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| The undergraduate programs are listed in the catalog and linked from the CS homepage. The present page contains advice not contained there. Check the [[CS Programs]] page and catalog information first, and then come back here.
| | ==Major in Computer Science?== |
| | Computer Science is a great major - there are many 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. You can also check the [https://cs.indstate.edu/info/files/CS-flyer-and-advice.pdf CS Flyer and Advice]. |
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| == Who to Get Advice From == | | ==Accelerated 4+1 BS and MS== |
| Each student has a professional advisor who approves your selection of courses and gives you an advising pin. You also will have a faculty advisor to advise you on your major courses. Students who do not yet have a CS faculty member as an advisor should feel free to contact the CS advisors to get advice and make sure you are taking the right courses.
| | For undergrads with a 3.0 GPA, at least 90 credits (including the current term), and in their 4th 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 3 terms year as an undergraduate, and then complete the CS MS with 1 additional year of graduate study. Some additional details and rules are listed [https://catalog.indstate.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=57&poid=11135&returnto=2942 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 3 terms 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 (at the [https://sycamoresindstate.sharepoint.com/sites/STU-Registrar/SitePages/Graduate-Studies.aspx Graduate Studies] page) with your advisor. |
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| The CS faculty who currently serve as advisors for undergraduate students are | | ==Undergraduate Programs== |
| [[ISU CS People|Jeff Kinne]]. Students can also get unofficial advice from other CS faculty and other students.
| | 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. |
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| == Concentrations ==
| | To see the requirements for the major, you can check the [https://catalog.indstate.edu/index.php Undergraduate Catalog] - click on "Academic Programs" and then find the program you are looking for - Computer Science Major, Computer Science Minor, Computer Science Teaching Minor, or Applied Computer Science Certificate. |
| See the description of the CS major in the Undergraduate Catalog (https://catalog.indstate.edu/index.php) and for descriptions of the concentrations. Some additional notes on the concentrations...
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| * '''Calculus''' - computing science and data science require calculus, while information science does not. If you choose one of the concentrations that requires calculus, take a math course each semester until you are through Math 132 Calculus II so that you will have that finished as a prereq when you need it.
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| * '''Time to complete''' - below on this page has programs of study and information about course sequencing. You will see that the computing science and data science concentrations have a longer "prereq chain" - sequence of courses that have to be taken one before the next. The information science concentration has more lower level courses and can be completed more quickly. If you are a transfer student without the first few courses in the major done already, information science would probably have you finish sooner.
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| * '''Courses outside your concentration''' - you should feel free to take courses outside your concentration as long as they fit in your schedule and you have the prereqs. You need to complete the requirements for one of the concentrations, but that does not prevent you from taking additional CS courses. In general, the wider exposure you get in your coursework the better.
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| == Other Courses and General Advice ==
| | See '''graphical overview''' of the BS (with prereqs and required courses) - '''[https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1Rfav0yzAcbAlarNgqksXUuhXicmXH_m--Uqir7w9Y1k/edit if you start in fall 2024 or after]''', '''[https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1qlwH-zRga42O3jIYn6PeP8jbRKGQQV_URTIVUF4-CBU/edit?usp=sharing if you started before fall 2024]'''. |
| '''When Offered''' Most classes are only offered once per year. So, for example, you cannot plan to take CS 470 in the spring. Only the beginning CS courses are offered every semester, and certain courses are only offered once every two years or as needed. See [[Courses]] for information on when courses are normally offered. | |
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| '''Breadth Exposure''' You must take all the courses from one of the concentrations. For the broadest exposure to computer science, we recommend taking a few courses from other concentrations as well. | | '''Other Courses, Sequence of Courses''' |
| | For advice on which other courses to take and which order to take the courses in, see [[Undergraduate Advising]] and |
| | the "CS BS" sheet in '''[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mBt7E5r35rLXG5Ith0SjUMHiHmUtxH58v_ZOvt3bjvA/edit#gid=1748557442 CS Course Sequences ]'''. |
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| '''Non-CS Courses''' Courses that are not required but which are useful and recommended: Math 231 Calculus III, Math 252 Programming in Mathematics, Math 313 Elementary Linear Algebra, Math 341 Probability and Statistics, Physics (Phys 105 and 106, or Phys 115 and 116), Electronics (ECT 160 Electronic Fundamentals, ECT 173 Fundamentals of Information Technology, ECT 231 Digital Computer Logic, ECT 232 Digital Computer Circuits), an economics course. See the undergraduate catalog of courses for information on particular courses. | | '''Related majors/minors''' - Computer and Electrical Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Cyber & Security Studies, General Studies. See these in the list of undergraduate programs in the undergraduate catalog. |
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| '''Foundational Studies HIP''' This is satisfied by taking ECT 438, which is required as part of the CS major.
| | ==Graduate Programs== |
| | The requirements for the CS MS are listed in the [https://catalog.indstate.edu/index.php Graduate Catalog] - click on "Programs" on the menu on the right, and then find Computer Science M.S. (or Computer Science (Accelerated M.S.) for undergrads doing the 4+1 accelerated program). |
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| '''Internships/Cooperative Experiences''' Students are encouraged to seek internships and part-time jobs related to computer science as early as possible in your education. These experiences can greatly increase your chances of finding a good job right after graduating. Note that students who are in the US on a student visa can only be employed off campus as part of a requirement for a course (depending on your particular visa situation). Undergraduate students can enroll in CS 399; graduate students can enroll in CS 699. Contact one of the CS advisors for more information.
| | To see the requirements for the major, you can check the Graduate Catalog. In brief, the following are the requirements. |
| | * CS 500 Programming Fundamentals (take your first spring term) |
| | * CS 501 Programming for Data Science (take your first term) |
| | * CS 600 Concrete Mathematics (take your first term) |
| | * 500/600 level electives in CS, ECT, Math, or Bio (with at most 6 credits outside of CS) |
| | * Culminating experience (CS 685, CS 695, or CS 699) |
| | * Total # of 600 level credits should be at least 15, and total # of 500/500 level credits should be at least 30 |
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| '''Start in CS 151?''' For those starting CS at ISU, we need to decide if you will start in CS 151 during your first term. All CS students start in ECT 130. We recommend taking CS 151 also during your first term. This gets you further into the major sooner. | | '''Related Degrees''' - Biology, Business MBA, ECET/IT MS IT concentration, Math. See these in the Graduate Catalog. |
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| '''Lab sections, CS 499''' The following courses have required lab sections: CS 401, CS 456, CS 457, CS 458. These are co-reqs, so even if MySAM does not have the lab section listed as required (because you are on an older catalog year) you need to sign up for both the lab and lecture. For example, in the computing science concentration you need to take CS 458, and will need to take CS 458L as well. Note for graduate students - there are no lab sections for the 500 level versions of these courses; the instructor might allow you to sit in on the lab for extra help, check with them.
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| ''' Choosing Courses''' Each term when it is time to choose courses for the following term, you should do the following.
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| * In MySAM, check what you still need to complete, your advisor's past notes (at the bottom of the page in MySAM), and the plan that is in MySAM. That should give you your first draft of what to take in the following term.
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| * If taking any courses currently that are prerequisites for other courses, keep in mind whether you will likely earn a C or higher or not. If you might not earn a C, include this possibility in your plans (retaking the course or changing concentrations if that would make the course not required) and let your advisor know. CS courses that are prereqs for others: Math 132, CS 101 / ECT 130, 151, 170, 201, 202, 303, 351, 401&L. You can see a chart of the prereqs in [https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1qlwH-zRga42O3jIYn6PeP8jbRKGQQV_URTIVUF4-CBU/edit?usp=sharing this document].
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| * Remember that most courses that are 100/200/300 level in CS are offered each Fall and Spring term, while most 400 level courses are offered only once per year. Check the schedule of classes to confirm that the courses you wish to take are offered in the term you want to take them.
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| * In MySAM, check if you have any holds on registering, and if so make sure to take care of them. If you have questions about holds, contact the [https://indianastate.edu/office-registrar Office of the Registrar].
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| * Note whether you will need a pin to register - as of 2026, all undergraduate students need a pin to register.
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| * Either schedule a meeting with your advisor, or write an email to your advisor with your plan for your courses.
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| * When writing to your advisor, always include your id # (starts with 991 or 992) and which term you hope to graduate.
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| '''TBA / Online Asynchronous''' Courses that are online asynchronous will have the time and place listed as TBA on the course schedule. This is because these courses do not have a predetermined meeting time and place. Rather, instruction is by video, email/Teams/discussion boards, and arranged meetings as needed. These online sections are often set so that only distance students can register for them, though this is sometimes updated one week before the start of term so that anyone can register for them. For other departments, you can check with the department on their policy for these courses.
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| == Plans of Study ==
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| The undergraduate catalog contains plans of study for each major as does MySAM after you have declared a major. To see sample plans of study for all of the different concentrations in one place, see [https://cs.indstate.edu/info/files/Program_plans_CS_2024.xlsx Program_plans_CS_2024.xlsx]. Note that this file contains the following plans of study, which are all separate sheets.
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| * CS BS computing science concentration, 8 semester plan
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| * CS BS computing concentration, 4 semester TSAP plan (assumes you have completed a two year computer science TSAP at Ivy Tech or other Indiana college/university, then complete the CS degree at ISU in 4 semesters, see also [https://cs.indstate.edu/info/files/TSAP_CS.pdf TSAP learning outcomes])
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| * CS BS data science concentration, 8 semester plan
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| * CS BS data science concentration, 4 semester TSAP plan
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| * CS BS information science concentration, 8 semester plan
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| * CS BS information science concentration, 4 semester TSAP plan
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| You can also see the "CS BS" sheet in [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mBt7E5r35rLXG5Ith0SjUMHiHmUtxH58v_ZOvt3bjvA/edit?usp=sharing CS Course Sequences] for the recommended sequence just for the CS courses.
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| == Constraints on Completing the CS BS ==
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| There are two main constraints on how quickly you can finish a major - prerequisites (must take course X before Y, and Y before Z, etc.) and when courses are offered. You can see the prerequisite structure for the CS courses in [https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1qlwH-zRga42O3jIYn6PeP8jbRKGQQV_URTIVUF4-CBU/edit?usp=sharing ISU CS BS program and prereqs], and you can see the recommended sequence to take courses in at [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mBt7E5r35rLXG5Ith0SjUMHiHmUtxH58v_ZOvt3bjvA/edit?usp=sharing CS course sequencing] (which in particular shows how to complete each concentration in 6-7 semesters depending on whether CS 151 is taken the first term and which term you start in). You can see how the last two years of the major in each concentration can be completed in two years by checking the TSAP sheet in the linked sheet. Your exact situation may differ slightly than any of these scenarios depending on what you already have completed in terms of CS courses and math courses.
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| Note that if a single course or prerequisite would result in delaying the completion of your degree please check with your advisor. It may be appropriate to waive a prerequisite or petition for a substitution so that you can graduate when desired. This is more likely to be possible the better you do in your CS courses, and of course there are no guarantees that we can accommodate the graduation timeline you would like.
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Major in Computer Science?
Computer Science is a great major - there are many 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. You can also check the CS Flyer and Advice.
Accelerated 4+1 BS and MS
For undergrads with a 3.0 GPA, at least 90 credits (including the current term), and in their 4th 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 3 terms 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 3 terms 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 (at the Graduate Studies page) 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.
To see the requirements for the major, you can check the Undergraduate Catalog - click on "Academic Programs" and then find the program you are looking for - Computer Science Major, Computer Science Minor, Computer Science Teaching Minor, or Applied Computer Science Certificate.
See graphical overview of the BS (with prereqs and required courses) - if you start in fall 2024 or after, if you started before fall 2024.
Other Courses, Sequence of Courses
For advice on which other courses to take and which order to take the courses in, see Undergraduate Advising and
the "CS BS" sheet in CS Course Sequences .
Related majors/minors - Computer and Electrical Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Cyber & Security Studies, General Studies. See these in the list of undergraduate programs in the undergraduate catalog.
Graduate Programs
The requirements for the CS MS are listed in the Graduate Catalog - click on "Programs" on the menu on the right, and then find Computer Science M.S. (or Computer Science (Accelerated M.S.) for undergrads doing the 4+1 accelerated program).
To see the requirements for the major, you can check the Graduate Catalog. In brief, the following are the requirements.
- CS 500 Programming Fundamentals (take your first spring term)
- CS 501 Programming for Data Science (take your first term)
- CS 600 Concrete Mathematics (take your first term)
- 500/600 level electives in CS, ECT, Math, or Bio (with at most 6 credits outside of CS)
- Culminating experience (CS 685, CS 695, or CS 699)
- Total # of 600 level credits should be at least 15, and total # of 500/500 level credits should be at least 30
Related Degrees - Biology, Business MBA, ECET/IT MS IT concentration, Math. See these in the Graduate Catalog.