Program Overview

Computer Science, B.S.

The Computer Science major emphasizes the principles of computing that underlie our modern world, and provides a strong foundational education to prepare students for the broad spectrum of careers in computing. This major can serve as preparation for either graduate study or a career in industry. Students receive a solid background in low-level architecture and systems; middle-level infrastructure, algorithms, and mathematical foundations. This is a highly flexible degree that allows students to explore a broad range of topics in modern computing.

Specializations

The program offers nine specializations:

• Algorithms: focuses on fundamental computational techniques, including their analysis and applications to topics in computer vision, computer games, graphics, artificial intelligence, and information retrieval.
• Architecture and Embedded Systems: integrates principles of embedded systems, software, hardware, computer architecture, distributed systems, and networks.
• Bioinformatics: introduces students to the interdisciplinary intersection of biology and medicine with computer science and information technology.
• General Computer Science: allows students to acquire a well-rounded knowledge of computer science that may be tailored to their individual interests.
• Information: prepares students for working with and developing a wide variety of modern data and information systems.
• Intelligent Systems: introduces students to the principles underlying intelligent systems, including topics such as representing human knowledge, building automated reasoning systems, and designing algorithms that adapt and learn from data.
• Networked Systems: focuses on Internet architecture, Internet applications, and network security.
• Systems and Software: deals with principles and design of systems and software, emphasizing the interaction between software and the computing infrastructure on which it runs.
• Visual Computing: encompasses the digital capture, processing, synthesis, and display of visual data such as images and video.

Admission

• Freshman Applicants: see the Undergraduate Admissions section.
• Transfer Applicants: must complete the following required courses: one year of approved calculus, one year of object-oriented programming, and additional courses as specified by the major. Transfer applicants who satisfactorily complete course prerequisites will be given preference for admission.

Requirements for the B.S. in Computer Science

Major Requirements

• Lower-division:
  • Select one of the following series: I&C SCI 31-32-33 or I&C SCI H32-33.
  • Complete: I&C SCI 45C, I&C SCI 46, I&C SCI 51, I&C SCI 53, IN4MATX 43, MATH 2A-2B, I&C SCI 6B, I&C SCI 6D, I&C SCI 6N or MATH 3A, and STATS 67.
  • Two courses approved for General Education category II, except those offered by the School of Engineering, the School of Information and Computer Sciences, the Department of Economics, or the Department of Mathematics.
• Upper-division:
  • Core: COMPSCI 161 and I&C SCI 139W.
  • Upper-division electives: Select 11 upper-division courses from the list provided, including at least two project courses and satisfaction of the requirements for one of the specializations.

Sample Program

A sample program is provided to illustrate how students can plan their course of study. However, students are advised to meet with an academic advisor to create an academic plan tailored to their specific areas of interest.

Additional Information

The Department also offers a joint undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Engineering, in conjunction with The Henry Samueli School of Engineering. Information is available in the Interdisciplinary Studies section of the catalogue.