When do I choose a degree plan?
In May at the end of first year, you select a specific degree plan for the remaining three years.
What are the entry requirements for a degree plan?
All the four-year plans have the same Computing entry requirements. In May 2021 those were:
- a cumulative GPA of 2.6 and
- a B in CISC 121 or 124.
Multidisciplinary plans may have additional requirements imposed by partner departments.
In May before plan selection, consult the current requirements (February 2021), which can change from year to year.
A higher GPA can sometimes balance a slightly lower CISC 121/124 grade with the permission of the Undergraduate Chair.
If you meet somewhat lesser requirements, you may to go on a Pending List, from which we accept a limited number of students. If you aren't eligible for the pending list, you might qualify for a General (three-year) degree, and hope to improve your grades during second year.
Otherwise, you must find a plan in some other department for which you qualify. You can still take Computing courses if they don't fill up, and change plans in the Spring of the following year. However, you should plan for an alternative degree if you still do not qualify at the end of second year.
If you don't qualify for any plan, you need to contact the Arts and Science faculty office in Dunning Hall.
What's the difference between a major and a specialiation?
In Arts and Science, a "major" defines a set of 60 units of core and option courses, and up to 12 units of supplementary courses (which, in Computing, are our calculus and algebra requirements). You can combine it with a minor in some other discipline; both plans appear on your transcript and diploma. You must also take electives to make up a total of 120 units (or more if you take an internship). Computing has a single major (and two 3-year General degrees, one in Arts, and one in Computing).
A specialization is any plan that specifies more than 72 units. Computing has six specializations. You cannot combine a specialization with a minor.
How do I complete a minor or dual degree?
Given the scheduling of courses currently in 2021-22 (and reasonably likely to be maintained for a few years), a Computing minor (or, equivalently, a dual degree across faculties) can, sometimes, be completed in two years if you can also fit in the requirements of your major.
- In one year you take CISC 102, 121, 124, and the Calculus and Algebra requirements;
- in the next you take CISC 203, 204, 220, 221, and 251 in the Fall, and CISC 223, 235, 360, and two of 271/332/351 in the Winter.
It is far easier to spread it out over three or four years, and you have more options.
If a plan changes, do I have to follow the new version?
You will be allowed to graduate by satisfying the requirements for any version of a degree program in effect while you were registered in that program. This is called "grandfathering". If you want or need to "mix and match" requirements from two or more versions of a degree, you should consult the Undergraduate Chair.