Computing & Software Systems

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of four parts: foundation-strengthening courses, a series of core courses, selected CSS senior electives, courses to complete a UWT minor, and additional free electives. For a complete academic plan, click here.

Foundation-Strengthening Courses

The CSS program offers courses in programming for students who need to refresh or build skills before enrolling in core courses. These courses do not count toward graduation.

• TCSS 142 [Introduction to Object-Oriented Computer Programming]
• TCSS 143 [Fundamentals and Theory of Object-Oriented Computer Programming]

Core Courses

BA majors begin their course of study with a group of six required core courses (30 credits) in principles, analysis, techniques and technology. These courses are directed toward learning and applying the key competencies.

These courses are:

• TCSS 305 [Programming Practicum]
• TCSS 321 [Discrete Structures I]
• TCSS 325 [Computers, Ethics, & Society]
• TCSS 342 [Data Structures]
• TCSS 360 [Software Development & Quality Assurance]
• TCSS 371 [Machine Organization]

CSS Senior Electives

CSS senior electives consists of 20 credits from 400-level CSS courses. Available CSS electives represent several sub-disciplines in Computing and Software Systems, including: Applications Software Development, Distributed Computing Development (e-commerce), Database and Information Engineering, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Communications and Protocol Software Design.

For a list of available courses, please click here. See an advisor for more information about which courses will be available, and when they are scheduled to be offered.

UWT Minor

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in CSS are required to choose a minor from one of UW Tacoma's other academic programs. Minors consist of 20-30 credits in a focused area of study. Careful planning will be required to integrate the required coursework into the student's schedule. Students will need to workclosely with an academic advisor to map out a feasible schedule.

To explore available minors, click here.

Free Electives

The free electives consist of approved courses outside the CSS program, and include 10-20 credits (depending on the student's chosen minor). Electives provide students with the opportunity to take interdisciplinary courses to broaden their knowledge base.

Hands-On Learning Through Internships

Students who have completed the CSS core coursework have the option to receive academic credit for degree-related work experience in a paid or unpaid internship. Up to 10 credits of Internship may count towards the students' degree program.

Internships allow students to apply theoretical and conceptual classroom knowledge to practical work experiences, and to gain broad experience in a professional work environment. Internships also offer employers a chance to involve students in professional design, implementation and research projects. Many employers view internships as a source for qualified, experienced employees.

Core Sequencing

All prerequisites must be completed before advancing to the next academic level. All courses within the major must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0 (including TCSS 142, and 143). Advanced concentration courses build upon knowledge gained in the core courses. Courses may be repeated once.

In addition to the core and concentration/elective courses, the CSS program offers courses in writing, mathematics and programming for students who need to refresh skills before enrolling in core courses. Credit from these courses is not applied towards the Computing and Software Systems degree requirements.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate, students must complete a total of at least 180 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0.

The combined GPA of all TCSS courses must be at least 2.5.

top