Bachelor of Science in
Computer Science
Our B.S. in Computer Science gives students a broad-spectrum education in one of the most in-demand areas in the modern workforce. Students will develop technical skills alongside practicing critical thinking and problem solving through collaborative learning and work with our outstanding faculty.
- coding, designing, and building websites, programs, and applications
- testing, implementing, and maintaining systems of safety for computer networks
- data management
- healthcare, education, and commercial system support and efficiency
- develop tools for scientific testing and assesment
The UA Computer Science Department faculty and staff are dedicated to providing top-tier support to empower our students to take ownership of their education and find the best path to achieving their goals.
If you are interested in a UA Computer Science major, please visit our Prospective Students page for more information.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science in CS degree are dependent on when you enter/entered the major:
Foundations / General Education requirements:
| Math | Calculus I (MATH 122B or 125) or higher |
| Composition | ENGL 101/102, or ENGL 101A/102, or ENGL 106/107/108, or ENGL 107/108, or ENGL 109H |
| Second Language | Second semester proficiency |
| Gen Ed Intro/Capstone | UNIV 101, and UNIV 301 |
| Gen Ed Exploring Perspectives | One Artist course, one Humanist course, one Natural Scientist course (will be covered by Supporting Science), and one Social Scientist course |
| Gen Ed Building Connections | Three courses |
Supporting Math and Science coursework for Computer Science:
| Supporting Math | Calculus II (MATH 129) or Linear Algebra (MATH 313) |
| Supporting Science | Two 4-unit Laboratory Science courses |
Computer Science Major -- total of 51 units (including 30 upper-division [300/400-level]), including:
| Foundational courses (18 units) | CSC 110, CSC 120, CSC 144, CSC 210, CSC 244 |
| Major core courses (15 units [including 12 upper-division]) | CSC 252, CSC 335, CSC 345, CSC 352, CSC 380 |
| Major category courses (9 units [upper-division]) | One Paradigms elective, one Theory & Writing elective, one Systems elective |
| Major electives (9 units [upper-division]) | One 300/400-level CSC elective, two 400-level CSC electives |
Consult the PDF version of your UAccess advisement report to confirm which courses meet the above categories.
General electives -- as necessary, to reach the total of 120 units (including 42 units upper-division [300/400-level]) required
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The following resources may be helpful to BS students:
COSCBS checklist Spr22 or later
Sample 4-year plans based on starting Math level can be found on the Courses & Registration Page.
Foundations / General Education requirements:
| Math | Calculus I (MATH 122B or 125) or higher |
| Composition | ENGL 101/102, or ENGL 101A/102, or ENGL 106/107/108, or ENGL 107/108, or ENGL 109H |
| Second Language | Second semester proficiency |
| Tier 1 courses | Two Tier 1 Indiv & Societies courses, two Tier 1 Trad & Cultures courses |
| Tier 2 courses | One Tier 2 Arts course, one Tier 2 Humanities course, one Tier 2 Indiv & Societies course |
Supporting Math and Science coursework for Computer Science:
| Supporting Math | Calculus II (MATH 129) or Linear Algebra (MATH 313) |
| Supporting Science | Two 4-unit Laboratory Science courses |
Computer Science Major -- total of 51 units (including 30 upper-division [300/400-level]), including:
| Foundational courses (18 units) | CSC 110, CSC 120, CSC 144, CSC 210, CSC 244 |
| Major core courses (15 units [including 12 upper-division]) | CSC 252, CSC 335, CSC 345, CSC 352, CSC 380 |
| Major category courses (9 units [upper-division]) | One Paradigms elective, one Theory & Writing elective, one Systems elective |
| Major electives (9 units [upper-division]) | One 300/400-level CSC elective, two 400-level CSC electives |
Consult the PDF version of your UAccess advisement report to confirm which courses meet the above categories.
General electives -- as necessary, to reach the total of 120 units (including 42 units upper-division [300/400-level]) required
-------------------------
The following resources may be helpful to BS students:
Foundations / General Education requirements:
| Math | Calculus I (MATH 122B or 125) or higher |
| Composition | ENGL 101/102, or ENGL 101A/102, or ENGL 106/107/108, or ENGL 107/108, or ENGL 109H |
| Second Language | Second semester proficiency |
| Tier 1 courses | Two Tier 1 Indiv & Societies courses, two Tier 1 Trad & Cultures courses |
| Tier 2 courses | One Tier 2 Arts course, one Tier 2 Humanities course, one Tier 2 Indiv & Societies course |
Supporting Math and Science coursework for Computer Science:
| Supporting Math | Calculus II (MATH 129) or Linear Algebra (MATH 313) |
| Supporting Science | Two 4-unit Laboratory Science courses |
Computer Science Major -- total of 45 units (including 27 upper-division [300/400-level]), including:
| Foundational courses (15 units) | CSC 110, CSC 120, CSC 210, CSC 245 |
| Major core courses (12 units [including 9 upper-division]) | CSC 252, CSC 335, CSC 345, CSC 352 |
| Major category courses (9 units [upper-division]) | One Paradigms elective, one Theory & Writing elective, one Systems elective |
| Major electives (9 units [upper-division]) | One 300/400-level CSC elective, two 400-level CSC electives |
Consult the PDF version of your UAccess advisement report to confirm which courses meet the above categories.
General electives -- as necessary, to reach the total of 120 units (including 42 units upper-division [300/400-level]) required
-------------------------
The following resources may be helpful to BS students:
Degree Requirements Checksheet pre-Fall 2021
OTHER FAQ TOPICS AND ITEMS
This degree requires completion of Calculus I and either Calculus II or Linear Algebra.
Many students worry that starting at a lower level of Math will cause them to be "behind" or unable to graduate "on time". This is a misconception. It is not recommended that students attempt to cram or otherwise stress in order to achieve a higher starting math placement. Doing so may actually lead to students being underprepared for the math course they take and/or other classes they enroll in based on meeting different math minimums.
You can view sample 4 year plans for differing math starting points here.
Can I major in both Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence?
A student may double major in both CS and AI (BS in both).
A student may not earn a dual degree in both CS and AI if they plan to complete the BS in CS
This is because there is no BA in AI offered at UA at this time.
Can I Minor in Artificial Intelligence?
Yes! To plan for meeting the requirements for a CS BS with aminor in AI, students should consult regularly with their academic advisors.
Can I Minor in CS?
Yes, but... your major and minor cannot be in the same area of study, so if you wish to Major in CS, you cannot minor in CS. However, if you have any other major or have additional majors besides CS, you may add an CS minor under a different major.
What else can I major or minor in with my BS in CS?
Students may combine any other majors/minors/degrees with the BS in AI.
Students should consult with advisors in all applicable departments when planning their courses.
All students planning to complete a Computer Science degree at UA, including transfer students, will declare a Computer Science major (Bachelor of Science degree or Bachelor of Arts degree). Students will take a series of 100/200-level Computer Science courses (foundational courses). Upon completion of the foundational courses, students’ academic records will be evaluated, and those who qualify will be offered “Advanced Standing” in the major. Enrollment in the major core courses and the majority of the upper division elective CSC courses is limited to students with Advanced Standing in the Computer Science major.
Learn more about the foundational and advanced standing coursework on the CS Curriculum Structure page.
We have a variety of resources to help you succeed academically, connect with your peers and department, and prepare for your future career. These range from tutoring to study abroad and are here to help you make to most of your time at UA.