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Computer Science

Computer Science

Guidelines

Those considering Computer Science as a field of major study at BYU should be aware of the following:

  1. The Computer Science program is demanding of student time. There are currently 72-76 hours of prescribed courses in the major above the University Core Requirements.  For more information about the required courses, please see the downloadable MAP and prerequisite chart.  For information regarding the Bioinformatics Emphasis, click here.  For information regarding the Animation Emphasis, click here.   
  2. It takes about 6 semesters to complete the required major courses.
  3. Seven courses in the Computer Science major address fundamental topics in mathematics; Math 112, 113, 343, Stat 221, CS 235, CS 236, and CS 252.
  4. Courses should be taken in the sequence shown on the downloadable prerequisite chart.
  5. Five elective courses in the program allow you to direct your studies into areas of your own special interest.   The tracks or specialties which have been outlined by the department include the following.  These are merely suggestions.  Majors are free to take any 400-level courses, as long as the prerequisites have been completed.  
    1. Graphics and Image Processing--Background: 431, 460, 478; Specialty: 450, 455, 456, 557
    2. Systems/Networking--Background: 428, 450; Specialty: 431, 460, 462, 465
    3. Application Development--Background: 431; Specialty: 438, 452, 456, 462
    4. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning--Background: 431, 450, 460; Specialty: 470, 478, 486
    5. Verification/Software Engineering--Background: 431, 456, 478; Specialty: 423, 452, 486
  6. New students, students changing their majors to Computer Science, and transfer students from other schools should consult with the College Advisement Center (422-6270) to determine the equivalency of courses taken elsewhere with those required in the CS major at BYU.

WHERE TO GO FOR INFORMATION

To declare Computer Science as your major, or if you have questions regarding University Core Requirements, Transfer Credits, Graduation Planning or University Requirements, please contact:

College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Advisement Center-- N-179 ESC, Provo, UT 84602
(801) 422-6270 - physmath.advisement@byu.edu, Shane Jorgenson and Darlene Willey

If the College Advisement center is not able to answer your questions, please contact:

CS Undergraduate Advisor
Paul Roper - 3370 TMCB, (801) 422-8149

For information regarding faculty mailboxes, phone numbers, offices, print accounts, or employment opportunities contact:

Computer Science Department Office -- 3361 TMCB, Provo, UT 84602
(801) 422-3027 - Gordon Billings, Office Manager

Faculty Information -- http://www.cs.byu.edu/faculty/