Computer science is the study of software (programming), hardware, and theoretical aspects of high-speed computing devices, as well as the application of these devices to a broad spectrum of scientific, technological, and business problems.
Both the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) offer a bachelor's degree in computer science. These degrees not only provide a basic understanding of the field, but also include an upper division emphasis in a student-chosen subarea of computer science. This flexibility allows for concentrations within computer science, or in interdisciplinary areas involving computer applications. This should prepare students for a variety of industrial, governmental, and business positions involving computer use, or for graduate work in the field.
The four-year CLA program leads to the degree of Bachelor of Arts, B.A., with a major sequence in Computer Science. The four-year CSE program leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science, B.S., in Computer Science. A minor sequence in Computer Science, available to all students, is offered through CLA.
The remainder of this guide is organized into sections. Where the information in a section differs for CLA and CSE students, subsections contain specific information for each type of major. The material in this document pertains only to the departmental requirements. Each college may have other requirements not covered here.
Additional information about the computer science Department and the computer science undergraduate program may also be obtained via the following links:
These websites contain some application forms, announcements, advising information, and other useful links.
Advising information for lower division students is available at the following locations:
Students interested in studying computer science have the option of obtaining the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree through the College of Science & Engineering or the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree through the College of Liberal Arts.
For both degrees, students must complete the following requirements:
For both the B.S. and B.A., all required courses must be taken A-F and passed with a grade of C- or better.
Though the B.S. and B.A. degree programs share many requirements, they differ in the following ways:
The degree requirements listed here apply to all students who began their education at the University of Minnesota during the Fall of 2013 or after for CSE students and Fall 2014 or after for CLA students. Previous degree requirements can be found in the appendix. Degree requirements between the current program and previous programs cannot be mixed. It is recommended that students who enrolled at the University of Minnesota prior to Fall 2013 contact an undergraduate advisor when planning their degree completion.
When working with colleagues in the CSE and CLA Career Centers and with many U.S.-based employers, we are routinely told that employers do not know or care about the difference between graduates with a B.A. in computer science and graduates with a B.S. in computer science. Students earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science are qualified for an extremely wide range of jobs across many sectors and industries; B.A. and B.S. students take the same required core courses and departmental opportunities such as student groups, research opportunities, and studying abroad are available to students in either degree program.
That said, here are things advisors encourage students to consider:
Students transferring to the University of Minnesota from another school and wishing to select computer science as their major should first consult with the appropriate admissions counselor:
Based on the transfer coursework completed at the time of admission to the University, students will either be admitted as a major or pre-major student.
All transfer students will meet either a college advisor (pre-major students) or a departmental advisor (major students) during their orientation day organized by either CSE or CLA.
Students wishing to transfer either from CLA to CSE to obtain a B.S. degree or from CSE to CLA to obtain a B.A. degree must file a Change of College Form online. Please pay particular attention to the application deadlines. Students transferring to CSE should refer to this website for admission criteria and information sessions.
The computer science minor is a great option for students who want to include a basic core of computer science coursework to enhance or supplement their major program.
This interdisciplinary minor provides opportunities for students from non-technical disciplines to supplement their major with a practical set of courses focused on information technology.
Many students find that pursuing minor degree programs can be a strategic way to explore other interests and gain skills that are helpful for future career goals.