About Our Computer Science Program
The Computer Science Program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of computational thinking, programming, and software development. Our curriculum combines theoretical foundations with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for diverse careers in technology and advanced graduate study.
Students develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills through the study of algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and systems programming. Our program emphasizes both technical competency and the ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Programming Excellence
Master multiple programming languages and develop expertise in software design, data structures, and algorithm development
Hands-On Experience
Gain practical experience through internships, senior projects, and real-world problem-solving applications
Industry Readiness
Prepare for careers in software development, cybersecurity, data science, and emerging technology fields
Why Study Computer Science?
Computer Science opens doors to some of the most in-demand and well-compensated careers in today's economy. Our graduates are equipped with problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and adaptability needed to thrive in the digital age across virtually every industry.
Software Development
- Software Engineer
- Full-Stack Developer
- Mobile App Developer
- Web Developer
- Game Developer
- DevOps Engineer
Data & Analytics
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Data Engineer
- Research Scientist
Systems & Security
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Systems Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- IT Consultant
Degree Programs
The Computer Science Program offers two degree pathways designed to meet different student goals and career aspirations. Both programs provide strong foundations in programming, algorithms, and computational thinking.
Our Bachelor of Science degree provides comprehensive preparation for professional careers or graduate study, while our Associate of Arts degree offers an excellent foundation for students planning to transfer or explore the field.
Computer Science, Bachelor of Science
The Computer Science Bachelor of Science degree provides comprehensive training in computer science fundamentals, advanced programming, systems design, and specialized areas like cybersecurity and data communications.
Special Requirements
Students majoring in Computer Science are encouraged to take all the required courses for the major at Tougaloo College. Students must get approval from the advisor and Department Chairperson prior to their enrollment in summer school or another institution in order to establish conditions whereby credits will be accepted.
Required Core Courses (51 Credit Hours)
This course is an introduction to an assembly language. Typical topics include number systems and conversion, computer organization and data storage, statement formats, addressing modes, and available instruction, dumps, subroutines and an introduction to macros, and conditional assembly. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 4 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 221–CSC 222 or at least two semesters of high-level languages.
Typical topics in this course include processors, memory, I/O, Boolean algebra, gates and logic circuits, microprocessors, and an introduction to architecture and operating systems. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 321
The topics in this course include finding roots of a nonlinear equation, solving systems of linear equations, matrix inversion, interpolation, numerical integration and differentiation, and solutions of ordinary differential equations. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): At least one semester of a programming language or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite(s): MAT 316 or permission of the instructor.
This course is a study of the organization and specification of programming languages and the use of languages on solving problems. Syntax and basic characteristic of grammars, data types, and structures, control structures and data flow, run-time consideration, interpretative languages, lexical analysis, and parsing. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 341
This course is an exploration of the interface between the computer user and the hardware. Emphasizes the history of the development of operating systems and the problems associated with the development of an operating system. Typical topics include file systems, CPU scheduling, and memory and device management. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 222 and CSC 329 or permission of the instructor.
This course explores the analysis and manipulation of typical database architectures. This course will introduce the student to basic database concepts and design. It will present a general architecture for database systems and focus specifically on the relational model. The SQL language will be introduced, and entity-relationship models will be used in database design. The student will get practical experience with database implementation through group or individual projects. Typical topics include query languages, relational database, hierarchical databases, and network databases. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 341
The student will work for an educational, social, or professional organization under the direction of the instructor. The student will engage in fieldwork that is designed to provide computer experience related to the student's interest. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 222
This course provides the basic knowledge of data communication architecture, protocol, error detection/correction mechanisms and design and implementation of data communication equipment. Topics include: Network Design and Distributed Information Systems' Equipment, Protocols, Architecture, and Transmission alternatives. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 341
Students will select a topic for senior research culminating with senior paper and project defense. Offered every fall/spring. Both semesters required of all senior majors.
CREDIT: 1 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and successful completion of the English Writing Proficiency Examination.
Students will select a topic for senior research culminating with senior paper and project defense. Offered every fall/spring. Both semesters required of all senior majors.
CREDIT: 1 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and successful completion of the English Writing Proficiency Examination.
This course explores sample spaces; definition of probability; discrete and continuous random variables; normal binomial and Poisson probability density and distribution function; jointly distributed random variables; expectations; moment generating function; and central limit Theorem. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 222 with a grade of "C."
Required Electives (6 Credit Hours)
Students must complete one 3-credit course in a programming language to expand their programming expertise beyond the core curriculum.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Students must complete one additional course at the 300-level or higher in CSC or MAT to deepen their knowledge in specialized areas.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Computer Science Emphasis Foundation (18 Credit Hours)
Students who want to have an Emphasis in Computer Science must take the following foundational courses:
This course emphasizes algorithm development through the use of a pseudo-language or flowcharts. Topics include procedures, functions, parameters, correctness, efficiency, decisions, iteration. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Corequisite(s): MAT 103 or consent of the instructor.
Topics in this course include: testing recursion, searching, and sorting. Data structures include simple lists, character data, multidimensional arrays, records, programmer-constructed data structures including linked lists, and external files. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 221
This course explores data structures and implementation of algorithms. Typical topics include list processing, queues, stacks, recursion, trees, graphs, storing and searching. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 222
Additional coursework in advanced computer science topics to complete the emphasis requirement.
CREDIT: 9 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Note: This represents additional coursework beyond the core requirement
Computer Science, Associate of Arts
The Associate of Arts in Computer Science serves students who are interested in Computer Science and intend to pursue a degree at a 4-year institution but are either unsure whether the specific program interests them or are potentially interested in a Computer Science minor. Students enrolled in the Associate of Arts program will graduate with both General Education credits and credits in the sciences, for a total of 66 hours. When selected appropriately, all courses are transferrable to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science at Tougaloo College.
Required Courses (30 Credit Hours)
This course is a review of algebraic techniques such as solving quadratic equations, composite and inverse functions, transformations and symmetry of graphs. Advanced topics in polynomial and rational functions and graphs; applications. Introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions and graphs; solving linear systems; solving systems of linear inequalities. Offered every semester.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 091 with a grade of "C" or qualifying placement test score.
This course explores sets, relations, functions, algorithms, induction, counting methods, recurrence relations, probability, graphs and trees. Formal logic, if time permits. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 221 and one semester of a programming language.
This course is an introduction to the study of computer science for computer science majors. Topics will include: the impact of the computer on human events and social institutions, computer ethics, the organization of a computer, number systems, and internal data representation. Students will get hands-on experience with a word processor, spreadsheet, a database, and the Internet. This course will also provide an introduction to problem-solving techniques in computer programming. The emphasis will be on developing interdisciplinary algorithms using flowcharting and pseudo-language.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
This is an introductory programming course that emphasizes program specification and design, algorithm development, coding, and testing. Typical topics include fundamentals of algorithms, flowcharts, problem solving, classes and methods or functions, control structures, data validation, arrays, strings, error handling, and file I/O.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
This course emphasizes algorithm development through the use of a pseudo-language or flowcharts. Topics include procedures, functions, parameters, correctness, efficiency, decisions, iteration. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Corequisite(s): MAT 103 or consent of the instructor.
Topics in this course include: testing recursion, searching, and sorting. Data structures include simple lists, character data, multidimensional arrays, records, programmer-constructed data structures including linked lists, and external files. Offered every spring.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 221
This course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience with the Java programming environment and features. Students will design, write, debug, and run Java stand-alone programs. Topics covered include: Java language syntax, operators, statements, arrays, string manipulation classes, common classes, basic I/O operations, exception handling, object-oriented analysis and design, and graphical user interfaces.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 222
This course explores data structures and implementation of algorithms. Typical topics include list processing, queues, stacks, recursion, trees, graphs, storing and searching. Offered every fall.
CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOUR(S)
Prerequisite(s): CSC 222
Shape the Future Through Technology
Join a program that combines rigorous academics with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology. Whether you choose our Associate or Bachelor's degree, you'll graduate ready to make an impact in the rapidly evolving world of computer science.