Computer science is a broad field, encompassing topics from digital logic and advanced mathematical theory to video games and data science. At the same time, these foundations and applications require fundamental knowledge of how a computer works, as well as the ability to translate processes into working programs. The Computer Science major coursework mirrors this structure. A student majoring in Computer Science must take a minimum of 12 courses (48 units).
COURSEWORK
Required Courses
| COMP 131 | Fundamentals of Computer Science | 4 units |
| COMP 229 | Data Structures | 4 units |
| | | |
| COMP 149 | Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science | 4 units |
| Or | | |
| | | |
| MATH 210 | Discrete Mathematics | 4 units |
| And | | |
| MATH 214 | Linear Algebra | 4 units |
| | | |
| COMP 239 | Computer Organization | 4 units |
| COMP 390 | Computer Science Junior Seminar | 4 units |
| COMP 490 | Computer Science Senior Seminar | 4 units |
Concentrations
Students should meet with an advisor early on to explore potential pathways through the major. Students will select one of the following three concentrations:
Computational Mathematics Concentration
Six elective courses at 200-level or above, with at most two courses at the 200-level (not including Linear Algebra or Discrete Mathematics). Students must complete three elective courses from MATH and three elective courses from COMP that are centered on a theme in computational mathematics, plus a senior comprehensive project related to the theme. At most two of these courses can be double-counted for another major/minor.
This pathway reflects the growing importance of work in computer science that is grounded in mathematical foundations, and work in mathematics that requires an understanding of computational methods and implementation. Students who are interested in the Computational Mathematics option will work with an advisor to propose an interdisciplinary concentration of six courses on a related theme. Students may choose to seek an additional advisor from the Mathematics Department, but this is not required. Proposals must include an intellectual rationale for the course selection and associated senior project. The proposal should be submitted to the department using this form no later than two semesters prior to the semester of graduation, and at least two weeks before Advising Week.
Any changes to the pathway must be approved via a Petition for Special Consideration, signed by the academic advisor, the department chair, and the outside advisor for the CS+X theme, and submitted to the Registrar's Office no later than the week prior to registration in the semester before graduation.
Computer Science Concentration
Six courses 200-level or above in at least two different sub-fields of computer science (artificial intelligence, interfaces, security, systems/software, and/or theory). At least three of those courses must be at the 300-level. COMP 317 is highly recommended for students interested in graduate school. Students can count at most two courses from the Additional Electives (below) towards the major in this pathway.
This pathway is designed to give students broad working knowledge of the many facets of the field, while maintaining freedom to pursue specific topics in depth.
CS+X Concentration
Six courses 200-level or above, with at least three of those courses at the 300-level. Students must complete two CS courses in different sub-fields, a four-course interdisciplinary concentration around a computer science or technology theme (for a total of 24 units), plus a senior comprehensive project related to the theme. At least three of the four courses in the interdisciplinary concentration must be outside of and not cross-listed with Computer Science, and at most two of these courses can be double-counted for another major/minor.
This pathway reflects the growing importance of computer science in many fields, and allows students to explore the intersection of technology with their other academic interests. Students who are interested in the CS+X option will work with an advisor to propose the interdisciplinary concentration of four courses on a related theme. Proposals must include an intellectual rationale for the course selection. A faculty member outside of Computer Science must approve the proposal and agree to act as an outside advisor for the senior comprehensive project. The proposal should be submitted to the department using this form no later than two semesters prior to the semester of graduation, and at least two weeks before Advising Week.
Any changes to the pathway must be approved via a Petition for Special Consideration, signed by the academic advisor, the department chair, and the outside advisor for the CS+X theme, and submitted to the Registrar's Office no later than the week prior to registration in the semester before graduation.
Additional Electives
Students may select courses from the list below to satisfy a major elective.