B.S. Computer Science

Curriculum Update: CSE 15L (2 units) will be replaced with CSE 29 (4 units) in Spring 2024. A new updated version of CSE 30 will be offered Fall 2024. For students admitted in FA24, to accommodate the two additional units for CSE 29, the General Science requirement will be reduced by one course and the Computer Science and Engineering lower-division elective will be increased by two units.

If you were admitted to CS26 before Fall 2023 and want to switch to the New Fall 2024 curriculum, you will need to fill out the Intent to Change Degree Audit FA23 form first to review the updated major requirements and policies. Once you complete the form, please message us in the VAC and mention you would like to switch to the FA24 curriculum.

If you were admitted to CS26 in FA23 and would like to switch to the FA24 requirements, please send us a VAC message to CSE Advising to let us know that you would like your degree audit updated. Students may request this starting September 1st 2024. FA23 admits do not need to complete the Intent to Change Degree Audit form.

This is CSE’s core major, preparing students to contribute to the profound societal changes being brought about by innovations in computing. Students interested in a software emphasis might want to consider Computer Science (CS26). The CSE program provides three majors in all, with numerous electives, allowing flexibility to explore your academic and career interests. The lower-division course requirements are designed to provide a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, programming methodology and skills, and computer organization. Upper-division core courses deal with the theory and design of algorithms, hardware, and software as well as applying your knowledge to the computing world. Electives allow students to gain additional breadth and/or depth in computer science and engineering.

Effective Fall 2023, the Computer Science (CS26) major curriculum has been updated. The FA23 curriculum is designed to ensure flexibility and adaptability for first year students and transfer students with the goal of ensuring students are prepared for the growing breadth known as Computer Science. Once students have taken our Core Courses, our elective courses allow students to explore multiple paths to graduation and dive into these areas of specialization:

• (Systems) The implementation of abstractions behind, and security of, computer hardware, software, and networking.
• (Theory/Abstraction) Abstract computational ideas using mathematical or formal tools.
• (Applications of Computing) Applying appropriate computing knowledge and problem-solving techniques to guide and shape the impact of computing on the world.

Degree Plan Checklist:

• BS Computer Science Checklist (Fall 2024 Curriculum): a checklist for all major requirements for students on the Fall 2023 Curriculum
  • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade AND passed with a C- or better (with the exceptions of: CSE 91, CSE 95, CSE 197, CSE 198, and CSE 199).
  • A maximum of 12 units of P/NP courses may count, chosen from: a maximum of 8 units of CSE 198 or CSE 199 or 199H; a maximum of 4 units of CSE 197.
    • Students may use 8 units of CSE 198 or CSE 199 or CSE 199H towards CSE elective requirements.
    • Students may use up to 8 units of ENG 100D/ENG 100L courses towards upper division CSE Elective credits (as part of the 8 units maximum of CSE 198/199/199H Special Studies courses allowed). You are NOT able to take ENG 100D twice.
    • Please visit the CSE 190 website for current offerings and to view the tag for each course.

    BS Computer Science Checklist (FA23 and Prior):

    • BS Computer Science Checklist (Fall 2023 Curriculum): a checklist for all major requirements for students on the Fall 2023 Curriculum
      • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade AND passed with a C- or better (with the exceptions of: CSE 91, CSE 95, CSE 197, CSE 198, and CSE 199).
      • Any upper-division CSE course between CSE 100-190, 193, 194 that is not being used for another major requirement (and is taken for a letter grade) may be used towards an upper-division "Open CSE Elective".
      • A maximum of 12 units of P/NP courses may count, chosen from: a maximum of 8 units of CSE 198 or CSE 199 or 199H; a maximum of 4 units of CSE 197.
        • Students may use 8 units of CSE 198 or CSE 199 or CSE 199H towards CSE elective requirements.
        • Students may use up to 8 units of ENG 100D/ENG 100L courses towards upper division CSE Elective credits (as part of the 8 units maximum of CSE 198/199/199H Special Studies courses allowed). You are NOT able to take ENG 100D twice.
        • Students must take ENG 100L twice (2 units each time) to receive credit for one elective credit; students may not combine this course with another 2 unit or 6 unit course.
        • Please visit the CSE 190 website for current offerings and to view the tag for each course.
        • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade AND passed with a C- or better (with the exception of CSE 91, CSE 95, 197, 198, and 199).
        • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade AND passed with a C- or better (with the exception of CSE 95, 197, 198, and 199).
        • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade AND passed with a C- or better (with the exception of CSE 95, 197, 198, and 199).
        • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade AND passed with a C- or better (with the exception of CSE 95, 197, 198, and 199).
        • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade (with the exception of CSE 95, 197, 198, and 199).
        • For CSE majors on an old degree curriculum, if you want to switch to Fall 2017 requirements, please send a request to advising through the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) or come in to meet with an advisor

        Four Year Plans

        • Academic Planning Worksheet (link to copy a Google Sheet): blank worksheet for students to be able to create a sample long term plan which can be brought to an advising meeting
        • Sample Plans By College: sample long term plan that includes college requirements

        These plans only include CSE major requirements. For questions regarding your college and university requirements, please check with your college.