The old BS requirements are listed below. The computer science undergraduate program provides a solid foundation in the science of computing. To receive a baccalaureate degree, the College of Arts and Sciences requires that a student successfully complete a minimum of 120 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (A=4.0). The program is built around a core of 11 computer science courses (total credits = 40), 5 mathematics courses (total credits = 17), and 2 approved science courses, with laboratory (total credits = 8). These courses supply the essential theory, concepts, and techniques in the major areas of computer science and related disciplines. To complement the breadth achieved by this core, majors must also complete three elective courses in computer science or some related area (total minimum credits = 9). Computer science majors must also take CmpSci 305 -- Social Issues in Computing. This course fulfills the University's Junior Year Writing requirement and satisfies part of the 44 distribution course credits required by the College of Arts and Sciences (more details can be found in the University Undergraduate Catalog). The computer science courses also fulfill certain of the University's general education requirements. To graduate from the University, eight additional courses are required beyond those for computer science: College Writing, six Social World courses, including two Diversity courses, and a third science (BS or PS) course. Computer Science majors previously had to fulfill the foreign language requirement of the College of Natural Sciences, either by high school or college work, however this requirement has been waived for current BS students. Note that each set of requirements is administered by a different authority. Requirements for the major are administered by the Department, and the Undergraduate Program Director is the final authority on whether they are fulfilled. College and University requirements are administered by the Arts and Sciences Advising Center (E-24 Machmer) where the Academic Dean for Computer Science students is Professor Jack Wileden. Students should check their "Degree Progress" on the SPIRE system to determine which requirements the University thinks have been fulfilled. Required courses include courses required by the department, college, and university. Some students will have satisfied some of these requirements before entering the University (see "Exemptions and Advanced Placement"), such as a foreign language. Other students may need additional preparation, such as a math review course, before they begin this program. Required Computer Science Courses One of the following courses (or another upper-level mathematics course
approved by the academic advisor): Computer Science Electives Exceptions to these elective requirements may be granted on appeal. In particular, if you are pursuing a double major in computer science and mathematics, engineering, or one of the sciences, alternative choices of electives are possible. Distribution Requirements
When does a class count for the CS major?
A computer science major may not use any course taken on a pass/fail basis to fulfill the computer science core requirements (including mathematics, physics, and computer science elective courses). Moreover, all courses used to satisfy the computer science Undergraduate Program requirements must be passed with a grade of C or better (grades of C- obtained in the Spring 2006 semester or earlier are acceptable). If you receive a grade less than C in a computer science, math, or physics course, you must see the Department Undergraduate Program Director (UPD) to decide on a course of action. In general, if you receive a grade below C in a required class, you must repeat that class. Exceptions may be granted only on the basis of a written appeal that has been filed with the UPD.
Semi-Required Courses (at least two required)
Mathematics
Required Natural Sciences Courses
Two of the three General Education Science courses must be introductory courses (with labs) intended for majors in some department in the College of Natural Sciences (8 total credits.) Currently allowed courses are:
Variances from this requirement may be allowed under unusual circumstances. Students interested in counting a different science course toward this requirement should contact the Computer Science Undergraduate Program Director.
Three further elective courses are required. Any 400-level or higher computer science course (except CMPSCI 596A, 596B, 596C, 596D) including graduate courses, research practica, or honors projects are acceptable. Only one Animation course may be used to fulfill elective requirements. Other approved electives include the advanced Mathematics courses listed above, as well as certain Electrical and Computer Engineering courses, such as E&C ENG 660 Computer Grph I and E&C ENG 661 Adv Cmp Grph/Aid Des (other courses by UPD approval). At least one of your elective courses must be taken in the Computer Science Department.