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Suggested Sequence

Printable versions of the Computer Science major requirements and course prerequisites diagrams can be found here:
Suggested Sequence A (updated Summer 2018; for students who entered the CS major before Fall 2019)
Prerequisites Diagram A (updated Summer 2018; for students who entered the CS major before Fall 2019)
Suggested Sequence B (for students who enter the CS major in Fall 2019 and later semesters)
Prerequisites Diagram B (for students who enter the CS major in Fall 2019 and later semesters)

First Year

Fall Semester

CSC 099 / Orientation to Computer Science 0 course units
CSC 220 / CS I: Computational Problem Solving 1 course unit
MAT 127 / Calculus A 1 course unit
FYS / First Year Seminar or FYW / First Year Writing (if not exempted)* 1 course unit
Liberal Learning (Foreign Language suggested)** 1 course unit
* Selected to fulfill a Liberal Learning requirement for Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences and History
**Note: Arabic 151 and 152, Chinese 151 and 152, Japanese 151 and 152, and Russian 151 and 152 (offered annually); and Persian 151 and 152 (offered occasionally) are intensive courses and carry two course units of credit each. Students should take this into account when planning a normal four-course semester.

Spring Semester

CSC 230 / CS II: Data Structures 1 course unit
CSC 270 / Discrete Structures 1 course unit
MAT 128 / Calculus B
or
MAT 205 / Linear Algebra
or
FYS / First Year Seminar (if FYW / First Year Writing was taken in the Fall)
or
Natural Science (major-level; with lab)
1 course unit
Liberal Learning (Foreign Language suggested) 1 course unit
First Year Total: 8 (plus orientation) course units

 

Second Year

CSC 199/ CS Professional Development Seminar 0.25 course unit
CSC 325 / Computer Architecture 1 course unit
CSC 335 / Analysis of Algorithms 1 course unit
CSC 315 / Database Systems or CSC 360 / Computer Networks 1 course unit
CSC 345 / Operating Systems or CSC / Option Course (see List) 1 course unit
MAT 205 / Linear Algebra (suggested) or MAT 128 / Calculus B (if not previously taken) 1 course unit
Free Elective 1 course unit
STA 215 / Statistical Inference 1 course unit
Liberal Learning (World Language suggested) 1 course unit
Second Year Totals: 8.25 course units

 

Third Year – for CS majors intending to apply for jobs in the industry

CSC 299 / Junior Seminar Course 0.25 course unit
CSC / Option Course (see List) 1 course unit
CSC 345 / Operating Systems (if not previously taken) or CSC / Option Course (see List) 1 course unit
CSC 415 / Software Engineering 1 course unit
CSC 435 / Programming Languages or CSC Option Course (see List) 1 course unit
Natural Science (major-level; with lab) 1 course units
Liberal Learning 2 course units
Free Elective 1 course unit
Third Year Totals: 8.25 course units

Third Year – for CS majors intending to apply to graduate schools

CSC 299 / Junior Seminar Course 0.25 course unit
CSC 345 / Operating Systems (if not previously taken) or CSC Option Course (see List) 1 course unit
CSC Capstone Course (see List) 1 course unit
CSC 415 / Software Engineering 1 course unit
CSC 445 / Theory of Computation 1 course unit
Natural Science (major-level; with lab) 1 course unit
Liberal Learning 2 course units
Free Elective (CSC 498 or 499 recommended) 2 course units
Third Year Totals: 8.25 course units

 

Fourth Year – for CS majors intending to apply for jobs in the industry

CSC Option Course (see List) 1 course unit
CSC / Capstone Course (see List); internship suggested 1 course unit
Liberal Learning 3 course units
Free Elective 3 course units
Fourth Year Totals: 8 course units

Fourth Year – for CS majors intending to apply to graduate schools

CSC / Option Course (see List)
CSC 435 / Programming Languages recommended
1 course unit
CSC / Option Course (see List) 1 course unit
Liberal Learning 3 course units
Free Elective – CSC 498 or CSC 499 / Mentored Research I or II (see List) recommended 1 course unit
Free Elective 2 course units
Fourth Year Totals: 8 course units

Please note: all Computer Science courses require prior completion of the College Basic Skills Requirements in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing.

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