Apr 08, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Computer Science and Criminology B.S.

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TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 120
Plans of Study

The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Criminology provides students with a strong foundation in computing and criminology. This program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed in the wide variety of agencies that comprise the criminal justice system, these include law enforcement, detention, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, probation and parole.

The computer science component focuses on the design, development, and application of software systems, featuring coursework in data structures, algorithms, software engineering, secure computing, and advanced electives, including artificial intelligence. The program culminates in an interdisciplinary capstone design project, allowing students to synthesize their learning in a practical setting.

Mission Statement

The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing at the University of South Florida is dedicated to transforming the role of computing technologies in society. We are committed to:

Delivering High-Demand Academic Programs: Deliver a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional majors, both disciplinary and interdisciplinary, in AI, cybersecurity, and computing.  The majors are pedagogically effective and designed with high standards to be rigorous, relevant, and meet the current and future needs of industry, government, and society.

Advancing Research Excellence: Focus on innovative investigations and technological advances to elevate the state of AI, cybersecurity, and computing research. Push the boundaries of knowledge in our fields, facilitating collaboration and innovation across all academic disciplines and fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Promoting Ethics and Trust: Instill a deep sense of responsibility in our students and faculty, emphasizing the importance of secure and trustworthy technology. Through research, curricula, industry partnerships, and community engagement, promote ethically driven policies and practices that protect privacy, ensure security, and foster the social good.

University Admissions - Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing

Admission to the University and College is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following URLs:

Freshman: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admission-information/requirements-deadlines.aspx
Transfer: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/transfer/admission-information/index.aspx
International: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/international/admission-information/index.aspx

For Admission information specific to the Bellini College, see the information at Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing  .

Progression Requirements in the Upper Division - Interdisciplinary Computer Science Majors

Students who have fully met the below requirements and are in good academic standing may progress into the upper level of the major. Prior to progression into the upper level, a student may take no more than two upper-level CAICC courses.  There are continuation requirements, which specify minimum performance standards in core major courses which must be met before further registration is granted. A student progresses to the upper division when the following criteria have been met.

  1. Ability to register for COP 4530 - Data Structures  
  2. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0
  3. A minimum USF GPA of 2.0

College Policies

In addition to the Bellini College and College of Behavioral and Community Sciences graduation requirements, the following additional policies must be met.

  • Mandatory academic advising and/or mentoring of students.
  • Exit interview and/or survey as a graduation requirement.

Required Courses (98 Credit Hours)

State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites - Interdisciplinary Computer Science Majors (25 Credit Hours)*

Following Florida BOG Regulation 8.007, state mandated common course prerequisites are lower-division courses that are required for progression into the upper division of a particular baccalaureate degree program. 

Transfer students should complete the State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted. Successful completion of the common prerequisites alone does not guarantee a student admission into the degree program. 

Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses.

  • COP XXXX** - 3 credit hours
  • MAC X311 OR MAC X281 Calculus I - 4 credit hours**
  • MAC X312 OR MAC X282 Calculus II - 4 credit hours**
  • (PHY X048 AND PHY X048L OR PHY X048C General Physics I with Lab - 4 credit hours**
  • (PHY X049 AND PHY X049L OR PHY X049C General Physics I with Lab - 4 credit hours**
  • XXX XXXX*** - 6 credit hours

* All state common prerequisite courses count towards major requirements and are not additional credit hours

** Introductory Programming in C, C++, Java, or equivalent language. Choose programming language required by the university to which the student wishes to transfer.

*** Science courses for Science majors.

State Mathematics Pathway - Interdisciplinary Computer Science Majors (7 Credit Hours)*

The Interdisciplinary Computer Science majors use the Algebra through Calculus Mathematics Pathway with the following requirements:

* Mathematics Pathway courses count towards the State Common Prerequisite math courses and are not additional credits.

** Students may place out of MAC 1105 and begin at a higher-level math class.

Major Core Courses: 20 Courses; 56 Credit Hours

Math and Science Courses: 10 Courses; 28 Credit Hours

Computer Science Core Courses: 10 Courses; 28 Credit Hours

Other Required Courses: 5 Courses; 15 Credit Hours

Criminology Core Courses: 3 Courses; 9 Credit Hours

Other Major Required Courses: 2 Courses; 6 Credit Hours

Students must complete the capstone project in their graduating semester.

Major Electives: 9 Courses; 27 Credit Hours

Computer Science Electives: 2 Courses; 6 Credit Hours

Students must choose six (6) non-overlapping credit hours of upper-level, Computer Science major electives. 

The undergraduate section of the Bellini College website contains the most up to date list of approved computer science electives. Additional electives may be available with a special topics course number (typically, CIS 4930 ). Consult with the undergraduate Bellini College advising team to learn more about available electives. A maximum of three (3) hours of CIS 4900  and/or any other supervised individual study (including CIS 4915  and CIS 4940 ) are allowed as computer science electives.

  • CAI 3000* - 4999* 
  • CAP 3000* - 4999* 
  • CDA 3000* - 4999*  
  • CEN 3000* - 4999*  
  • CIS 3000* - 4999*  
  • CNT 3000* - 4999*  
  • COP 3000* - 4999*  
  • COT 3000* - 4999*  

Criminology Electives: 7 Courses; 21 Credit Hours

Students must choose 21 credit hours of Criminology electives.

  • CCJ 3000* - 4999* 
  • CJC 3000* - 4999* 
  • CJE 3000* - 4999* 
  • CJL 3000* - 4999* 
  • DSC 3000* - 4999* 

Industry Internship - Interdisciplinary Computer Science Majors

The college recommends that students complete an industry internship. Students may earn credit, as an elective, for CIS 4940 - Industry Internship . Internships for CIS 4940 must be in an area directly related to the student’s major field of study.

Additional Information - Computer Science and Criminology B.S.

GPA Requirements

Students must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 semester GPA, 2.0 Math and Science GPA, 2.0 major GPA, 2.0 USF GPA, and 2.0 overall GPA.

Grading Requirements

Unless otherwise stated in the course prerequisites on USF Course Inventory, the minimum acceptable grade in all major required courses is a C or higher (C- is insufficient). Students must earn the required grade in all major required courses in no more than two (2) registered attempts.  Grades of W, IF, U, and R are considered attempts.

Residency Requirements

Transfer students must complete a minimum number of approved specialization courses in the major at USF. The minimum number of USF specialization credit hours required is established by the respective academic department or college. In no case will this be less than 18 hours. The University residency requirement must also be met.

A dual degree student must meet the requirements of each major and have a minimum of 18 approved specialization hours taken in the degree granting department or college beyond those specialization hours required for the first degree.

Internship Opportunities

The Bellini College and the USF Center for Career and Professional Development Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program provides services for students interested in experiential educational experiences. A wide variety of industries and government agencies offer internships and cooperative education employment opportunities for students. Participants gain valuable expertise in practical applications and other aspects of operations and development in a professional environment. Students normally apply for participation in this program during their first year and pursue actual internships during their sophomore, junior and senior years. See the Bellini College advising team for more information on earning academic credit for internships.

Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways

BSCS-CRIM students have the option to pursue the following Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways:

  • BS in Computer Science and Criminology and MS in Computer Science

For more information, see the Graduate Catalog.

Research Opportunities - Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing

Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 4914 - Advanced Undergraduate Research Experience  course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Student Engagement in Research and Innovation (SERI) is able to assist with further inquiries.

Advising Information - Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing

To schedule an appointment with the Bellini College undergraduate advisors, please visit their advising website.

Plans of Study - Computer Science and Criminology

 

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