Computer Science Course Guide: This is a short guide to help you better understand your possible options as a computer

science student and have different recommendations for courses that work well together. If you have any questions please contact your academic counselor Lisa Walter at lkwalte@ilstu.edu. The course options are based on a 120 hour degree requirement with an average of 15 hours per semester. Remember if you decide to take summer classes you can easily add a minor or lighten your class load! Freshman Year First Semester(14 hours) 1. IT 168 Structured Problem-Solving Using the Computer (4) 2. MAT 145 Calculus (4) 3. ENG 101 or COM110 (3) 4. Middle Core (3) Since this is your first semester you do not want to start with too many difficult classes. IT 168 and MAT 145 will keep you plenty busy so only taking 14 hours will be helpful as well as give you time to adjust to your new surroundings.

Freshman Year Second Semester(16 hours) 1. IT 179 Introduction to Data Structures (3) 2. MAT 146 Calculus II (4) 3. ENG 101 or COM110 (3) 4. Middle Core (3) 5. Middle Core (3) Your work load will not pick up with IT179 and MAT 146 but it is good to take your calculus classes back to back while the information is still fresh in your mind. IT 179 is a very difficult course so it is good to take it early to see if computer science is really something you are wanting to do. Taking a lot of middle core and inner core classes now will be very helpful. The computer science major has a lot of prerequisite classes in order to take the higher level courses so you will need to have lots of open space come your junior and senior year. Sophomore Year First Semester (14 hours) 1. IT 226 Advanced Practical Application Development (3) 2. IT 225 Computer Organization (3) 3. IT 191 Introduction to Information Technology Professional Practice (1) 4. PHY 110 Physics for Science and Engineering I (4) 5. Middle Core (3) This will effectively have you finished with your middle core general education courses and have you in good position to move forward in the major. Getting your science courses in early will be helpful since Physics and Calculus go hand in hand so you will better understand the material. The two IT classes are difficult but the content is very beneficial and your work load will be balanced.

Sophomore Year Second Semester (14 hours) 1. IT 279 Algorithms and Data Structures (3) 2. MAT 260 Discrete Mathematics (4) 3. IT 261 Systems Development I (3) 4. PHY 112 Physics for Science and Engineering II (4) IT279 is one of the most important courses for a computer science major and is imperative that you understand the concepts to succeed in future classes. It is also a very time consuming course. MAT 260 teaches the math part of the course so these are good to take together since the concepts overlap. PHY 112 is a tough course so only having 14 hours this semester will help you to balance the workloads between these courses. Junior Year First Semester (16 hours) 1. IT 327 Concepts of Programming Languages (3) 2. Additional Science course(CHE 140,141, BSC 196,197) (4) 3. IT Elective (326,340,356,378,384,388,382) (3) 4. COM 223 or ENG249 (3) 5. Outer Core(3) IT327 will be a good course to take after all of the other programming courses since it deals exclusively with programming languages. While you are still used to science courses it will be good to continue taking them though it is not 100% needed this semester. It is very important to get at least one other IT class this semester since taking more than two or three IT courses can be very difficult. If none of the IT courses interest you take an independent study with a subject that does. These are very insightful and allow you to study in something you are passionate about. To find more information about independent studies contact Lisa Walter. Junior Year Second Semester (16 hours) 1. IT 383 Principles of Operating Systems (3) 2. Additional Science course(CHE 140,141, BSC 196,197) (4) 3. IT Elective (326,340,356,378,384,388,382) (3) 4. COM 223 or ENG249 (3) 5. Outer Core (3) IT383 will be a great course to take this semester since a lot of what you learn can be carried over to an internship which all IT students need to get, or take extra classes to cover that credit. Finishing up science and English/communication credits will open up your senior year to more exciting and interesting classes that you can use to help you find a full time job more easily. Junior Year Summer Semester (6 hours) 1. IT 398 Professional Practice (6) or 6 credits worth of your choice if you are unable to find an internship Finding an internship is a very valuable experience for an IT student and is highly recommended. If for some reason you are unable to find one you should take six classes from the list below for the senior year classes over the summer and then take the IT 391 Directed Project class during your senior year.

Senior Year First Semester (15 hours) 1. IT Elective (326,340,356,378,384,388,382) (3) 2. Minor Elective (3) 3. IT Elective (326,340,356,378,384,388,382) (3) 4. Minor Elective (3) 5. Outer Core (3) If you took the classes over the summer or got the internship you will be able to pick up the minor or take the directed learning courses. Taking IT electives that are geared toward your future career marketability is recommended. You can also fill your minor electives with another IT elective that interests you. Senior Year Second Semester (15 hours) 1. IT 328 Introduction to the Theory of Computation (3) 2. IT Elective (326,340,356,378,384,388,382) (3) 3. Minor Elective (3) 4. Minor Elective (3) 5. Minor Elective (3) This will have you finish with most minors if you choose and 126 hours. You can cut out two of the classes and still finish with the required 120 hours if you wish. By following the above plan you will be able to finish on time and allow yourself to be marketable for future career opportunities. Ensure you meet with your counselor regularly during the registration time in case you have any questions.