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Major in Computer Science?

Computer Science is a wonderful major (#1 ranked major by Princeton Review, ranked top 10 by just about everyone) - there are plenty of well-paying jobs, you can work in many different fields, and the work can be very interesting. You likely will not be sure if Computer Science is the right field for you until after you have done your first 1-2 courses that require a large amount of programming. So you should begin by signing up for the first course in the CS major (CS 151, see our programs). You can also check the CS Flyer and Advice linked from our admissions page, and other information linked from our CS Careers page.

Accelerated 4+1 BS and MS

For undergrads with a 3.0 GPA, at least 96 credits (including the current term), and in their 3rd to last term before graduating, you may qualify for the accelerated 4+1 BS + MS degree program. This allows you to take some graduate courses during your last year as an undergraduate, and then complete the CS MS with 1 additional year of graduate study. Some additional details and rules are listed in the graduate catalog. You would be able to register for up to 9 credits of 500 level courses that can count towards both the BS and MS, and up to 6 credits of 600 level courses that would only count towards the MS (but could be taken during your last full year of undergraduate study). If you are interested you can get in touch with your major advisor. If you meet the minimum requirements, you would apply for the CS MS to start the term after you finish your BS degree, and you would complete the Accelerated Program Application with your advisor.

Undergraduate Programs

The requirements for the CS major, CS minor, CS teaching minoor, and certificate in applied CS (that can be earned by non-degree students) are listed in the undergraduate catalog. The major includes the following concentrations - Computing Science (more focus on theory and systems), Data Science, Information Science (more focus on applications). Once you declare the major or minor you should see the requirements in your MySAM.

CS undergraduate programs - CS major | CS minor | CS teaching minor | CS certificate | CS courses | CSS courses (210, 211, 331 part of CS IS concentration) | Math courses (241, 341, 131, 132)

Other Courses, Sequence of Courses   For advice on which other courses to take and which order to take the courses in, see the undergraduate advising page and the "CS BS" sheet in CS Course Sequences.

For a graphical overview of the required courses in the major, see CS BS Programs, and note the legend on the top or right of the drawing.

Related majors/minors - Computer Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Mathematics, General Studies. See these in the list of undergraduate programs.

Graduate Programs

The requirements for the CS MS are listed in the university catalog - click the link. We offer the following concentrations - Academic, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Professional.

CS MS - CS curriculum | CS courses | MATH courses (503, 540 part of DataSci concentration) | BIO courses (581, 587, 680, 692, 699 part of BioInf concentration)

Other Courses, Sequence of Courses   For advice on which other courses to take and which order to take the courses in, see the graduate advising page and the "CS MS" sheet in CS Course Sequences.

Concentrations The current concentrations for the CS Graduate program are Academic, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Professional. New graduate students are typically put into the Professional Concentration by default. The professional concentration is more flexible and geared towards skills and applications. Students may be suggested to switch to the academic concentration if they are one of the top students and show an interest in systems and theory. The Academic concentration is more challenging and geared towards systems, theory, and algorithms. If someone wants to do a PhD eventually or land certain types of jobs they should choose the Academic Concentration. The Bioinformatics Concentration is typically for students with a background or strong interest in Biology. The Data Science Concentration focuses on all aspects of data science.

For a graphical overview of the required courses in the major, see CS MS Program.

Related Degrees - Biology, Business MBA, ECET/IT MS IT concentration, Math. See these in the list of graduate programs.