Department of Computer Science, College of Science and Engineering
94 credits from computer science and mathematics (plus 12-15 credits in supporting science)
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
360-650-2401
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CS Undergraduate Advisor
Mary Hall
Communications Facility 459
360-650-2300
Mary.Hall@wwu.edu
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Transfer Advisor
Filip Jagodzinski
Communications Facility 467
360-650-3800
Filip.Jagodzinski@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 major is a two-phase process. Students are advised to declare the pre-major as soon as they are enrolled in CSCI 145 by contacting the Program Coordinator for Advising in CF 459 and completing the pre-major application. Transfer students should seek advising immediately upon transfer to Western. Students cannot apply to the Computer Science major until they have completed the pre-major courses, namely, CSCI 141, CSCI 145, CSCI 241, CSCI 247, CSCI 301, and MATH 124. Computer Science pre-major courses have access restrictions during Phase I registration to support enrollment goals and timeliness to degree for Computer Science majors.
Admission to the Computer Science major is based on a student’s math readiness, academic performance in CSCI 241, CSCI 247, CSCI 301 and satisfactory progress toward university requirements. Students interested in Computer Science as well as students with pre-major status are strongly encouraged to seek academic advising quarterly to ensure a balanced academic plan that integrates Computer Science coursework, foundation coursework and university requirements are met in a timely manner.
Students may retake at most one of CSCI 241, CSCI 247 or CSCI 301 to improve their major application GPA. We make exceptions only in cases of hardship withdrawal from the quarter. Please note that we count late withdrawals as one attempt.
The application to the computer science major includes an application form and a major declaration card. Application materials are available from the advising office, 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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