University Catalog 2025-2026
Department of Computer Science
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Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
NCF Science Addition 233 - (504) 520-7456 - https://www.xula.edu/cpsc/cpsc.html
Program in Bioinformatics
The Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics enables students to gain knowledge and skills relevant to the broad field of bioinformatics, including understanding complex biological systems and their quantitative data; processing, storing, analyzing, and modeling of many types of biological data; and effectively communicating research findings. The field of bioinformatics is emerging at the intersections of biological sciences, computer science, and mathematical sciences. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with content knowledge across the field, training a generation of students to become future leaders in bioinformatics. Graduates of the program will acquire the qualifications to pursue careers in industry, government, and academia as bioinformatics professionals, or pursue further studies towards obtaining MS, PhD, or other STEM related degrees.
All bioinformatics majors are required to complete a total of 120 hours of coursework that includes the Xavier Core Curriculum, and courses in bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and statistics, (six hours of which are already counted as part of the Core Curriculum hours). In addition, they need to successfully complete a two-part bioinformatics capstone project before graduation. In Bioinformatics Capstone I (BINF 4598 ), students must choose a project that requires the implementation of bioinformatics software, pipelines, frameworks, or procedures to address important problems at the intersection of biology and computer science. Bioinformatics Capstone II (BINF 4599 ) will be on the continuation of the project from the first course, along with its implementation and evaluation.
Programs in Computer Science
The XULA Computer Science Program lays the foundation for students to explore or specialize in any branch of computer science such as artificial intelligence, mobile application development, cybersecurity, software development leadership, robotics, and many other computing areas upon graduation. Students in the program will learn how to analyze complex interdisciplinary problems, how to program the solutions to these problems, and how to work effectively with others professionally in teams to solve these problems. At graduation, computer science majors will be capable of success regardless of whether they choose to continue to graduate school or a career in the computer science industry.
The Computer Science Department offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, the Minor in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a Dual Degree in Computer Engineering. All majors require the same introductory programming sequence then diverge and the computer science majors take more mathematics courses, the computer information systems majors take more business courses, and the dual degree computer engineering majors take more mathematics and physics courses.
At the completion of the undergraduate degree requirements, our graduates are able to apply design techniques and programming practices to solve challenging problems; they have a breadth of knowledge in the theory and practice of computing; they understand the joys and challenges of teamwork; they are able to effectively communicate their knowledge; they have had research opportunities that enhance their knowledge; and they are prepared to be life-long learners in the computing sciences and beyond.
The computer science curricula are based on the recommendations of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). The University requires a minimum of 120 hours earned overall which includes the courses required to complete the Core Curriculum, a minor, and the major.
In addition to all University policies, computer science majors can earn no more than 25% of their computer science (CPSC) courses from another institution. No more than 10% of their earned 3000-level or above CPSC courses can be transferred from another institution.
To earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science, a student must earn a total of 120 semester hours; earn a “C” or better in all computer science courses accepted for credit; earn a “C” or better in all mathematics courses accepted for credit; and earn a “C” or better in Philosophy Logic (PHIL 2040 ).
To earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems, a student must earn a total of 120 semester hours; earn a “C” or better in all computer science courses accepted for credit; earn a “C” or better in all business courses accepted for credit; and earn a “C” or better in Philosophy Logic (PHIL 2040 ).
Xavier also has a Computer Science with Dual Degree in Computer Engineering Program. This 3+2 program requires students to complete the core curriculum and the computer science courses and then transfer to an engineering school to complete their engineering degree requirements. Upon completion of the degree requirements, students will earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Xavier and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from their engineering school.
Students choosing a double concentration in computer science and another discipline, must earn a total of 12 hours with a grade of “C” or better in CPSC 1724 , CPSC 2120 , and CPSC 2735 . An additional 12 hours is required in the other selected discipline of which specific courses might be required. Students are advised to check with the selected department that houses the discipline for the most up-to-date requirements.
Computer science majors with (1) a 3.5 grade point average in all computer science and mathematics courses accepted for credit, and (2) a cumulative 3.3 grade point average overall will earn the graduation distinction of “Honors in Computer Science”. Students must meet the academic requirements throughout their tenure in the Computer Science Department.
Computer information systems majors with (1) a 3.5 grade point average in all computer science and business courses accepted for credit, and (2) a cumulative 3.3 grade point average overall will earn the graduation distinction of “Honors in Computer Information Systems”. Students must meet the academic requirements throughout their tenure in the Computer Science Department.
ProgramsBachelor of ScienceNon-degree
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