FAQ: Majors, Minors and Concentrations
What is the difference between a BS and a BA in Computer Science?
Can I double major or have a minor with a CS degree?
What is the difference between and A&S CS major and a CSOM CS concentration?
What is the CSOM Information Systems concentration?
Can an A&S student have a concentration in Information Systems?
I'm a Junior. Is it too late to switch to a Computer Science Major?
What is the difference between as BS and a BA in Computer Science?
The BA program in Computer Science provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of computer science. It provides practical, hands-on experience with computing systems, as the current technology job market dictates. The BS program in Computer Science provides an extensive background in computer science and is well-suited for students considering graduate study or students planning to pursue careers in science or engineering. The BS program requires two additional CS courses, three additional math courses, and twelve science credits that include two labs. See the CS program description for more details.
Can I double major or have a minor with a CS degree?
Computer Science majors have a diverse collection of double majors and minors. Many students in the BS program take one additional math course to complete a math minor.
What is the difference between an A&S CS major and a CSOM CS concentration?
The Computer Science Department of The College of Arts and Sciences offers a concentration in Computer Science for students in the Carroll School of Management. Students interested in both management and technical computer science should consider this concentration.
The Computer Science Department offers majors in The College of Arts and Sciences leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences as well as minor/concentration programs in Computer Science, Bioinformatics and Scientific Computation. Students with strong technical interests should consider the Computer Science Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs. Contact the Computer Science Department for a description of their undergraduate program.
What is the CSOM Information Systems concentration?
The Department of Operations Information and Strategic Management of the Carroll School of Management offers a concentration in Information Systems for students in the Carroll School of Management. Students specifically interested in management and information systems should consider this concentration. Contact Prof. Jim Gips for a description of the Information Systems concentration.
Can an A&S student have a Concentration in Information Systems?
No. The Concentration in Information Systems is offered to Carroll School of Management students only. A&S Students are offered a minor in Computer Science and a Concentration in Computer Science in addition to the BS and BA in Computer Science degrees.
I'm a Junior. Is it too late to switch to a Computer Science Major?
Computer Science is a challanging major. The BA and the BS are not designed to be completed in two years. If you haven't taken any Computer Science courses before your Junior year, it is unlikely that you will be able to complete the major without completing CS 1 during the summer before your Junior year at another university. Even so, the remainder of the program will be challanging. If you think you would like to switch, run a simulated degree audit with CS as your major, and bring that to the undergraduate program director, or deparment chair.