Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Kentucky State University provides students with a strong foundation in programming, software development, and computer systems, while emphasizing problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates for careers in technology, government, business, or for further study in graduate programs. Through hands-on projects, research opportunities, and industry-relevant coursework, students gain the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Our computer science tracks are Information Security, Game Development, Information Systems, Mathematics, and Network Engineering, each designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and practical skills in high-demand areas of the tech industry. These tracks allow students to tailor their education to match their career goals—whether it's creating immersive digital experiences, managing enterprise IT systems, advancing in cybersecurity, or mastering the mathematical foundations of computing.

Students majoring in Computer Science must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, including General Education and Supporting Course Requirements.

Computer Science Core Courses are:

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
COS 107	Prob Solving, Logic & Design	3
COS 108	Prin Computer Science I	3
COS 109	Prin Computer Sci II	3
COS 281	Introduction to Info. Sec. & A	3
DGE 300	Software Eng Computing Games	3
or COS 300	System Design/Development
COS 301	Computer Organization	3
COS 302	Operating Systems	3
COS 310	Discrete Computing Structures	3
COS 340	Data Struc Algorithm Analy	3
COS 410	Database Management Systems	3
COS 496	Capstone Project	3

Information Security Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Term 1 (Fall)		Hours
Pick ONE of the following Natural Science Electives		3-4
BIO 101	Life Science
BIO 111	Principles of Biology
CHE 109	Chemistry in Context
CHE 209	Survey Gen/Organic/Biochemi
PHS 201	Physical Sciences I
CHE 101	General Chemistry I (Must also take CHE 110 Lab)
and
CHE 110	General Chem I Laboratory
COS 107	Prob Solving, Logic & Design	3
ENG 101	English Comp I	3
MAT 115	College Algebra	3
FYE 118	First Year Experience	3
	Hours	15-16
Term 2 (Spring)
COS 108	Prin Computer Science I	3
ENG 102	English Comp II	3
MAT 125	Business Calculus and Matrices	3
Pick ONE of the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
COS 170	Networking Fundamentals	3
	Hours	15
Year 2
Term 3 (Fall)
COS 109	Prin Computer Sci II	3
Pick ONE of the following Arts Electives		3
ART 130	Introduction to Art
MUS 130	Introduction to Music
THE 130	Introduction to Theatre
ENG 211	Intro to Literature
COS/CIT/DGE Elective		3
COS 281	Introduction to Info. Sec. & A	3
COS/CIT/DGE 200 Elective		3
	Hours	15
Term 4 (Spring)
COS/CIT/DGE 200 Elective		3
COS 200	Computer Information Systems	3
Pick ONE of the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
Pick ONE of the following Humanities Electives		3
EDU 204	Cultural Responsiveness
BUA 120	Business and Society
HIS 103	Western Civilization
HIS 108	Intro to African American Hist
COM 103	Interpersonal Communication	3
	Hours	15
Year 3
Term 5 (Fall)
COS 303	Human Perspective on Computing	3
COS 301	Computer Organization	3
COS 310	Discrete Computing Structures	3
Pick ONE of the following Global/Civic Electives		3
AFE 117	Global Perspect Ag/Food/Env
ASP 303	American Civil Rights Movement
POS 101	American Government
POS 361	World Politics
COS 332	Management Information Securit	3
	Hours	15
Term 6 (Spring)
COS 302	Operating Systems	3
COS 334	Computer Forensics	3
COS/CIT/DGE 300/400 Elective		3
Free Elective		3
Guided Elective		3
	Hours	15
Year 4
Term 7 (Fall)
COS 460	Artificial Intelligence ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 460 with COS 537))	3
Pick ONE of the folowing COS/DGE Courses		3
COS 300	System Design/Development
DGE 300	Software Eng Computing Games ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace DGE 300 with COS 536))
Guided Elective		3
COS 484	Intro to Network Security ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 484 with COS 588))	3
COS 496	Capstone Project	3
	Hours	15
Term 8 (Spring)
COS 410	Database Management Systems ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 410 with COS 515))	3
COS 435	Advanced Topics in Cyber Secur	3
COS 364	Data Storage and Data Mining ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 364 with COS 514))	3
Guided Elective		3
COS 340	Data Struc Algorithm Analy ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 340 with COS 506))	3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	120-121

Game Development Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Term 1 (Fall)		Hours
Pick ONE of the following Natural Science Electives		3-4
BIO 101	Life Science
BIO 111	Principles of Biology
CHE 109	Chemistry in Context
CHE 209	Survey Gen/Organic/Biochemi
PHS 201	Physical Sciences I
CHE 101	General Chemistry I (Must also take CHE 110 Lab)
and
CHE 110	General Chem I Laboratory
COS 107	Prob Solving, Logic & Design	3
ENG 101	English Comp I	3
MAT 115	College Algebra	3
FYE 118	First Year Experience	3
	Hours	15-16
Term 2 (Spring)
COS 108	Prin Computer Science I	3
ENG 102	English Comp II	3
MAT 125	Business Calculus and Matrices	3
Pick ONE of the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
COS 170	Networking Fundamentals	3
	Hours	15
Year 2
Term 3 (Fall)
COS 109	Prin Computer Sci II	3
COS 275	Game Programming Foundation I	3
COS/CIT/DGE Elective		3
COS 281	Introduction to Info. Sec. & A	3
COM 103	Interpersonal Communication	3
	Hours	15
Term 4 (Spring)
COS 385	Gaming and Computer Graphics	3
COS 200	Computer Information Systems	3
COS 375	Game Programming Foundation II	3
Pick ONE of the following Humanities Electives		3
EDU 204	Cultural Responsiveness
BUA 120	Business and Society
HIS 103	Western Civilization
HIS 108	Intro to African American Hist
Pick ONE of the following Arts Electives		3
ART 130	Introduction to Art
MUS 130	Introduction to Music
THE 130	Introduction to Theatre
ENG 211	Intro to Literature
	Hours	15
Year 3
Term 5 (Fall)
COS 301	Computer Organization	3
COS 303	Human Perspective on Computing	3
COS 310	Discrete Computing Structures	3
COS/CIT/DGE Elective		3
Pick ONE of the following Global/Civic Electives		3
AFE 117	Global Perspect Ag/Food/Env
ASP 303	American Civil Rights Movement
POS 101	American Government
POS 361	World Politics
	Hours	15
Term 6 (Spring)
COS 302	Operating Systems	3
Pick ONE of the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
Free Elective		3
COS 475	Game Design and Development	3
Guided Elective		3
	Hours	15
Year 4
Term 7 (Fall)
DGE 300	Software Eng Computing Games ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace DGE 300 with COS 536))	3
COS/CIT/DGE 300/400 Elective		3
COS/CIT/DGE 300/400 Elective (For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace Elective with COS 588)		3
COS 460	Artificial Intelligence ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 460 with COS 537))	3
COS 496	Capstone Project	3
	Hours	15
Term 8 (Spring)
COS 410	Database Management Systems ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 410 with COS 515))	3
COS/CIT/DGE 300/400 Elective (For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace Elective with COS 514)		3
COS 300	System Design/Development	3
Guided Elective		3
COS 340	Data Struc Algorithm Analy ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 340 with COS 506))	3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	120-121

Information Systems Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Term 1 (Fall)		Hours
Pick ONE of the following Natural Science Electives		3-4
BIO 101	Life Science
BIO 111	Principles of Biology
CHE 109	Chemistry in Context
CHE 209	Survey Gen/Organic/Biochemi
PHS 201	Physical Sciences I
CHE 101	General Chemistry I (Must also take CHE 110 Lab)
and
CHE 110	General Chem I Laboratory
COS 107	Prob Solving, Logic & Design	3
ENG 101	English Comp I	3
MAT 115	College Algebra	3
FYE 118	First Year Experience	3
	Hours	15-16
Term 2 (Spring)
COS 108	Prin Computer Science I	3
ENG 102	English Comp II	3
MAT 125	Business Calculus and Matrices	3
COS 170	Networking Fundamentals	3
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I	3
	Hours	15
Year 2
Term 3 (Fall)
COS 109	Prin Computer Sci II	3
ACC 201	Principles of Accounting I	3
COS/CIT/DGE Elective		3
COS 281	Introduction to Info. Sec. & A	3
COM 103	Interpersonal Communication	3
	Hours	15
Term 4 (Spring)
Pick ONE from the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
Pick the following Humanities Elective		3
BUA 204	Business Communication
COS 200	Computer Information Systems	3
COS/CIT/DGE Elective		3
Pick ONE from the following Arts Electives		3
ART 130	Introduction to Art
MUS 130	Introduction to Music
THE 130	Introduction to Theatre
ENG 211	Intro to Literature
	Hours	15
Year 3
Term 5 (Fall)
COS/CIT/DGE Elective		3
COS 303	Human Perspective on Computing	3
COS 301	Computer Organization	3
COS 310	Discrete Computing Structures	3
Pick ONE of the following Global/Civic Electives		3
AFE 117	Global Perspect Ag/Food/Env
ASP 303	American Civil Rights Movement
POS 101	American Government
POS 361	World Politics
	Hours	15
Term 6 (Spring)
COS 302	Operating Systems	3
Guided Elective		3
Free Elective		3
Guided Elective		3
BUA 320	Business Statistics	3
	Hours	15
Year 4
Term 7 (Fall)
Pick ONE of the following COS/DGE Courses		3
COS 300	System Design/Development
DGE 300	Software Eng Computing Games ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace DGE 300 with COS 536))
COS 484	Intro to Network Security ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 484 with COS 588))	3
COS/CIT/DGE 300/400 Elective		3
COS 496	Capstone Project	3
COS 460	Artificial Intelligence ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 460 with COS 537))	3
	Hours	15
Term 8 (Spring)
COS 364	Data Storage and Data Mining ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 364 with COS 514))	3
ECO 321	Quantitative Methods Dec Mak	3
Pick ONE of the following COS/CIT/MIS Courses		3
COS 464	Mgt of Computer Info Systems
CIT 370	Information Tech Project Mgt
MIS 300	Management Info Systems
COS 340	Data Struc Algorithm Analy ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 340 with COS 506))	3
COS 410	Database Management Systems ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 410 with COS 515))	3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	120-121

Mathematics Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Term 1 (Fall)		Hours
Pick ONE of the following Natural Science Electives		3-4
BIO 101	Life Science
BIO 111	Principles of Biology
CHE 109	Chemistry in Context
CHE 209	Survey Gen/Organic/Biochemi
PHS 201	Physical Sciences I
CHE 101	General Chemistry I (Must be taken with CHE 110 Lab)
and
CHE 110	General Chem I Laboratory
ENG 101	English Comp I	3
COS 107	Prob Solving, Logic & Design	3
MAT 115	College Algebra	3
FYE 118	First Year Experience	3
	Hours	15-16
Term 2 (Spring)
Pick ONE of the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
COS 108	Prin Computer Science I	3
ENG 102	English Comp II	3
MAT 120	Precalculus	4
COS 170	Networking Fundamentals	3
	Hours	16
Year 2
Term 3 (Fall)
COS 109	Prin Computer Sci II	3
COS/CIT/DGE/MAT Elective		3
MAT 131	Calculus/Analy Geom I	4
COS 281	Introduction to Info. Sec. & A	3
	Hours	13
Term 4 (Spring)
Pick ONE from the following Natural Science Electives		3-4
BIO 101	Life Science
BIO 111	Principles of Biology
CHE 109	Chemistry in Context
CHE 209	Survey Gen/Organic/Biochemi
PHS 201	Physical Sciences I
CHE 101	General Chemistry I (Must also take CHE 110 Lab)
and
CHE 110	General Chem I Laboratory
COS 200	Computer Information Systems	3
MAT 132	Calculus/Analy Geom II	4
COM 103	Interpersonal Communication	3
Pick ONE of the following Humanities Electives		3
EDU 204	Cultural Responsiveness
BUA 120	Business and Society
HIS 103	Western Civilization
HIS 108	Intro to African American Hist
	Hours	16-17
Year 3
Term 5 (Fall)
Pick ONE of the following Global/Civic Electives		3
AFE 117	Global Perspect Ag/Food/Env
ASP 303	American Civil Rights Movement
POS 101	American Government
POS 361	World Politics
COS 303	Human Perspective on Computing	3
COS 301	Computer Organization	3
COS 310	Discrete Computing Structures	3
Pick ONE of the following Arts Electives		3
ART 130	Introduction to Art
MUS 130	Introduction to Music
THE 130	Introduction to Theatre
ENG 211	Intro to Literature
	Hours	15
Term 6 (Spring)
COS/CIT/DGE/MAT 300/400 Elective		3
COS 302	Operating Systems	3
Free Elective		3
COS/CIT/DGE/MAT 300/400 Elective		3
Pick ONE from the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
	Hours	15
Year 4
Term 7 (Fall)
Pick ONE of the following COS/DGE Courses		3
COS 300	System Design/Development
DGE 300	Software Eng Computing Games ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace DGE 300 with COS 536))
COS/CIT/DGE/MAT 300/400 Elective (For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace Elective with COS 588)		3
COS 496	Capstone Project	3
COS 460	Artificial Intelligence ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 460 with COS 537))	3
Pick ONE of the following MAT Courses		3
MAT 307	Linear Algebra
MAT 321	Probability/Statistics I
	Hours	15
Term 8 (Spring)
COS 410	Database Management Systems ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 410 with COS 515))	3
COS/CIT/DGE/MAT 300/400 Elective (For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace Elective with COS 514)		3
COS/CIT/DGE/MAT 300/400 Elective		3
COS 340	Data Struc Algorithm Analy ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 340 with COS 506))	3
Guided Elective		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	120-122

Network Engineering Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Term 1 (Fall)		Hours
Pick ONE from the following CIT/COS Courses		3
CIT 111	Network Fundamentals
COS 170	Networking Fundamentals
COS 107	Prob Solving, Logic & Design	3
ENG 101	English Comp I	3
MAT 115	College Algebra	3
FYE 118	First Year Experience	3
	Hours	15
Term 2 (Spring)
CIT 112	Router Theory and Config	3
COS 108	Prin Computer Science I	3
ENG 102	English Comp II	3
MAT 125	Business Calculus and Matrices	3
Free Elective		3
	Hours	15
Year 2
Term 3 (Fall)
COS/CIT/DGE 200 Elective		3
Pick ONE of the following CIT/COS Courses		3
CIT 211	LAN Switching and Wireless
COS 314	Network Protocols
COS 109	Prin Computer Sci II	3
COS/CIT/DGE 200 Elective		3
COS 281	Introduction to Info. Sec. & A	3
	Hours	15
Term 4 (Spring)
CIT 212	Intro to WAN Technology	3
COM 103	Interpersonal Communication	3
Pick ONE of the following Humanities Electives		3
EDU 204	Cultural Responsiveness
BUA 120	Business and Society
HIS 103	Western Civilization
HIS 108	Intro to African American Hist
Guided Elective		3
Pick ONE of the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
	Hours	15
Year 3
Term 5 (Fall)
Pick ONE of the following Natural Science Electives		3-4
BIO 101	Life Science
BIO 111	Principles of Biology
CHE 109	Chemistry in Context
CHE 209	Survey Gen/Organic/Biochemi
PHS 201	Physical Sciences I
CHE 101	General Chemistry I (Must also take CHE 110 Lab)
and
CHE 110	General Chem I Laboratory
CIT 300	Network Operating Systems	3
COS 301	Computer Organization	3
COS 310	Discrete Computing Structures	3
COS 303	Human Perspective on Computing	3
	Hours	15-16
Term 6 (Spring)
COS 334	Computer Forensics	3
Pick ONE from the following COS/CIT/MAS Courses		3
COS 364	Data Storage and Data Mining
CIT 370	Information Tech Project Mgt
MIS 300	Management Info Systems
COS 302	Operating Systems	3
Pick ONE from the following Social/Behavioral Electives		3
FIN 101	Financial Literacy
ECO 201	Prin of Economics I
PSY 200	General Psychology
SOC 203	Principles of Sociology
Pick ONE from the following Arts Electives		3
ART 130	Introduction to Art
MUS 130	Introduction to Music
THE 130	Introduction to Theatre
ENG 211	Intro to Literature
	Hours	15
Year 4
Term 7 (Fall)
COS 496	Capstone Project	3
COS 484	Intro to Network Security ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 484 with COS 588))	3
Pick ONE from the following Global/Civic Electives		3
AFE 117	Global Perspect Ag/Food/Env
ASP 303	American Civil Rights Movement
POS 101	American Government
POS 361	World Politics
COS/CIT/DGE 300/400 Elective (For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace Elective with COS 536)		3
COS 460	Artificial Intelligence ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 460 with COS 537))	3
	Hours	15
Term 8 (Spring)
CIT 345	Net. Analysis/Troubleshooting	3
Guided Elective		3
COS 340	Data Struc Algorithm Analy ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 340 with COS 506))	3
COS/CIT/DGE 300/400 Elective (For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace Elective for COS 514)		3
COS 410	Database Management Systems ((For 4+1 BS to MS - Student may replace COS 410 with COS 515))	3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	120-121

Academic Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science