A select number of students who applied to the computer science major, but did not receive direct acceptance may be admitted to the College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) Exploratory Track. These students are undeclared, but are affiliated with CICS and will initially be exploring their interests in computer science or informatics.
Students in the exploratory track will be advised on appropriate coursework and also receive advising assistance on other majors across campus that may be appealing to students given their interests and academic proficiency.
Note: CICS did not admit students to the CICS Exploratory Track for Fall 2022.
As an CICS Exploratory Track student, you have access to one-on-one advising designed to assist with course selection, major exploration, requirements, and campus resources, as well as general questions about acclimating to college life.
All CICS first-year students, including Exploratory Track students, enroll in a one-credit seminar with 19 or fewer students. The seminars offer information to assist students in making a successful transition to college and provide opportunities to build relationships with other computer science students and professors.
Like all students at UMass Amherst, Exploratory Track students have access to a wide variety of academic and student support services. CICS Exploratory Track students are also invited to join one of the college's many active student groups or one of more than 500 registered student organizations on campus.