• be able to use an integrated development environment to code and implement an executable program
• have a basic understanding of theoretical aspects of computer science
• be familiar with standard CPU architectures
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the creation of computer-based games: including games design, 2D and 3D graphics programming, games AI, virtual reality and simulation
• determine the requirements for a computer game and design computer game elements
• produce a computer game that meets its requirements
• be aware of current issues in computer gaming
• be able to lead a development team
• be able to demonstrate knowledge of social and ethical impact of computers

Graduate Program

The TSYS Department of Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, with two concentrations: Software Development and Information Assurance. To allow students with different backgrounds to benefit from and be successful in the program, students may also design a program of study without a concentration.

Expected Outcomes

All graduates in the MS in Applied CS program will be able to apply techniques and technologies from at least four of the following areas:

• Algorithm Analysis and Design
• Programming Languages
• Database
• Computer Architecture
• Operating Systems
• Computer Networks

In addition graduates in the Information Assurance concentration will:

In addition graduates in the Software Development concentration will:

Admission

Requirements for all applicants for admission into the program for the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science include the following:

Students may be admitted to the program unconditionally or conditionally (provisionally).

Additional requirements for unconditional admission into the MS program include:

1. An undergraduate major in Computer Science, Applied Computer Science, Computer Information Science/Systems, Computer Engineering or other closely related field from an accredited college or university
   AND
2. Demonstrated experience in the fundamentals of computer programming and knowledge in the fundamental principles of computer science, as evidenced by either
   a) passing with a grade of C or better a course substantially
   equivalent to CPSC 6105 � Fundamental of Computer Programming and Data Structures and CPSC 6106 � Fundamental Principles of Computer Science at CSU,
   OR
   b) a score of 50th percentile or higher on the GRE computer science test,
   OR
   c) passing a departmental test of programming competency in data structures
   AND
3. A minimum combined score of 900 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.

Students admitted conditionally to the program must show proficiency in Fundamental of Computer Programming and Data Structures (CPSC 6105) and Fundamental Principles of Computer Science (CPSC 6106) before being allowed to take any 6*** course for graduate credit in Computer Science. Students who have not taken these courses, either at Columbus State University or at another accredited college or university may "test out" of the courses.

Students admitted conditionally to the program are required to take and obtain the minimum combined score described above on the Graduate Record Examination within the first semester of initial enrollment at Columbus State University.

On-Line Students

The TSYS Department of Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, with courses available both on campus and on-line. Although there is only a single degree track, it is the intent of the department that a student be able to attain the degree either by taking only on-campus courses, or by taking only on-line courses, or by taking a combination of the two types of courses, as best fits the student�s schedule and travel requirements. Each graduate course in Computer Science will be scheduled for on-campus or on-line offering as the student demand requires.

Students who wish to take graduate courses on-line must meet all of the requirements stated above and, in addition, be aware of the following requirements specific to the process of taking courses via distance education.

1. Students must have a personal Internet connection
2. Each student must have a personal computer which is capable of running the required software
3. Students must have the ability to administer their systems, install and configure their own software. No support is provided to help manage personal systems or software. Students must provide personally licensed copies of required software
4. Exams may be computerized. Each student is responsible for locating and arranging an approved proctor to administer all examinations. Approved proctors include supervisors at work and various public officials such as librarians. During a computerized exam, the computer must maintain a continuous Internet connection. Professors of individual courses may have different requirements.

Visit the MS in Applied Computer Science Online Support site, accessible through http://cs.colstate.edu. This site has a lot of general information useful to online students. It includes an FAQ page addressing common questions like logging in, technical support, taking course exams, managing your account, contact links, software, hardware, etc.

Graduate Assistantships

All applicants must submit to the Chair of the Department of Computer Science

1. A letter of application including a statement of need and commitment and the applicant�s reasons for undertaking graduate study.
2. Two letters of recommendation, either from college-level instructors or employers.

• Students must earn a 3.0 grade point average calculated on all graduate work attempted for which letter grades are awarded.
• At least 27 of the hours required for the degree must be earned in the program. A maximum of nine semester hours with no grade lower than B may be accepted for transfer. Transfer credit will not be used in computing the student's grade point average.
• All degree requirements must be completed within seven years of first enrollment.
• Any program for the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science must include at least twelve courses (36 semester hours) taken for graduate credit.
• Any program for the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science must include at least six courses (18 semester hours) at the graduate (6000 or above) level.
• Any program for the Master�s Degree in Applied Computer Science must include four courses (12 semester hours) in the Core Curriculum.
• Any student who has taken a 5000-level core course for undergraduate credit at CSU will not be required to retake the course and may apply it as a prerequisite as appropriate. The student will not receive graduate credit for the course.
• A student opting for a thesis in Applied Computer Science must take at least six hours of CPSC 6985 � Research and Thesis. Although only six hours of CPSC 6985 may be applied to the Master�s Degree, the student is cautioned that successful completion of a thesis may require taking CPSC 6985 more than twice.
• A student who elects the thesis option for the degree may not graduate until a thesis has been produced, approved by the student�s thesis committee, and successfully defended in a public presentation.
• A student who changes from the thesis option to the non-thesis option for a degree may not apply any hours taken in CPSC 6985 towards the 36-hour minimum for the degree.

• Students must hold a baccalaureate degree in one of the natural sciences or engineering from an accredited college or university. 

• Students must have earned an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.0 scale, calculated on all work attempted in which letter grades were awarded. 

• Students must present evidence of a minimum score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative (aptitude test) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 

Provisional Admission

Students who have earned an appropriate baccalaureate degree, but whose undergraduate grade point average is lower than 3.0 or whose Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude tests score is lower than 1000, will be given consideration by the graduate admissions committee of the College of Science and may be admitted provisionally.

Provisional students may be given specific coursework or independent study requirements in order to make up deficiencies but, at a minimum, must complete a minimum of 10 semester hours of program core courses with a grade of B or better. Provisional students will not be eligible for teaching assistantships until they have obtained full admission to the program.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this program, students admitted to this program will be expected to have completed courses in the following disciplines: physical and historical geology, introductory biology, introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, and introductory physics. At the discretion of the Environmental Science Advisory Committee, students without this background may be granted conditional acceptance. However, it is expected that these deficiencies will be removed within the first two semesters of graduate work. The Environmental Science Advisory Committee will provide guidance and approve these remedial courses.

The required thesis is to be a significant original contribution in environmental science. The topic must be approved by the student's advisory committee in advance of the beginning of the thesis research. At least one member of the committee will provide advice and guidance in the student's research and in development of the thesis. The full committee will evaluate the defense of the thesis upon its completion. Candidates must choose an advisor and committee members by the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program.

Application for Graduation

Approval of an application for the Master of Science in Environmental Science is contingent upon the successful completion of an approved program and recommendation for the degree by the College of Science. Applications for degree conferral must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar the semester prior to completion of the degree requirements.

The following requirements must be met for the completion of the degree program:

• Students must earn a 3.0 grade point average calculated on all graduate work attempted for which letter grades are awarded and cannot include more than five hours with grades of C. At least 30 of the hours required for the degree, including the program core, must be earned in residence. A maximum of six semester hours with no grade lower than B may be accepted for transfer. Transfer credit will not be used in computing the student's grade point average. 

• A comprehensive examination must be satisfactorily completed before graduation. This examination will be based upon the content of the program core and, normally, will be taken within two semesters after completion of the core courses. The comprehensive exam may be in written or oral format, at the discretion of the environmental science advisory committee. The exam contains material covered in the core courses as well as a selection of critical topics that a student should have studied in his/her undergraduate career. A candidate who does not perform satisfactorily may be required to enroll in additional courses or, through a special topics class, review critical literature and techniques. In any case, a student who has unsatisfactory results will not be eligible for re-examination before the following quarter. In such instances, it will not be necessary for the student to be enrolled in order to be re-examined.

• Each student must successfully defend the thesis as determined by the advisory committee.

• All degree requirements must be completed within seven years of first enrollment. 

Course Load

The maximum recommended course load for a graduate student in the College of Science in a given semester is 12 semester hours, except that the maximum course load for a student holding a graduate assistantship is nine semester hours.

Department of Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics offers student-centered programs and quality instruction by expert faculty.  We equip all students with problem solving skills and a general knowledge of mathematics enabling them to function as educated citizens.  Our degree programs prepare students for promising careers in industry, teaching at the high school or college level, and research.  We also offer academic minors in mathematics and philosophy for students interested in strengthening their quantitative and/or analytical skills while pursuing another major.

The department offers four degree options: the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education, the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics , and the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics-Applied Math Concentration . Graduates of all math programs will cultivate the capabilities for presenting logical arguments, thinking abstractly, and formulating and solving problems. These attributes ready the student for a lifetime of continued learning.

The Bachelor of Arts programs feature a broad exposure to mathematics and the flexibility to complete additional coursework required for secondary teaching certification.  With the nation facing a critical shortage of qualified math teachers, the student who completes the BA with secondary certification should expect a solid academic preparation and numerous job prospects.

The BS-Math program features a traditional, rigorous plan of study designed to expose the student to a broad range of mathematics at a level sufficient for graduate studies in math or statistics.

The Applied Math concentration prepares the student for a career in industry. The student in Applied Math may select from two preparation tracks - actuarial science and statistics. Students who pursue the actuarial science track are encouraged to take the professional exams offered by the Society of Actuaries. Graduates with the BS - Applied Math might consider a career as an actuary, statistician, computer programmer, systems analyst, financial analyst, or engineering analyst.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates from all of the math programs will have:

• an understanding of calculus and an ability to use calculus in applications

• knowledge of algebraic structures

• knowledge of the real numbers, functions, the topological properties of R, differentiation, and integration

• knowledge of and the ability to apply probability density functions

• knowledge of appropriate mathematical models

• the ability to think critically

• the ability to understand mathematical arguments and to construct mathematical proofs

• the ability to use computational devices and software in problem solving situations

• communication skills to acquire, develop, and convey mathematical knowledge

Department of Nursing

The Department of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The BSN program is designed for qualified high school graduates, college students, individuals who have already earned a degree in another field, and registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree returning for a baccalaureate degree. Students who complete all program requirements and earn a registered nurse license are prepared to practice as a nurse generalist in a variety of settings, including acute care facilities and hospitals, public & community health agencies, long term care facilities, home health agencies, and industry. They are also prepared to manage patient care, apply research findings in clinical practice, participate in continuing education and professional nursing organizations, and pursue graduate education.

Mission

The mission of the Columbus State University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is to prepare a caring, competent, professional nurse to provide holistic nursing services to diverse populations in a variety of settings.  The program fosters and exemplifies excellence in teaching, nursing practice, and service to the community.

Expected Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program graduates entry level professional nurse generalists who are prepared to provide holistic nursing services for diverse populations in a variety of settings, with a focus upon treating human responses to actual or potential health problems. Graduates are expected to:

• Assess the need for, plan, implement, and evaluate the effects of theory and evidence based nursing interventions selected to assist patients in achieving independence, quality of life, and/or a peaceful death.
• Communicate effectively using written, verbal, and non-verbal interchange as well as information technologies with the goal of mutual understanding of information, perceptions, ideas, and feelings.
• Make sound professional judgments and decisions based upon critical thinking, which includes cognitive skills, affective dispositions, and nursing knowledge and experience.
• Participate in community service activities, which include volunteer service in health care related professional and/or political activities.
• Express overall satisfaction with the nursing program, including the educational environment, teaching and learning experiences, the curriculum, learning resources, and facilitation of professional development.
• Successfully complete the NCLEX-RN licensing examination.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, New York 10014 (212) 363-5555.

RN Licensure

Graduates of the BSN program who meet all program requirements (including passing the Nursing Exit Examination) are eligible to take the Registered Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). Permission to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam for a graduate who has a felony conviction or who has had a license encumbered in the past rests solely with the Georgia Board of Nursing. Further information about licensing requirements may be obtained from the Georgia Board of Nursing.


Admission Requirements and Selection Criteria

Pre-Nursing Students

A student who meets the criteria for admission to Columbus State University may be admitted to the university for any semester and be classified as a pre-nursing student.  Once classified as pre-nursing, the student should immediately schedule an advising appointment with a nursing advisor in the Department of Nursing. This appointment should be made before college orientation. During this initial meeting, the nursing advisor will go over the nursing curriculum sequence and help develop an individualized course sequencing plan for the pre-nursing student to insure he/she enrolls in the correct pre-nursing courses from the very first semester of study. Failure to meet with a nursing advisor as described may result in the pre-nursing student taking unnecessary courses OR taking required courses in a sequence that actually delays qualification for admission into the upper level clinical nursing courses.

Advanced standing through College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit in pre-nursing courses may be granted in the behavioral sciences, humanities, social sciences, and mathematics according to policies stated in this catalog. No CLEP credit is allowed in the science courses by this program.

Admission to the University as a pre-nursing student only allows the student to take core curriculum and general education courses as they are available. Acceptance as a pre-nursing student does not guarantee admission to the professional nursing course sequence of the program.

Application and Admission to BSN Program

One nursing class is admitted into the upper level clinical nursing course sequence each fall semester. Separate application for admission to the clinical nursing course sequence must be made during January and February of the year in which a student anticipates qualifying for admission into the program. In order to be eligible for consideration for admission into the program, students must have:

• been admitted to Columbus State University
• earned a minimum nursing grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 based on a 4.0 scale (the "nursing grade point average" is calculated in the Nursing Department and is based only on those pre-requisite courses required for the nursing degree).
• earned a grade of C or better in the following courses which must be completed after no more than two attempts (Contact Department of Nursing for details).:
                  o all required science courses and labs completed
                  o all Area F pre-requisites completed
• passed the Regents Examinations
• submitted a completed application including all requirements outlined in the application.
• not been excluded from another nursing program for any reason, including (but not limited to) academic misconduct, disruptive behavior, or course failures.

Admission and progression policies are implemented in the Department of Nursing to assure that the size and academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all students who meet the minimum requirements for admission. If there are more qualified applicants than positions available in a nursing class, selection for admission will be based primarily upon completion of prerequisites for nursing and the nursing GPA as described above. Students not selected for admission will be placed on waiting list by rank order. As spaces become available, students will be selected for admission from this waiting list until all the positions are filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for admission to next class admitted to the BSN program.

Post Baccalaureate Students

Student who have a baccalaureate degree in another field receive credit for core and general education requirements in accordance with CSU policy. To be eligible for admission into the nursing program, post baccalaureate students must complete all Area F and science prerequisite courses for nursing with a grade of C or better. Science courses and labs must have been completed within the time frame specified by the Department of Nursing. Contact Department of Nursing for details.

Advanced Placement for Registered Nurses

One class of RN students is admitted into the upper level nursing course sequence each fall semester. In order to be eligible for consideration for admission into the RN-BSN Program, RN students must have:

• been admitted to Columbus State University
• completed pre-requisite core and general education courses

Note: students should contact the CSU Registrar's Office for questions about transfer credit of prerequisite courses. Credit for courses from other institutions may or may not be accepted for transfer, in accordance with CSU policy.
• earned a grade of C or better in all Area F and required science courses and labs completed
• earned a minimum nursing grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 based on a 4.0 scale (the "nursing grade point average" is calculated in the Nursing Department and is based only on those pre-requisite courses required for the nursing degree).
• passed the Regents Examinations
• submitted evidence of current RN licensure in the state of Georgia
• submitted evidence of clinical practice (or testing)
• submitted evidence of graduation from an NLN accredited nursing program
• submitted a completed application including all requirements outlined in the application
• not been excluded from another BSN program for any reason, including (but not limited to) academic misconduct, disruptive behavior, or course failures.

The RN-BSN nursing course sequence is designed so that it can be completed in one academic year (fall and spring semesters). Based on previous experience and current practice, RN students who successfully complete NURS 3278 (Bridge Course) receive credit for 33 hours of nursing credit. In addition, they take nursing courses required for the BSN degree.

Essential Abilities and Performance Standards Requirements

The BSN program mission is to prepare nurse generalists with basic competence in all areas of professional nursing practice. The following performance standards are set forth so that students will understand the essential eligibility requirements for participation and progression in the baccalaureate nursing programs at Columbus State University. These standards include intellectual / cognitive, observation, interpersonal / communication, motor, and behavioral functions. The ability to assess and observe, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for a patient in a reasonably independent manner is an expectation of the Department of Nursing.
 

Requirements for students to progress in the clinical nursing course sequence include:

Requirements for students to graduate from the BSN Program include:

Students who fail to meet graduation requirements within seven years of their first admission to the nursing program are subject to having all credits reevaluated on the basis of the prevailing graduation requirements for the BSN degree.

Facilities

The nursing program is housed in Illges Hall where classrooms, skills laboratories, and faculty offices are located. Facilities for clinical nursing experiences include Doctor's Hospital, The Medical Center, St Francis Hospital, West Central Georgia Regional Hospital, Martin Army Hospital, Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital, and others in the area. Long-term and sub-acute care facilities include Hamilton House Nursing Center, Pine Manor, Oak Manor, Muscogee Manor and others in the area. Community facilities include physician's offices, Columbus Department of Public Health, West Central Health District sites, public schools, preschools, industrial sites, and a variety of rural and community sites in Columbus and the surrounding area. Other facilities for senior preceptorship experiences are recruited as needed.

Clinical Agency Agreements

In accordance with University System of Georgia standard clinical agreement contracts, students must comply with the following policies prior to enrollment in the first nursing course:

Student Expenses

Nursing students must be prepared to incur expenses beyond the usual university tuition and fees, especially the fall semester of admission to the nursing program. These additional expenses include uniforms, achievement exams, specialty textbooks and online resources, medical supplies and equipment, class dues, and transportation to and from clinical sites. Students should anticipate and be prepares to purchase many of these additional items the fall semester of the first clinical nursing courses. Detailed information about expenses is available from the BSN Program Director.

Student Employment

The clinical nursing course sequence requires full time study. Classes and clinical experiences are held primarily during the day Monday through Friday, but may involve other days and times of day. Significant study and preparation time is also required outside of class and clinical lab times. Because these requirements, full time employment is discouraged. Students who are employed should seek positions that offer flexibility in scheduling and hours worked.

Upon successful completion of the first clinical nursing course, students may be hired as nurse technicians/nurse aides by some health care agencies. Students who are LPN's, Respiratory Therapists, or other health care workers may also be employed while in school. The nursing program at Columbus State University renounces all responsibility for the actions of nursing students who are employed in these positions. Clearly stated job descriptions for these positions are the sole responsibility of the employing agency. The employing agency also assumes legal and ethical responsibility for the actions of these employees.


Students with Health Related Licenses

Students with health related licenses must bring the license to the nursing program director's office. A copy of the license may be made for the student's record.

Department of Psychology and Sociology

Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Psychology and Sociology offers degrees in psychology and in sociology.

All psychology and sociology majors will take the ETS major field test during the term in which they will complete their degree requirements.

Psychology

Two degree programs with a major in psychology are offered:

• the Bachelor of Science and

• the Bachelor of Arts. 

Graduates of both will have studied psychology in a liberal arts framework and be prepared for graduate study in psychology or related fields or for careers requiring a baccalaureate degree. The bachelor of arts graduate will also have proficiency in a foreign language.

Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all psychology courses to be applied to graduation.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate a knowledge base of significant facts, theories, and issues of psychology and a conceptual framework within which new facts and ideas can be assimilated

• demonstrate reasoning skills, employing critical thinking

• use English to participate effectively in communication of psychological knowledge and processes

• gather, synthesize, and utilize information from various sources

• demonstrate the ability to design experiments, gather data, and utilize quantitative tools and skills to investigate questions of human behavior

• demonstrate an understanding of the historical roots and development of psychology as a discipline and its place in the broader intellectual traditions of the sciences and humanities

Sociology

The Bachelor of Science in sociology is designed to have the following expected outcomes:

• to give students a more profound understanding of society, its structures, how it functions, the interrelationships among its institutions, and its impact on the human individual

• to prepare those students who are planning careers in which knowledge of sociology contributes to quality performance

• to provide a strong foundation in the discipline for students planning to attend a graduate school of sociology