Department of Computer Science, College of Science and Engineering
94 credits from computer science and mathematics
Introduction
The proliferation of desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile devices and networks is transforming the world rapidly and irreversibly. Search engines and social networking sites have provided information to and forged connections between people worldwide. Advances in areas such as the World Wide Web, robotics, video games, multicore computing, artificial intelligence and cyber security are obviously central to the discipline of computer science. However, other fields such as genetics, atomic physics, renewable energy, and health care depend upon computers for advancement as well. The increasing use of and reliance on computers in our modern technological society makes the study of computer science an exciting and challenging one.
Computer Science at Western is composed of core classes organized around the study of design and analysis techniques used to write software in various application domains along with details about the internal workings of computers and networks. Elective classes in areas such as artificial intelligence, mobile device programming, robotics, graphics, web programming, bioinformatics, computer security, and video game programming allow students to explore areas of individual interest.
Why Consider a Computer Science Major?
Computer science is an exciting, growing, challenging field that is critical to many aspects of everyday life. As a computer scientist you can make an impact on the advancement of medicine, clean energy, entertainment, communication for the disabled, climate research, and automotive technologies to name a few. For some, the most motivational aspect of being a computer scientist is being involved in creating the next great technology that will help people the world over.
Apart from the compelling work you can do is the fact that computer scientists are highly sought after and can attain lucrative jobs directly out of college.
Anyone who enjoys abstract thinking and problem solving would most certainly appreciate computer science because the discipline is not just about programming. It is about the ways we organize data, solve problems, discover applications, and build devices and associated software that are effective and easy to use.
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Department Information
Communications Facility 495
360-650-3805
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CS Undergraduate Advisor
Mary Hall
Communications Facility
360-650-2300
Mary.Hall@wwu.edu
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Transfer Advisor
James Johnson
Communications Facility 467
360-650-3967
James.Johnson@wwu.edu
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Computational Scientist | Computer Engineer | Data Scientist | Database Administrator | Educator | Game Programmer | IT Consultant | Network Engineer | Project Manager | Research Analyst | Robotics Programmer | Software Engineer | Systems Administrator | Systems Analyst | Systems Engineer | Technical Writer | User Experience Designer | Web Developer
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How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Admission to the Computer Science BS major is a two-phase process. Students are classified as pre-majors until they have completed CSCI 141, CSCI 145, CSCI 241, CSCI 247 and CSCI 301 as well as MATH 124. Students are advised to declare a pre-major as soon as possible, ideally during the first year or immediately upon transfer to Western. Students may obtain pre-major status by contacting the Program Coordinator for Advising in CF 459 and completing the pre-major application.
Admission to the Computer Science major is based on students’ academic performance in CSCI 241, CSCI 247 and CSCI 301. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above in CSCI 241, CSCI 247 and CSCI 301 will be given preferential admission to the major. Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.7 will be considered for admission on a case by case basis.
The application to the computer science major includes an application form and a major declaration card. Students may declare a major by contacting the Program Coordinator for Advising in CF 459. Students should apply to the major by the 5th week of the quarter in which they will complete the pre-major courses. Upon being admitted to the major students will be assigned an academic advisor from the computer science faculty.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
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