Advanced Computing Major (B.S.) [offered through Honors Tutorial College]
Program Overview
The HTC program in advanced computing offers exceptional students the opportunity to study the many aspects of computer science in one-on-one relationships with Computer Science faculty members. Maximum opportunities will be afforded for the student to progress well beyond the material found in conventional courses. The primary purpose of the tutorial program is to serve as preparation for graduate study. Students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the Honors Tutorial College.
*This program was previously BS1949 which awarded the Bachelor of Science in Advanced Computing degree. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BS1952 and will award the Bachelor of Science effective the 2024-25 catalog year.
Tutorials
Students are required to complete eight tutorials within the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, including two devoted to the thesis for 6 credit hours each. In addition to the tutorials, the student must complete one Written Communication course (ENG 1510), one Advanced Writing course (FAW), all core mathematics, science, computer science, and electrical engineering courses not covered by tutorials. Internships and/or study abroad may be included within the program with special permission from the director of studies (credit will only be given once). Honors Tutorial students take a minimum of 15 hours per semester.
Advising and Monitoring
Each student receives initial advice from the director of studies regarding selection and sequencing of courses, choice of a thesis advisor, and other procedural matters. The thesis advisor will monitor the thesis work. A typical tutorial will meet on a weekly basis for a minimum of one hour. The student and the tutor will discuss the current reading and written assignments, discuss problems and solutions, and offer critical analysis, and the tutor continuously evaluates the progress of the student. A final grade is made based on any facets of evaluation available to the tutor: written assignments, written exams, oral exams, discussions, presentations by the student, field work, etc.
The Honors Thesis
The honors thesis is a reflection of the student's special interests. Its acceptance, dependent upon an appropriate mixture of research and analysis, relies upon the judgment of his or her thesis advisor. It is expected that this major paper will constitute work of the highest quality in investigating a problem of concern to both scholars and practitioners. Although an intensive study of relevant theoretical and research literatures is the underpinning of the thesis, students are encouraged to augment this scholarly base with field data whenever possible.
Evaluation
Students throughout the program earn letter grades consistent with the University grading system and are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students who earn less than a B (3.0), or who maintain less than a 3.5 GPA will need to confer with the director of studies and/or the Dean of the College. In addition to letter grade assessments, tutors complete semester based course descriptions and evaluations of each student's work. In these assessments both the student's academic standing and academic attitude are evaluated.
Admissions Information
Freshmen/First-Year Admission
Applicants are selected on the basis of superior academic ability and the potential for self-motivated study and research. Applicants typically are required to submit additional essays, and an interview with the director of studies is required for admission. More information, including materials and deadlines, is available at www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-programs/apply. Recommendations from two high school teachers are strongly recommended.
Change of Program Policy
First-year students at Ohio University may apply to transfer into the advanced computing tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen.
External Transfer Admission
First-year students at another institution may also apply to transfer into the advanced computing tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Most students graduating from the program either take positions in industry as a software engineer or other, similarly titled position, or may go on to further their studies in a graduate program in computer science.