BA in Computer Science

Why Study Computer Science in the College of Arts and Letters?

The Bachelor of Arts in computer science allows you to pursue a broad liberal arts education while building a strong foundation in computer science. Housed in the College of Arts and Letters, the program involves significant coursework in the College of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

The B.A. in computer science is flexible, so you can explore other interests in the liberal arts while learning foundational principles that will launch you into your desired field. You will learn the fundamentals of computer science, including algorithms, structured programming, data structures, programming languages, and software engineering.

You will take:

• Computer science and math courses
• University Core Curriculum
• Arts and Letters requirements
• 15 or more credit hours in an Arts and Letters “cognate area of study” (second major, supplementary major, minor, or a focus within a specific discipline).

You are also encouraged to develop and complete a senior thesis project that blends computer science and your cognate area of study.

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in computer science, you will:

• Apply your education in computer science to pose questions and derive solutions for humanistic, social, and scientific problems.
• Account for ethical and social concerns when solving humanistic, social, and scientific problems.
• Develop knowledge in a secondary cognate area of your choosing.
• Function effectively in a collaborative team and effectively communicate with members of the team.
• Engage in continued education in your field of expertise.
• Attain positions of leadership in your chosen field.

Should I do a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science? 

You should take the BACS if you:

• Want to apply your education in computer science to pose questions and derive solutions for humanistic, social, and scientific problems
• Do not identify as an engineer
• Are strongly interested in creatively exploring computer science + X for your degree
• Want to work on challenging interdisciplinary problems with careful consideration for ethical and social concerns 
• Are interested in developing and executing a senior thesis at the interface between computer science and your chosen cognate area
• Prefer significant degree flexibility while preserving a solid core of computer science coursework

You should take the BSCS if you:

• Are drawn to a strong math, science, and robust engineering core
• Identify as an engineer
• Strongly identify with working in software engineering or traditional computer science job
• Are interested in conventional problems in computing with a strong emphasis on programming and foundations of computer science
• Want to lead or manage highly technical teams while possessing a strong technical background
• Prefer a more structured curriculum with maximum freedom to focus on technical electives 

Admissions Process

Spring 2024 Application Deadline: Friday, March 8th, at 10 p.m. EST.

Application Form

Current first-year students can apply for consideration to join the major via this form.

Incoming students should speak with their first-year advisor to plan courses to prepare for the major. All students interested in participating in the major should plan to apply for entry to the major during the spring of their first year. 

FAQ