Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Computer Foundations, Major in Computer Science
Bachelor of ScienceChristopher Newport University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The Department of Physics, Computer Science and Engineering offers majors in the fields of engineering, science, and high technology. The computer science major allows students to specialize in data structures and operating systems, scientific computing, artificial intelligence applications, software engineering, mobile programming, robotics, and security.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | We offer the bachelor of science degree in computer foundations with a major in computer science. Coursework is designed to prepare students in the foundations of computer hardware and software. You can also minor in computer science. Computer science majors take courses that provide a background in computer engineering, computer science, mathematics and physics. Advanced courses give you additional exposure to data structures, programming languages, operating systems and algorithms. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Students are encouraged to participate in an internship while pursuing their degree.
Students are encouraged to study abroad while pursuing their degree. |
Program Successes & Highlights | CPSC majors can participate in Pizza My Mind, a series of career and networking lunch seminars featuring leading organizations that offer internships and career opportunities.
Our majors have gone on to graduate school and work at companies like Google, LinkedIn, NASA, Jefferson Laboratory, Newport News Shipbuilding and Swisslog, to name just a few. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Christopher Newport University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) will satisfy the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement. The Second Language Literacy Requirement may be met in one of the following ways: a) Transfer of 201 or higher level foreign language course or b) Completion of a 200-level or higher foreign language course at CNU. Note that three (3) years of high school language study (in the same language) or a 102-level foreign language course is a prerequisite for a CNU 200-level foreign language course.
Completion of a transfer-oriented associate of fine arts degree from a VCCS college will satisfy Christopher Newport lower-level liberal learning requirements with the exception of one mathematics course (CNU's MATH 115 or higher) satisfying the Mathematical Literacy Liberal Learning Foundation requirement and one science lecture satisfying the Investigating the Natural World Area of Inquiry. Christopher Newport also requires completion of a 200-level language course or higher in a second language in order to graduate. If these requirements are not fulfilled during completion of the associate degree, they must be completed at Christopher Newport. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) in high school will satisfy of the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement. The Second Language Literacy Requirement may be met in one of the following ways: a) Transfer of 201 or higher level foreign language course or b) Completion of a 200-level or higher foreign language course at CNU. Note that three (3) years of high school language study (in the same language) or a 102-level foreign language course is a prerequisite for a CNU 200-level foreign language course. Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for VCCS/CNU guaranteed admission programs. VCCS students who complete the associate degree while enrolled in high school and have not enrolled in college in a regular semester (fall/spring) post high school graduation, must apply to CNU as first-time freshmen applicants.
Completion of a transfer-oriented associate of fine arts degree from a VCCS college will satisfy Christopher Newport lower-level liberal learning requirements with the exception of one mathematics course (CNU's MATH 115 or higher) satisfying the Mathematical Literacy Liberal Learning Foundation requirement and one science lecture satisfying the Investigating the Natural World Area of Inquiry. Christopher Newport also requires completion of a 200-level language course or higher in a second language in order to graduate. If these requirements are not fulfilled during completion of the associate degree, they must be completed at Christopher Newport. |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/credit/ |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | At Christopher Newport University, we have approximately 4,500 students with about 200 transfers enrolling each year. We offer more than 90 areas of study, from electrical engineering to philosophy of law, from music performance to accounting. All programs are grounded in our rigorous liberal arts and sciences core curriculum - cited by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni as the strongest core curriculum of any public college or university in America. With 60 percent of our classes having 19 or fewer students, our small class sizes give you direct access to experts in their fields - teacher-scholars who provide outstanding instruction, conduct groundbreaking research (often with your help!), and publish noteworthy books and articles. We also have more than 200 clubs and student organizations and 24 varsity teams that compete in NCAA Division III. We're located in Newport News, Virginia, in the heart of one of the most historic and beautiful areas of the United States. When you venture off campus, you'll find unlimited activities for all interests as well as cultural and historical treasures within a short walk or drive. Our residence halls and apartment complexes win rave reviews from students and parents alike. In fact, The Princeton Review ranked our residence halls among the top in the nation in the group's Best College Dorms category. While transfer students are not required to live on-campus, many do! Housing is offered on a space-available basis. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | By term of entry at CNU. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | By term of entry at CNU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | If you attend a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) school and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher, you may be eligible for the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA). GAA students are those who graduate from a transfer-oriented degree program at a Virginia community college within two years of enrollment at Christopher Newport with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher on a four-point scale and who intends to transfer to CNU. Other GAAs exist for Virginia Peninsula, Rappahannock, and Richard Bland. Please visit our website: https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/
You must complete a Letter of Intent to transfer to CNU under the GAA after a minimum of 15 credit hours is completed toward the associate degree and before applying for graduation from the community college. You must maintain continuous enrollment in all non-summer terms from the point of declaration until the associate degree is conferred and must transfer to Christopher Newport in the semester designated under the Letter of Intent. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Central Virginia Community College | AS in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Computer Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Technology, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Sciences in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | Associate | Associated of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Security | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Infor Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Computer Science Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Computer Information Systems Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Longwood University | Computer Science BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Computer Science BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Math/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Computer Science and Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Applied Computer Science, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - CyberSecurity (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Computer Science - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Marymount University | Computer Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Computer Science Major - BS (Cybersecurity Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Computer Science Major - BS (Full-Stack Software Development Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Computer Science, Cybersecurity | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Computer Science, Network | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Computer Science, Programming | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Computer Science, Web Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Applied Computer Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | B.S. in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
15-1299.07 | Blockchain Engineers | Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2051.01 | Business Intelligence Analysts | Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2051.02 | Clinical Data Managers | Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1231.00 | Computer Network Support Specialists | Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.00 | Computer Occupations, All Other | All computer occupations not listed separately. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1251.00 | Computer Programmers | Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
25-1021.00 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
15-1299.08 | Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1221.00 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-3021.00 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. | Management Occupations |
15-2051.00 | Data Scientists | Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1243.01 | Data Warehousing Specialists | Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1243.00 | Database Architects | Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.06 | Digital Forensics Analysts | Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.03 | Document Management Specialists | Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.02 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1212.00 | Information Security Analysts | Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.05 | Information Security Engineers | Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.09 | Information Technology Project Managers | Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.04 | Penetration Testers | Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1252.00 | Software Developers | Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1253.00 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.01 | Video Game Designers | Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.01 | Web Administrators | Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1254.00 | Web Developers | Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.00 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
Cost To Complete
