Computer Science majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- Math 121 or other calculus-sequence course, depending on calculus placement (see below)
- Introduction to Computational Thinking (CSC 120)
- Introduction to Computer Programming (CSC 123)
Math Placement Exam
Your major requires you to take the math placement exam to determine what math course is the right level for you. For more information on math placement, please review the Mathematics Department’s placement exam instructions.
About Your First Semester Courses
You will take both Introduction to Computational Thinking (CSC 120) and Introduction to Computer Programming (CSC 123), which together will serve as a foundation for your study of computer science.
For your fifth course, you will need to take calculus. Which course you take depends on the math placement exam. To help you place as high as possible, before taking the exam you should review:
- algebra: expanding and collecting terms; simplifying expressions; solving for a variable; solving simultaneous linear equations
- functions and graphs of functions
- elementary plane geometry
- analytic geometry including equational descriptions of lines, conic sections, circles, and spheres
- trigonometric functions (defined as circular functions in terms of radians; also as they relate to right triangles); exponential and logarithmic functions
- recognizing algebraic relationships expressed in ordinary prose and translating those relationships into their symbolic equivalents
Placement can also be determined by an AP or IB exam; consult with your advisor if this applies to you.
To learn more about the Computer Science major, consult the School of Engineering’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.