Computer Science: Systems, B.A. - CEPS, UNH

Undergraduate

Computer Science: Systems

Build strong fundamentals of computer science focused on cybersecurity with room to explore another discipline.
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
21*
Credit
128 hrs.*
Full-time
4 yrs.
Part-time
Varies
View course catalog
two computer science students looking at a computer screen

COmputer Science

The Computer Science Cybersecurity option at UNH offers a cutting-edge program ideal for students interested in computer and network security with the flexibility to explore other academic interests. 

Here, you’ll dive into advanced coursework covering algorithms, programming languages, and artificial intelligence, preparing you for a variety of career options in fast growing fields.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

Computer Science Department

UNH student looking at a computer screen

Innovation Scholars

The only first-year research and innovation program of its type in the region!

The Innovation Scholars program, open to all CEPS majors, offers students an exceptional launch to their college experience. Through multiple interdisciplinary cohorts and hands-on research in world-class facilities, students build confidence, gain real experience, and open doors to paid research, internships, and future graduate study. It’s a proven program that helps students shape their future from day one.

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Arvind Narayan
Principal Lecturer
Arvind.Narayan@unh.edu
Kingsbury Hall, Room W239, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-1237

What is a bachelor of arts in Computer Science?

The Computer Science Systems option at UNH is designed for students with interests in the fundamental concepts of computing systems and data communication. This specialized degree program offers rigorous coursework in algorithms, operating systems, and network architecture, providing a solid foundation for addressing complex technological challenges with the flexibility to explore other academic interests. Whether pursuing careers in software engineering, network administration, or cloud computing, graduates are well-prepared for success in diverse sectors of the tech industry.

Why study Computer Science at UNH?

Our fundamentals-based programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for today’s rapidly evolving careers. Our graduates have achieved remarkable success as entrepreneurs, key contributors in startups, and corporate leaders. Our alumni can be found in virtually every major tech company and throughout fields as diverse as finance, insurance, and defense. Student learning is supported through the Programming Assistance Center for introductory classes and through peer support for advanced courses. The department provides opportunities for students to augment their studies by engaging in research through projects and independent studies. Students have access to the UNH Interoperability Lab, where they have opportunities to work alongside top tech companies, and the UNH ECenter, where they can receive assistance with entrepreneurial ventures. Many of UNH’s student organizations, such as the Cybersecurity Club, are a natural fit for our students.

Potential Careers

  • Application developer
  • Computer and information research scientist
  • Database developer
  • Data security specialist
  • Network architect
  • Product development manager
  • Quality assurance analyst
  • Software engineer
  • Software systems developer
  • User experience designer
  • Web developer

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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The B.A. in Computer Science will allow students to combine the study of computer science with the study of another field. Given the emergence of computational approaches to virtually all areas of scholarship and creative expression, it is important to offer this flexibility. The three tracks in the B.A. program contain the same computer science core as the B.S. program, but give more control to the student to choose the complementary and advanced courses. 

02
Degree Plan
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Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CS 400 Introduction to Computing 2
CS 415 Introduction to Computer Science I 4
IT 403 Introduction to Internet Technologies 4
MATH 425 Calculus I 4
Discovery I (or Foreign Language) 4
 Credits18
Spring
CS 416 Introduction to Computer Science II 4
CS 420 Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems 4
MATH 539 Introduction to Statistical Analysis 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
CS 515 Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms 4
CS 518
or CS 527
 Introduction to Software Engineering
or Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
 4
CS 501 Professional Ethics and Communication in Technology-related Fields (or Discovery II) 4
Discovery II (or Foreign Language) 4
 Credits16
Spring
CS 520 Computer Organization and System-Level Programming 4
CS 527
or CS 518
 Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
or Introduction to Software Engineering
 4
MATH Elective I 4
Discovery III (or CS 501) 4
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
CS 619 Introduction to Object-Oriented Design and Development 4
CS 620 Operating System Fundamentals 4
MATH Elective II 4
Discovery IV 4
 Credits16
Spring
CS 700-level Elective I 4
CS 700-level Elective II 4
Discovery V 4
General Elective I 4
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
CS 791 Senior Project I 2
Discovery VI 4
General Elective II 4
General Elective III 4
General Elective IV 4
 Credits18
Spring
CS 792 Senior Project II 2
Discovery VII 4
General Elective V 4
General Elective VI 4
 Credits14
 Total Credits130

Discovery (7): Historical Perspectives, Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts, Social Science, World Cultures, Physical Science Discovery Lab, Biological Science Discovery Lab.

Two Discovery or General Elective courses must have the Writing Intensive (WI) attribute.

03
Requirements for the Program
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Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: Yes

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Computer science majors must maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all required computer science, mathematics, and computer engineering courses in order to graduate. If at the end of any semester, including the first, a student's cumulative grade-point average in these courses falls below 2.0, the student may not be allowed to continue as a CS major.

The following courses or their equivalents must be completed with a grade of C- or better in order to meet the CS major requirements: CS 415, CS 416, CS 420, CS 515, CS 520, and IT 403.

Students are expected to demonstrate consistent progress towards the satisfaction of the core degree requirements and are allowed two repeats of the aforementioned courses before being subject to removal from the program. This can be a single class repeated twice or two classes repeated once. Students may petition to be reinstated after a one-year absence from the program.

If a student wishing to transfer into the computer science major has any coursework that is applicable to the major, the grades in those courses must satisfy the minimum grade requirements for the B.S. degree in computer science. The student must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in all courses taken at the university.

Computer Science Courses
CS 400Introduction to Computing2
CS 415Introduction to Computer Science I4
or CS 410C Introduction to Scientific Programming/C
or CS 410P Introduction to Scientific Programming/Python
CS 416Introduction to Computer Science II4
CS 420Foundations of Programming for Digital Systems4
IT 403Introduction to Internet Technologies4
CS 501Professional Ethics and Communication in Technology-related Fields4
CS 515Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms4
CS 518Introduction to Software Engineering4
CS 520Computer Organization and System-Level Programming4
CS 527Fundamentals of Cybersecurity4
CS 619Introduction to Object-Oriented Design and Development4
CS 620Operating System Fundamentals4
Capstone
CS 791
& CS 792		Senior Project I
and Senior Project II		4
or CS 799 Thesis
Computer Science Electives
Select two additional CS courses numbered 690-7998
Mathematics Courses
MATH 425Calculus I4
MATH 539Introduction to Statistical Analysis4
or MATH 644 Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
Select two courses from the following:8
CS 659
Introduction to the Theory of Computation
MATH 420
Finite Mathematics
MATH 426
Calculus II
MATH 445
Mathematics and Applications with MATLAB
Any MATH 500-level course or higher
Science Courses 1
One Discovery Biological Science (BS) with Discovery Lab4
One Discovery Physical Science (PS) with Discovery Lab4
Discovery requirements not already covered by required courses20
Total Credits102
1

Courses must carry the Discovery attributes of Biological Science or Physical Science and include Discovery lab (DLAB).

04
Student Learning Outcomes
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Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the UNH B.A. CS programs will have an ability to:
  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
  • Learn independently about new technologies, and have the skills needed to understand them.
Evan Parker ’28
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences (CEPS)
Majoring in Computer Science in the Age of AI
Meet Evan Parker ’28, a computer science major, student employee at the UNH InterOperability Lab, and president of the UNH Cybersecurity Club, and learn more about how he’s diving into the world of computer science in the age of artificial intelligen...
12/10/2025
Daniel conducting research
Research
Conducting Vision Research as a Computer Science Major
Daniel Sixon ’28, a computer science major, spent the summer working in the UNH Vision Lab with the psychology department to write code for virtual reality experiments testing depth perception and stimuli response.
11/05/2025

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