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Academic Requirements
Computer Science Majors and Minors

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Requirements
Computer Science
Major 		Computer Science
Minor

The information given below and on separate "sample curriculum" web pages includes only the course number and brief course title.
The complete listing of courses may be found in the most recent edition of the University Bulletin. Course descriptions for courses offered in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science may be found at http://www.scu.edu/bulletin/undergraduate/math-course.cfm.

General Requirements for a
Major in Computer Science (Mathematics)

As noted on the Departmental Overview webpage, throughout the U.S., computer science programs taught in Colleges of Arts and Sciences tend, in general, to focus more on algorithmic and theoretical aspects of computing rather than on hardware, technical details, or specific currently-popular software. At Santa Clara, the computer science major is distinguished from the computer engineering degree by a departmental emphasis on the use of computers and computing as a means to, and a subject of, scientific inquiry and problem solving. The curriculum has been crafted in light of national curricular recommendations for computer science programs in liberal arts schools and provides numerous free electives over a four year period to enable a student easily to minor in a related discipline or even, perhaps, to double major.

Although the "computer science" major is independent of the "computer engineering" major, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science collaborates with the Department of Computer Engineering in offering courses for both majors. For example, the computer science curriculum requires students to take a minimum of four courses from the Department of Computer Engineering (COEN 20, 21, 177 and one other upper division course). Students, in fact, may take additional required and free electives if so inclined.

A Santa Clara University undergraduate majoring in Computer Science (in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science) must fulfill the standard University and College Core Curriculum requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree.

The Department has specified that the science requirement of the core curriculum is fullfilled by taking Physics 31 and 32 (and the corresponding lab).

Departmental Requirements for a Major in Computer Science

Lower Division Courses

Upper Division Courses

Students are encouraged to select one of the following areas of focus to guide their choices of upper division courses: Other areas of focus (with corresponding courses) may be developed in consultation with an academic advisor.

* Prior to Fall 2007, courses labeled "CSci" were labeled "Math."

A sample four-year curriculum for a Computer Science Major.

Departmental Requirements for a Major in Computer Science
with an Emphasis in Cryptography and Security

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers a program providing an emphasis in cryptography and security for students who wish to prepare themselves for careers related to software and computer security.

Participation in this program is noted on the student's transcript.

All students in the program must complete the University and College of Arts and Sciences requirements for a B.S. in Computer Science (Mathematics), and in particular:

Five Year Combined B.S. in Computer Science
and M.S. in Computer Engineering or Software

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science cooperates with the Department of Computer Engineering in offering the option of a five year combined B.S. and M.S. program for those majoring in computer science.

(The complete listing of upper division courses may be found in the most recent edition of the University Bulletin.)

Departmental Requirements for a Minor in Computer Science

Lower Division Courses

Upper Division Courses

A student minoring in computer science must take three upper-division courses in mathematics from those identified as Computer Science related courses: Math 144, 176, 177 or any upper division computer science course.

Information about a Minor in Science, Technology, and Society

The Department also cooperates with Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology, and Society in the interdisciplinary Minor in Science, Technology, and Society.

Studying Computing at Santa Clara University

There are, in fact, three different undergraduate programs at Santa Clara University in which a student may study computing.

In the School of Business, a student can major in Operations and Management Information Systems (OMIS).
In the School of Engineering, a student can major in Computer Engineering.
In the College of Arts and Sciences, a student can major in Computer Science.
Students in any of these programs study about computers and computer applications, but the curriculum is shaped by the academic unit (i.e., Business, Engineering, Arts & Sciences) in which it lies. All three programs are also influenced by national professional guidelines.

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Last Updated: 30 October 2007