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Frequently Asked Questions

I'm thinking about declaring the Computer Science major or correlate. When and how can I do that?

To declare the major or correlate, students need to meet at least one of the following two requirements:

  • Have completed at least two CMPU major-required courses (e.g., 101, 102, 145) for a letter grade, and earned an average of C (2.0) or higher in those courses.
  • Have completed CMPU-101 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, be currently enrolled in a second CMPU course (i.e., CMPU-102 or CMPU-145), and have received a midterm exam grade of B− or above.

Correlates must have additionally declared a different major.

Once you have decided to declare, or even if you are just thinking about it, you can make an appointment to discuss with one of the professors in the department.

What are the requirements for a CS correlate?

Computer Science 101, 102 and 145; 240 or 241, plus at least one additional 200-level Computer Science course and one graded 300-level Computer Science course. Students are advised to consult with the department to determine the courses most appropriate to their interests. No course numbered 200 or higher may be elected NRO and counted toward the requirements for the correlate. An average grade of C (2.0) or higher across correlate courses is required.

What prerequisites are needed for CMPU-101?

There are no prerequisites for CMPU-101. The course starts with the basics and builds incrementally from there.

What if I've never done any programming before and I'm not very mathematically inclined? Is it possible for me to learn how to program?

Certainly! CMPU-101 has weekly lab sessions in which students gain hands-on experience programming. The professor and multiple student coaches are always on hand to assist with any questions that may come up during the lab. This kind of one-on-one guidance has proven to be very helpful.

How do we access software needed to do assignments?

Every Computer Science student gets their own CS Department computer account that has access to all of the software used in any CS course.

I know Java, can I place out of CMPU-102?

CMPU-102 consists of two parts – the first is an introduction to object-oriented programming and Java; the second covers data structures. Students who are proficient in both Java and data structures are allowed to place out of the course by completing the largest programming assignment, and taking the final exam. To arrange this, please contact a CMPU-102 instructor at the start of the semester.