Academic Advising Resource Center

Computer Science

Why take courses in Computer Science?

Computers are everywhere, from cell phones to cars. Increasingly experts use computer science in their work, from neuroscience to sociology to music. The CS department provides a background in fundamentals of data science, logic, theory and programming, but we go beyond just coding. Students will learn how the computer revolution is changing society and our lives, and how they can help shape its impact.

What kinds of questions does the field of Computer Science explore?

  • How can we use computers to solve problems? 

  • What is the role of technology in society?
  • How can we make programmatic solutions faster, cheaper, and more user-friendly?

 

What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Computer Science?

Take CSCI 150. It’s a rigorous, but approachable course that teaches computer science through a series of fun programming assignments designed to be similar to real world applications. It is designed to fit the needs of both majors and non-majors.

Taking Courses

Course placement

While there is no entrance survey or placement exam, students who have taken some Computer Science previously, but not AP Computer Science A, or a college course should contact the chair of the computer science department to discuss which course is the correct one for them to take.

Courses for non-majors or general interest

  • CSCI 150 serves as a general interest course for students who are interested in learning some programming. It is designed to be an accessible introduction to programming and CS in general. 

    Students may also be interested in CSCI 144: Introduction to Data Science.  CSCI 144 is open to any student across the college who wants to learn the foundations and applications of the full data science workflow, including data organization, visual representation, modeling, and presentation. For students with a CS background, this class will give them exposure to a range of statistical methodologies and how these methodologies can be employed in a computational framework, as well as developing a strong basis in the R programming language.

Getting started in the major

Students interested in the major should start with CSCI 150, unless they have AP credit or other prior experience. It is best to declare the major as soon as possible.

    Advanced Placement Credit 

    Students may transfer AP Computer Science A (score of 4 or 5) toward the major requirements. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores. 

    Majoring in Computer Science

    Provided are three examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.

    Sample Four-Year Plans
      Fall Spring
    Y1 CSCI 150
    Math Elective    		 CSCI 151
    Y2 CSCI 241
    MATH 220    		 CSCI 210
    CSCI 280
    Y3 CSCI 275 CSCI 383
    CSCI 3XX (elective)
    Y4 CSCI 3XX (elective) CSCI 3XX (elective)
      Fall Spring
    Y1   CSCI 150
    Math Elective
    Y2 CSCI 151
    MATH 220    		 CSCI 241
    Y3 CSCI 275
    CSCI 280    		 CSCI 210
    CSCI 383
    Y4 CSCI 3XX
    CSCI 3XX (two electives)    		 CSCI 3XX (elective)
      Fall Spring
    Y1    
    Y2 CSCI 150
    Math Elective    		 CSCI 151
    MATH 220
    Y3 CSCI 275
    CSCI 241    		 CSCI 280
    CSCI 210
    Y4 CSCI 383
    CSCI 3XX (elective)    		 CSCI 3XX
    CSCI 3XX (two electives)

     

    Please refer to the prerequisite and course sequence pages for additional information on the Computer Science major.

    Related Areas of Study

    Archaeological Studies; Biochemistry; Biology; Chemistry; Economics; Environmental Studies; Geosciences; Mathematics; Neuroscience; Physics 

    Learn More

    Computer Science Major Requirements
    Computer Science Department