For first-year students
Students interested in computing — whether or not they
plan to major/minor in computer science — are invited to
take any of three introductory courses.
CSCI 115 Computing and the Internet (QS, CW)
CSCI 135 Robotics Explorations Studio (NS-L)
CSCI 150 Foundations of Computer Science I (QS, NS)
None of these courses have prerequisites. CSCI 115 and CSCI
135 will not count toward computer science major and minor
requirements.
Students interested in majoring in computer science should
complete CSCI 150 and MATH 130 Calculus I in their first
year. Completing CSCI 151 Foundations of Computer Science II
in the first year is encouraged.
Students scoring 4 or 5 on the AP Computer Science Exam (A) and
those scoring 3 or higher on the AP Computer Science Exam (AB)
will receive credit for CSCI 150. Students scoring 4 or 5 on the AP
Computer Science Exam (AB) will receive credit for both CSCI 150 and
CSCI 151.
For majors and minors
There are two majors in the Department of Mathematics and Computer
Science, a major in mathematics and a major in computer science.
The information in this section refers only to the computer science
major and minor.
Major in Computer Science
The major in computer science consists of 12 courses
distributed as follows:
- CSCI 150 Foundations of Computer Science I
- CSCI 151 Foundations of Computer Science II
- MATH 130 Calculus I
- MATH 240 Discrete Mathematics
- CSCI 230 Computing Systems Organization
- CSCI 250 Programming Practicum
- CSCI 280 Algorithms and Problem-Solving Paradigms
- CSCI 330 Computer Architecture
OR CSCI 420 Operating Systems and Concurrent Computing
- CSCI 380 Theory of Computation
OR MATH 340 Combinatorics
- CSCI 410 Technical Communication and Analysis
(students entering '07 and later)
- Three additional CSCI courses numbered 300 or above
Each senior computer science major must also enroll in the year-long
CSCI 497 Senior Seminar.
Minor in Computer Science
The minor in computer science consists of 6 courses.
- MATH 130 Calculus I
- CSCI 150 Foundations of Computer Science I
- CSCI 151 Foundations of Computer Science II
- any CSCI course numbered 200 or above
OR MATH 240 Discrete Mathematics
- any additional CSCI course numbered 200 or above
- CSCI 385 Scientific Computing
OR CSCI 397 Cross-Disciplinary Project
COURSE PLANNING:
Students not planning to major or minor in computer science are
welcome and encouraged to take CSCI 150 to learn about computer
programming. A solid foundation in high school mathematics is
advisable.
The computer science minor easily fits within two years. The
minor terminates in a capstone requirement (CSCI 385/397)
emphasizing the intersection of computing with other
disciplines.
Students considering a major in computer science should
complete CSCI 150 and MATH 130 by the end of their firs year;
completing CSCI 151 also in the first year is encouraged. Though
starting with CSCI 150 in th esecond year is possible, it makes
completing the major within four years difficult.
In the second year, students intending to major in computer science
should normally complete CSCI 151 and MATH 240 by the fall; those who
have already completed CSCI 151 would ideally take CSCI 250. In their
sophomore spring, majors normally enroll in CSCI 230 and CSCI 280.
SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE: the Senior Capstone Experience
for majors in computer science consists of a year-long undergraduate
research project and active participation in CSCI 497 Senior
Seminar.