Computer Science, BS

Department of Computer Science, College of Science and Engineering

94 credits from computer science and mathematics (plus 12-15 credits in supporting science)

Introduction

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, and 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 many attain very 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.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Admission to the Computer Science BS major is a two-phase process. Students are pre-majors until they have completed CSCI 141, CSCI 145, CSCI 241, CSCI 247 and CSCI 301 as well as MATH 124. Students may declare the CS Pre-major when they are enrolled in CSCI 145. The pre-major application is on the Academics Section of the Computer Science Department website at cs.wwu.edu.

Admission to the Computer Science BS major is based on multiple factors, including the student’s academic performance in CSCI 241, CSCI 247, and CSCI 301. Evidence that the student will have a positive impact on the department culture is also taken into account during the admission process. For example, a student’s involvement in clubs, faculty-mentored research, and volunteer work, although not required, is looked at favorably; students are encouraged to highlight those and other activities when they apply for the major. Students are also encouraged to discuss any teamwork or leadership experience when applying. Students are eligible to apply to the major when they are in the last of CSCI 241, CSCI 247, and CSCI 301. Admission is based on a space available basis: neither completion of the pre-major classes nor attaining any specific GPA guarantees admission.

Students may retake at most one of CSCI 241, CSCI 247 or CSCI 301 to improve their major application GPA. Please note that late withdrawals are counted as one attempt. We make exceptions only in cases of hardship withdrawal from the quarter. Transferred courses do not count in the GPA calculation.

Application materials, and instructions along with deadlines, are available on the Computer Science Department website at cs.wwu.edu.

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.