First Year Course Selections

Here are the suggested first year course selections for students aiming to major in computer science.  You will need to complete many of these courses before you can apply for the major.

Students can major in computer science as part of a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science program, so there is a separate table for each.

Bachelor of Arts
FIRST SEMESTERSECOND SEMESTER

English 1090 (critical reading and writing (CRW) course)

CRW course
language study (LS) course LS course 
Mathematics 1090 or 10001 Mathematics 10001 or 1001
Computer Science 1001 Computer Science 1002

minor program course or elective

(breadth of knowledge course encouraged)

elective2
Bachelor of Science
FIRST SEMESTER     SECOND SEMESTER

English 1090 (critical reading and writing (CRW) course)

CRW course
Mathematics 1090 or 10001  Mathematics 10001 or 1001 
Computer Science 1001  Computer Science 1002 
elective2 elective
elective                                                  elective
  1. Selection of a mathematics course depends on your background and ability. You should refer to the math course criteria chart prior to selecting your first-semester course. If you are completing Mathematics 1090/1000, you will be required to complete Mathematics 1001 as well.
  2. Electives can be in any subject, including science courses.
  3. It is not required to take Computer Science 1003 before applying for the computer science major program. Students will not fall behind in their degree if this course is taken in the third semester. Both Computer Science 1001 and 1002 introduce many concepts and skills that may be new to students who have not previously studied computer science. With each course having a 3 hour weekly lab session, in addition to regular classes, we often recommend that students take these courses in separate semesters to maximize their development, achievement and to smooth their workload.

Students who begin their studies in the Winter semester may find that some of the suggested second semester courses are not available in Spring semester.  For the purposes of these course suggestions, those students should consider the Fall semester to be their second semester.