Computer Science, BS

You like logic, puzzles, and problem solving
Technology fascinates you
You want to go into a field with limitless creative potential and job opportunities

We encourage you to give this major a try. Beginners with no programming background are welcome!

Pre-Major FAQ

You will receive Computer Science-specific advising—ensuring you are on track and taking the correct courses
It keeps you informed of Computer Science Department opportunities and events
Helps our department know how many course sections to offer
Offers improved access to pre-major classes in Phase I of registration
It helps us connect with you and get to know you

Students can declare a pre-major in Computer Science once they have completed CSCI 145. Priority deadline for applications to the Computer Science Pre-Major will only be accepted during weeks 1-5 of fall, winter, and spring quarter. At the end of week 5 students will meet with the program advisor and be granted pre-major status in time for Phase I of registration.

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. Transferred courses do not count in the GPA calculation.

Major FAQ

Students can apply to the major early during fall, winter and spring quarter when they are enrolled in the last of their pre-major courses, namely CSCI 241, CSCI 247, and CSCI 301. Application deadlines are posted at the top of this page, all applications are due by 5:00pm on the day of the deadline.

Admission to the Computer Science major is based on many 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 considered, for example, the student's involvement in clubs, activities, research, volunteering, teamwork, or leadership. Admission is based on a space available basis: neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission.

The application to the Computer Science major is a web form that includes 3 short answer questions in reference to career goals, community involvement and telling the committee a little about yourself that are important factors in admission decisions.

Declared Computer Science (BS) Majors are assigned a faculty advisor. Check Degree Works for your assigned advisor.

General FAQ

The Computer Science Bachelors of Science has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET since 1987

If you're a prospective student interested in learning more about the department, you can book an appointment for a department tour. During this appointment, you'll learn more about the department, our programs, and get any questions you have answered.

If you have questions but do not want to schedule a tour, contact Mary Hall for any questions regarding the Computer Science, BS program.

No, we currently do not offer direct admission to the Computer Science major.

Depending on the support or resources you're looking for, the Computer Science department may be able to help.

Dedicated CS Tutors to help with Computer Science and Data Science courses
CS Mentor Program
Computer Science and Data Science pre-major advisors to support you on your journey into the major
Department Clubs related to various interests to help you feel like part of the community

Yes, the department offers several scholarships to students in our majors. Learn more about our scholarships.

Our scholarship application has been combined into one application that allows you to apply to all university scholarships at once. For more information, check out the Scholarship Center website.

Computer Science at Western has many unique qualities including but not limited to:

A fast-track master's program
Opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research
Lectures taught by members of our faculty
Small class sizes for in-major courses
Regular networking and career talk events hosted by the department

Our fast-track master's program, also called the pre-master's program, allows students enrolled in the undergraduate CS program to take graduate level CS classes the accelerate their timeline for completing a Master's degree in Computer Science.

Students who enroll in the pre-master's program and continue on to our master's program can finish their degree in as little as 5 years.