The Department of Computer Science offers four options for undergraduate degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S. CS)¹

This program provides the most depth in computing and mathematics, but also the most flexibility in the remaining electives.  Graduates are well-prepared for computing careers in industry or further graduate study in computer science. A minor is encouraged, but not required.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems (B.S. CSIS)¹

This program combines a computer science major with the business core (more than a minor, less than a 2nd major) and prepares students to work in a business environment or pursue an MBA.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (B.A. CS)²

This program provides a computer science major in the context of a liberal arts education. Students are required to complete a minor as well as take courses in humanities, social sciences, fine arts, literature, and foreign language.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science, (B.S. DS)¹

This transdisciplinary program provides students with a strong education at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and statistics, as a foundation for making sense of the plethora of Big Data now prevalent in virtually all application domains. A minor is encouraged, but not required.

Accelerated Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S. CS)³

Qualified students in all of the above programs may apply to the Accelerated MS program in their junior year, enabling them to earn a Master’s degree, in either Computer Science or Complex Systems & Data Science, in one additional year beyond earning their Bachelor’s degree.

¹Offered through the College of Engineering & Mathematical Sciences (CEMS), which offers strong support for professional development, including a dedicated internship coordinator.
²Offered through the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), which emphasizes a Liberal Arts education, providing students with a wide array of transferable skills applicable to any number of professions.
³Offered through the Graduate College.

 

Not sure which Major is for you?

If you want to start a computing major but are not sure which program, we suggest the following curricula for your first semester to keep your options open:

  • 3 credits: CS 021 Computer Programming I (taught in Python; the most important course to start with)
  • 1 credit: CS 050 Seminar for new CS majors (not required, but a fun and useful intro to CS at UVM)
  • 3 credits: CS 008 Intro to Web Development (if leaning toward CS or CSIS) or CS 087 Intro to Data Science (if leaning toward DS)
  • 3-4 credits: Math 21 Calculus I (or Math 10, if your MRT score is below 12)
  • 3-credit writing class: ENGL 001 (most students) or a TAP class (if you're in the College of Arts & Sciences)  or HCOL 85 (if you're in the Honor's College)
  • 3-credit elective (ECON 11 if you're considering CSIS)

See a CS advisor for help in keeping your options open and in deciding which CS program is for you.

Transfer Students

If you are a transfer student, please refer to the University's Transfer Student Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

AP Credits

Credit is granted for AP exam scores of 4 or 5 in most cases; scores of 3 are accepted in some areas. Please consult the University's AP Guide for more information.