Computer Science & Data Science Curriculum Transition Guide for Students
Pre-Major Advising
Computer Science
Mary Hall (she/her)
Email: mary.hall@wwu.edu
Phone: (360) 650-2300
Schedule an advising appointment
Data Science
Kjatosia Ruvalcaba (she/her)
Email: ruvalck@wwu.edu
Phone: (360) 650-2971
The Computer Science Department is making significant changes to the algorithms and theory course sequence starting Summer 2026. The advising staff is here to help you navigate this transition - don't hesitate to reach out!
This page covers the most common questions for both Computer Science and Data Science pre-majors. If you're trying to decide which course to take next quarter, jump straight to Q6 for Computer Science or Q7 for Data Science. If your specific situation isn't addressed here, please contact one of our pre-major advisors (listed on the left) for guidance.
Curriculum Change FAQs
The algorithms and theory sequence is being restructured. Two courses (CSCI 241 and CSCI 301) are being discontinued, one new course (CSCI 201) is being created, and two existing courses are being updated, CSCI 305 is being revised and CSCI 401 is now required.
| Major | Old Requirement | New Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science pre-major | CSCI 241, CSCI 301, CSCI 247 | CSCI 201, CSCI 305, CSCI 247 |
| Computer Science major | CS 305 + other courses | CSCI 401 + other courses |
| Data Science pre-major | CSCI 241, CSCI 301, DATA 311 | CSCI 201, CSCI 305, DATA 311 |
| Data Science major | CSCI 305 + other courses | CSCI 401 + other courses |
In short:
- For pre-majors: The CSCI 241 + CSCI 301 requirement will be replaced with CSCI 201 and CSCI 305.
- For majors: The CSCI 305 major requirement will be replaced with CSCI 401, with CSCI 201 being a prerequisite for CSCI 305.
This change is credit neutral - the total credit requirement for the majors remain the same.
Two main reasons:
- CSCI 301 was overloaded. It tried to cover discrete math, formal languages, automata theory, and functional programming all in one course. The new structure splits this content between CSCI 201 (discrete math + functional programming) and CSCI 401 (formal languages + automata).
- Significant overlap between CSCI 241, 305, and 405. Sorting algorithms and data structure analysis were repeated across these courses. The revised CSCI 305 and 405 redistribute this content more evenly and reduce redundancy.
The new sequence is designed to better prepare you for upper-division coursework. CSCI 201 provides a stronger discrete math foundation before you start algorithms, and the revised CSCI 305 pairs data structures with their analysis so you learn both implementation and analysis together instead of across separate courses.
The new curriculum begins Summer 2026 (academic year 2026 - 2027).
| Course | Status |
|---|---|
| CSCI 241 | Last offered Spring 2026 |
| CSCI 301 | Last offered Fall 2026 |
| CSCI 201 (new) | First offered Summer 2026 |
| CSCI 305 (revised) | First offered Summer 2026 |
| CSCI 401 | First offered Fall 2026 |
This change has been carefully designed to not impact student timelines. However, the new sequence requires little planning ahead. So, reach out to your pre-major advisor to discuss your course sequence plan and timeline.
See Q6 for specific Spring 2026 Computer Science advising scenarios.
See Q7 for specific Spring 2026 Data Science advising scenarios.
No, it should not.
Spring 2026 is the last quarter CSCI 241 will be offered. Use the tables below to find your situation and see the recommended plan.
| Completed by End of Winter | Still Need | Take in Spring | Take in Summer or Fall* | Take in Fall | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSCI 241 + CSCI 247 | CSCI 301 | CSCI 301 | — | — | Apply in Spring for Fall entry |
| CSCI 241 + CSCI 301 | CSCI 247 | CSCI 247 | — | — | Apply in Spring for Fall entry |
| CSCI 301 + CSCI 247 | CSCI 241 | CSCI 241 | — | — | Apply in Spring for Fall entry |
| CSCI 241 | CSCI 247 + CSCI 301 | CSCI 301 | CSCI 247 | — | Apply in Fall for Winter entry* |
| CSCI 241 | CSCI 247 + CSCI 301 | CSCI 301 | — | CSCI 247 | Apply in Fall for Winter entry |
| CSCI 247 | CSCI 241 + CSCI 301 | CSCI 241 | — | CSCI 301 | Apply in Fall for Winter entry |
| CSCI 301 | CSCI 241 + CSCI 247 | CSCI 241 | CSCI 247 | — | Apply in Fall for Winter entry* |
| CSCI 301 | CSCI 241 + CSCI 247 | CSCI 241 | — | CSCI 247 | Apply in Fall for Winter entry |
*Students who complete their last pre-major class in summer with an average GPA of 3.0 or above in the three pre-major courses will be allowed to register for fall in-major classes on a space available basis. For these students, admission to a major in winter 2027 is not guaranteed, but very likely.
If you haven't started the pre-major sequence yet, we recommend you take either CSCI 241 or CSCI 247 in Spring. If you cannot take either of those, reach out to Mary Hall to discuss the option to start with CSCI 301.
Spring 2026 is the last quarter CSCI 241 will be offered. Use the tables below to find your situation and see the recommended plan.
| Completed by End of Winter | Still Need | Take in Spring | Take in Fall | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSCI 241 + DATA 311 | CSCI 301 | CSCI 301 | — | Apply in Spring for Fall entry |
| CSCI 241 + CSCI 301 | DATA 311 | DATA 311 | — | Apply in Spring for Fall entry |
| CSCI 301 + DATA 311 | CSCI 241 | CSCI 241 | — | Apply in Spring for Fall entry |
| CSCI 241 only | CSCI 301 + DATA 311 | CSCI 301 | DATA 311 | Apply in Fall for Winter entry |
| DATA 311 only | CSCI 241 + CSCI 301 | CSCI 241 | CSCI 301 | Apply in Fall for Winter entry |
| CSCI 301 only | CSCI 241 + DATA 311 | CSCI 241 | DATA 311 | Apply in Fall for Winter entry |
If you haven't started the pre-major sequence yet, we recommend you take either CSCI 241 or DATA 311 in Spring. If you cannot take either of those, reach out to Kjatosia Ruvalcaba to discuss the option to start with CSCI 301.
Yes, if you complete the entire pre-major sequence (CSCI 241, 301, and CSCI247 or DATA 311 depending on your desired major) before CSCI 241 and CSCI 301 are discontinued, you will be eligible to apply for admission to the CS major.
Note:
- CSCI 241 will be last offered in Spring 2026
- CSCI 301 will be last offered in Fall 2026
If you started the old sequence but cannot complete it before these courses are discontinued, your situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact a pre-major advisor if you are concerned you will not be able to complete the old sequence or to plan in-major courses.
- If you are already in CSCI or DATA major, this change does not affect you.
- If you are a pre-major student or considering declaring pre-major, reach out to the CS Transfer Advisor to discuss your situation.