Northeastern State University

Plan of Study

Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Computer Science is the study of solving problems and using computers to assist in solving those problems.  Our goal is to provide a strong combination of theory and practice that prepare graduates well for the rapidly evolving workplace.  The core courses provide a strong foundation in programming and the design of software.  Electives in the major may be chosen in a number of areas such as networking or database management.

Transferring to NSU is a seamless process.  Although you can transfer to NSU at any time in your academic career, the smoothest transition occurs if you have earned or will earn an AA or AS from CASC.  This milestone will also meet your general education requirements at NSU (unless it is a specific NSU requirement for you to graduate). 

What it takes to complete a BS from NSU.  If you don’t complete your AA or AS at CASC, you will need to meet NSU’s specific general education requirements.  You must have at least 124 hours completed to earn a BS.  Of those hours, 60 must be from a university (4 year school), 40 must be junior and senior (3000/4000) level, and half of the hours in your major must be from NSU.  You must also be both English and computer proficient.  This means that you must pass English Comp I & II with a “C” or better and pass the designated computer proficiency class.  Therefore, when you transfer to NSU, you will likely need to complete around 60 more hours in order to earn your BS. 

How do my CASC classes transfer to NSU?  Every class that you have taken at CASC will transfer to NSU.  Each class will count in one of the following categories that make up a bachelor’s degree: general education, major, minor, or free elective.   You probably already know about general education and major classes but minors and free electives are unique to bachelor’s degrees.  A minor is 18 hours from an academic area of your choice, and it is designed to complement your major.  Your advisor will help you determine your minor and the classes you will take to complete it.  Free electives are extremely flexible and can be selected from any academic area.  They allow you to explore your academic interests outside of your major while counting toward the 124 hours you need to graduate.  Most degree programs at NSU allow for some free electives.  If you completed a class at CASC that does not meet one of the other specific requirements, it will count in this category, up to the first 64 hours.  If you have completed more than 64 hours at the associate degree level, all courses will transfer to NSU, but only 64 hours will apply to your degree.  This is because you must have 60 hours from a four-year institution to meet state requirements for graduation with a baccalaureate degree.

When can you start taking NSU classes?  You can begin taking classes at NSU while you are completing your AA or AS at CASC.  This is called dual enrollment, many students do this each semester.  Consult an NSU academic advisor and a financial aid counselor to see how dual enrollment can work for you.

Freshman Year at
Carl Albert State College

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Sophomore Year at
Carl Albert State College

Fall Semester

Spring Semester 

Junior Year
at NSU

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Senior Year
at NSU

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Total hours transferred from Carl Albert State College: 64 to 66
Total hours needed from a 4 year university to complete Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: 60

For further information, contact Dr. Darryl Linde, Department Chair, 918-444-3809.