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BS in Applied Computer Science
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BS in Applied Computer Science

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Program Structure

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Home Academics Program Structure

Flexible Pathways to Complete Your Degree

We understand the decision to go back to school isn’t an easy one, which is why our program is structured in a flexible way so you can customize your workload each semester depending on your schedule and needs.

  • Program Structure
  • Curriculum & Course List
  • Dates and Deadlines

Earn a Degree in Computer Science Quickly

Below are sample pathways to completion. Upon committing to the program, you will meet with an academic advisor to find a pathway that works best for you and your schedule.

  • Three-Year Plan
  • Two-Year Plan
  • Accelerated Plan

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Semester 1 (4 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 1300: Computer Science 1: Starting Computing

Semester 2 (3 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 2824: Discrete Structures

Semester 3 (4 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 2270: Computer Science 2: Data Structures

Semester 4 (4 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 2400: Computer Systems

Semester 5 (4 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 3104: Algorithms

Semester 6 (6 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 3702: Cognitive Science
  • CSPB 4122: Information Visualization

Semester 7 (7 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 3022: Introduction to Data Science Algorithms
  • CSPB 3155: Principles of Programming Languages

Semester 8 (7 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 3287: Design and Analysis of Data Systems
  • CSPB 3753: Design and Analysis of Operating Systems

Semester 9 (6 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 3308: Software Development Methods and Tools
  • CSPB 4502: Data Mining

Please be aware this pathway can mean upwards of 30 hours of coursework per week and is not recommended for those who work full time.  

First Year

Second Year

Semester 1 (7 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 1300: Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
  • CSPB 2824: Discrete Structures

Semester 2 (8 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 2270: Computer Science 2: Data Structures
  • CSPB 3104: Algorithms

Semester 3 (10 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 2400: Computer Systems
  • CSPB 3702: Cognitive Science
  • CSPB 4122: Information Visualization

Semester 4 (7 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 3022: Introduction to Data Science Algorithms
  • CSPB 3155: Principles of Programming Languages

Semester 5 (7 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 3308: Software Development Methods and Tools
  • CSPB 3753: Design and Analysis of Operating Systems

Semester 6 (6 Credit Hours)

  • CSPB 3287: Design and Analysis of Data Systems
  • CSPB 4502: Data Mining

You may work with your academic advisor to pursue an accelerated pathway of one and a half-years to completion. This pathway requires a significant time commitment ranging from 45-70 hours per week and a meeting with your academic advisor prior to enrollment each term. 

Once accepted into the program, please speak with your advisor to discuss your options and if an accelerated pathway is right for you. For students in the accelerated pathway, a registration hold will be placed to prevent enrolling in future semesters without first meeting with an advisor to discuss your proposed schedule.

An accelerated pathway of one and a half-years looks like you either take four or more classes in fall/spring terms or three or more classes in the summer term.

Nondegree Option

If you are interested in trying out the program, or simply taking a few classes to expand your knowledge base, you can enroll in our courses as a nondegree student. Learn more about what it means to be a nondegree student and how to apply and enroll in classes on the Nondegree Option page.

BS in Applied Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science is awarded by the College of Engineering & Applied Science with some administrative support provided by the Division of Continuing Education.

  Contact Us
CSPBonline@colorado.edu
303-492-2518

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