
and information technology. These fields typically
cross Penn Engineering’s departmental and school
boundaries. This major is not designed for a student
who seeks a career as a professional engineer.
In order to apply for the
Individualized major, a student must have completed the
first two years of a standing BSE or BAS
program’s curriculum. Therefore, the
earliest a student may apply is the spring semester of
sophomore year, for junior year entry. A student
must have a minimum grade point average of 3.3 and must
have a Penn Engineering faculty member sponsor his or
her application. The BAS Individualized major is a 40
cu program.
The minimum requirements for the
BAS degree with an Individualized major are:
• Four Mathematics
courses
• Five Natural Science
courses
|
