Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

The following requirements are effective for students starting the degree in Fall 2022 or later.

Students who started the degree before Fall 2022 should see the curriculum guidefor their specific requirement term (term they entered the major).

Ìý ÌýSuggested Plans of StudyÌý

Table of Contents

Computer Science Coursework

Students must complete the Foundation, Core, Capstone as well as Computer Science electives to make the 58 required hours. All CSCI course prerequisites are enforced; see the for details.

Foundation Courses

All of the following courses are required (grade of C- or better):

  • CSCIÌý1000-1, Computer Science as a Field of Work and Study
  • CSCIÌý1300-4, Computer Science 1: Starting Computing (or equivalent)
  • CSCIÌý2270-4, Computer Science 2: Data Structures
  • CSCIÌý2400-4, Computer Systems
  • CSCIÌý3104-4, Algorithms
  • CSCIÌý3155-4, Principles of Programming Languages
  • CSCI 3308-3, Software Development Methods and Tools

Core Courses

Five of the following courses are required (grade of C- or better).

  • CSCIÌý3002-4, Fundamentals of Human Computer Interaction
  • CSCIÌý3202-3,ÌýIntroduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • CSCIÌý3287-3,ÌýDesign & Analysis of Database Systems
  • CSCI 3302-3, Introduction to Robotics
  • CSCI 3403-4, Introduction to CyberSecurity for a Converged World
  • CSCIÌý3434-3,ÌýTheory of Computation
  • CSCIÌý3656-3,ÌýNumerical Computation, or APPM 4650/MATH4650-3 Intermediate Numerical Analysis 1, or APPM 4600-4 Numerical Methods and Scientific Computing, or MCEN 3030-3 Computational Methods (only one of these will count as Computer Science credit)
  • CSCIÌý3753-4,ÌýDesign & Analysis of Operating Systems
  • CSCI 4022-3, Advanced Data Science
  • CSCIÌý4273-3,ÌýNetwork Systems
  • CSCIÌý4448-3,ÌýObject-Oriented Analysis and Design

CSCI Upper Division Electives

Additional courses from the Computer Science Core list or the list below to bring the total number of computer science credit hours to 58 or more.

  • CSCI 3010-3, Programming Project Workshop
  • CSCI 3022-3, Introduction to Data Science with Probability and Statistics (can count for probability/statistics requirement OR CS elective credit, but not both)
  • CSCI 3090-3, Introduction to Quantum Computing
  • CSCIÌý3112-1,ÌýHuman-Centered Computing Professional Development
  • CSCI 3150-3, Universal Design for Digital Media
  • CSCI 3352-3, Biological Networks
  • CSCI 3593/4593-3,ÌýComputer Organization
  • CSCIÌý3702-3,ÌýCognitive Science
  • CSCI 3832-3, Natural Language Processing
  • CSCI 4113-3, Linux System Administration (previously offered as TLEN 5842; only one of these will count)
  • CSCI 4114-3, Practical Algorithmic Complexity
  • CSCI 4122-3, Information Visualization
  • CSCI 4200-3, Introduction to Wireless Systems
  • CSCIÌý4229-3,ÌýComputer Graphics
  • CSCI 4239-3,ÌýAdvanced Computer Graphics
  • CSCI 4240-3, Introduction to Blockchain
  • CSCI 4253-3, Datacenter Scale Computing
  • CSCI 4302-3,ÌýAdvanced Robotics
  • CSCI 4314-3, Dynamic Models in Biology
  • CSCI 4413-3, Computer Security & Ethical Hacking
  • CSCIÌý4446-3,ÌýChaotic Dynamics
  • CSCI 4502-3,ÌýData Mining
  • CSCIÌý4555-3,ÌýCompiler Construction
  • CSCIÌý4576-4,ÌýHigh-Performance Scientific Computing
  • CSCI 4616-3, Introduction to Virtual Reality
  • CSCI 4622-3, Machine Learning
  • CSCI 4722-3, Computer Vision
  • CSCIÌý4753-3,ÌýComputer Performance Modeling
  • CSCI 4802-1, Data Science Team Companion Course (can count up to 3 credits)
  • CSCIÌý4809-3,ÌýComputer Animation
  • CSCI 4830-3, Special Topics in Computer Science (up to 9 credit hours total from 4830/4831 combined can count toward CS electives)
  • CSCI 4831-3, Special Topics in Algorithms (up to 9 credit hours total from 4830/4831 combined can count toward CS electives)
  • CSCI 4849-3, Input, Interaction, and Accessibility
  • CSCI 4900-3, Upper Division, Undergraduate Independent Study
  • APPM 4120/MATH 4120-3, Introduction to Operations Research
  • APPM 4370-3, Computational Neuroscience
  • ATLS 4120-3, Mobile Application DevelopmentÌý(formerly offered as ATLS 4519 Special Topics:ÌýMobile App Dev; only one of these will count toward the CSEN-BS)Ìý
  • ATLS 4214-3, Big Data Architecture (formerly offered as CSCI 4830 Special Topics: Big Data or ATLS 4519 Special Topics: Big Data; only one of these will count toward the CSEN-BS)
  • ATLS 4320-3, Mobile Application Development: Advanced Topics (formerly offered as ATLS 4519 Special Topics: Adv Mobile App Development; only one of these will count toward the CSEN-BS)
  • ECENÌý2350-3,ÌýDigital Logic
  • ECEN 4133-3, Fundamentals of Computer Security
  • ECEN 4313-3, Concurrent Programming
  • INFO 3504-3, Problems in Information Science: Digital Identity
  • INFO 4602-3, Mastery in Information Science: Information Visualization
  • INFO 4604-3, Applied Machine Learning
  • INFO 4609-3, Mastery in Information Science: User-Centered Design
  • INFO 4611-3, Mastery in Information Science: Ubiquitous Computer Experience Design
  • MATH 4440-3, Mathematics of Coding and Cryptography
  • MCDB 4520-3, Bioinformatics & Genomics

Senior Capstone

One of the following Capstone options is required (grade of C- or better required for each class):

Two semesters: beginning fall, ending spring:

  • CSCIÌý4308-4ÌýSoftware Engineering Project 1
  • CSCIÌý4318-4,ÌýSoftware Engineering Project 2

This sequence must be taken contiguously and may not be taken before the senior year. Prerequisites for Senior Project include the successful completion of the college writing requirement, as well as the Computer Science Foundation (24 credit hours) plus Computer Science Core and Elective courses to reach a minimum of 36 Computer Science credit hours. See Software Design Project for more information.

Two semesters: beginning fall, ending spring:

  • CSCIÌý4348-4,ÌýStartup Essentials: Entrepreneurial Projects 1 andÌý
  • CSCI 4358-4, Entrepreneurial Projects 2

This sequence must be taken contiguously and may not be taken before the senior year. Prerequisites for Senior Project include the successful completion of the college writing requirement, as well as the Computer Science Foundation (24 credit hours) plus Computer Science Core and Elective courses to reach a minimum of 36 Computer Science credit hours. See Entrepreneurial Capstone for more information.

Two semesters: beginning fall, ending spring.

Students who are dual majors with other ABET accredited programs in the College of Engineering and Applied Science are permitted to complete their requiredÌýCapstoneÌýexperience through those departments. For example: ASEN 4018/4028 or ECEN 4610/4620.

Through partnership with Mechanical Engineering, we offer anyÌýCS student the opportunity to participate in the followingÌýCapstone experience with Mechanical Engineering students.Ìý

  • CSCI 4368/4378ÌýMultidisciplinary Design Project 1 & 2: ÌýDesign, develop, test, and deploy software that is integrated into a mechanical system. Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that could include students from computer science, mechanical, and electrical disciplines. Develop project management and communication skills as they pertain to a multi-disciplinary team. Support the project team through self-directed study. Second semester of a seniorÌýcapstoneÌýcourse isÌýCSCI 4378. Students must take this course andÌýCSCI 4368 contiguously as the project spans the entire academic year starting fall and ending in spring.Ìý

Two semesters: beginning fall, ending spring:

  • CSCIÌý4950-4,ÌýSenior Thesis
  • CSCIÌý4950-4,ÌýSenior Thesis
  • CSCI 3100-1 Software and Society

Senior Thesis may not be taken before the senior year. Minimum GPA 3.0 required. Prerequisites for Senior Thesis include the successful completion of the college writing requirement, as well as the Computer Science Foundation (24 credit hours) plus Computer Science Core and Elective courses to reach a minimum of 36 Computer Science credit hours. SeeÌýSenior ThesisÌýfor more information.

Required Coursework from Outside CS

Mathematics

Courses in the following four categories are required.Ìý

Must take both courses:

  • APPM 1350-4, Calculus 1 for Engineers or MATH 1300-5, Calculus 1
  • APPM 1360-4, Calculus 2 for Engineers or MATH 2300-5, Calculus 2

Take one of the following courses:

  • CSCIÌý2824-3, Discrete Structures
  • ECENÌý2703-3, Discrete Mathematics for Computer Engineers
  • APPMÌý3170-3,ÌýDiscrete Applied Mathematics
  • MATH 2001-3, Introduction to Discrete Mathematics

Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to course prerequisites as listed in the course catalog. Some courses on this approved list may have prerequisites that are not otherwise required for the computer science major.

Take one of the following courses:

  • CSCIÌý2820-3, Linear Algebra with CS Applications
  • MATH 2130-3,ÌýIntro to Linear Algebra
  • ´¡±Ê±Ê²ÑÌý3310-3,ÌýMatrix Methods and Applications

Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to course prerequisites as listed in the course catalog. Some courses on this approved list may have prerequisites that are not otherwise required for the computer science major.

Take one of the following courses:

  • APPMÌý3570-3, Applied Probability
  • APPMÌý4570-3,ÌýStatistical Methods
  • CHEN 3010-3, Applied Data Analysis
  • CSCI 3022-3, Introduction to Data Science with Probability and Statistics (can count for probability/statistics requirement OR CS elective, but not both)
  • CVENÌý3227-3,ÌýProbability, Statistics and Decision
  • ECENÌý3810-3, Introduction to Probability Theory.
  • ECON 3818-3, Introduction to Statistics w/ Computer Applications
  • MATHÌý3510-3, Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • MATHÌý4510-3, Introduction to Probability Theory
  • STAT 3100-3, Applied Probability
  • STAT 4000-3, Statistical Methods and Application I
  • Other probability/statistics courses if approved by anÌýundergraduate advisor.

Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to course prerequisites as listed in the course catalog. Some courses on this approved list may have prerequisites that are not otherwise required for the computer science major.

Natural Science

A total of at least 17 credit hours of Natural Science is required.Ìý

Your 17 hours must include:

  • PHYS1110-4 General Physics 1 (Calculus-based) REQUIRED, grade of C-Ìýor better
  • An approved natural science with lab option

Complete one of the following approved Natural Science with LabÌýsequences (D, or better):

  • PHYS 1120-4, General Physics 2 and PHYS 1140-1, Experimental Physics 1
  • CHEN 1201-4, General Chemistry for Engineers 1 and CHEM 1114-1, Laboratory in General Chemistry 1
  • CHEM 1113-4, General Chemistry 1 and CHEM 1114-1, Laboratory in General Chemistry 1Ìý(Major restrictions may be enforced by Chemistry department.)
  • EBIO 1210-3 General Biology 1 and EBIO 1230-1 General Biology Laboratory 1
  • MCDB 1150-3 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology, and either:
    • MCDB 1161-2 From Dirt to DNA: Phage Genomics Laboratory I, or
    • MCDB 1171-2 Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens I
  • Complete 8 or more additional hours of acceptable Natural Science electives to make the required 17 hours. Do not repeat any course(s) completed from the above science sequences.Ìý
  • ASTR 1010-4, Introductory Astronomy 1
  • ASTR 1020-4, Introductory Astronomy 2
  • ASTR 1030 Accel Intro Astronomy 1 (preferred ASTR course for BS students)
  • ASTR 1040 Accel Intro Astronomy 2 (preferred ASTR course for BS students)
  • ASTR 2030-3, Black Holes
  • ASTR 2040-3, The Search for Life in the Universe
  • ATOC 1050-3, Weather and the Atmosphere
  • ATOC 1060-3, Our Changing Environment: El Nino, Ozone, and Climate
  • ATOC 1070-1, Weather and the Atmosphere Laboratory
  • CHEN 1201-4, General Chemistry for Engineers 1 —OR— CHEN 1211-4, Accelerated Chemistry for Engineers —OR— CHEM 1113-4, General Chemistry 1
  • CHEM 1221-1, Engineering General Chemistry Lab —OR— CHEM 1114-1, Laboratory in General Chemistry 1
  • CHEM 1133-4, General Chemistry 2
  • CHEM 1134-1, Laboratory in General Chemistry 2
  • COEN 3210-3, Climate Change and Engineering
  • EBIO 1030-3, Biology: A Human Approach 1
  • EBIO 1040-3, Biology: A Human Approach 2
  • EBIO 1210-3, General Biology 1
  • EBIO 1220-3, General Biology 2
  • EBIO 1230-1, General Biology Laboratory 1
  • EBIO 1240-1, General Biology Laboratory 2
  • GEOG 1001-4, Environmental Systems 1—Climate and Vegetation
  • GEOG 1011-4, Environmental Systems: Landscapes and Water
  • GEOL 1010-3, Introduction to Geology
  • GEOL 1020-3, Introduction to Earth History
  • GEOL 1030-1, Introduction to Geology Laboratory 1
  • GEOL 1150-3, Water, Energy and Environment: An Introduction to Earth Resources
  • MCDB 1150-3, Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • MCDB 1161-2 From Dirt to DNA: Phage Genomics Laboratory I
  • MCDB 1171-2 Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens I
  • PHYS 1120-4, General Physics 2
  • PHYS 1140-1, Experimental Physics 1
  • PHYS 2130-3, General Physics 3 -OR- PHYS 2170-3, Foundations of Modern Physics
  • PHYS 2150-1, Experimental Physics 2
  • PSYC 2012-3, Biological Psychology

Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to course prerequisites as listed in the course catalog. Some courses on this approved list may have prerequisites that are not otherwise required for the computer science major. Ìý

A grade of C- or better is required in all prerequisite courses to take the subsequent course.

Students may petition to count courses not on the above list as natural science elective credit.

Logic and Ethics

A total of at least 6 credit hours of Logic and Ethics is required.

Select one of the following options (3 credits):

  • PHIL 1440-3, Critical Thinking
  • PHIL 2440-3, Symbolic Logic

Select one of the following options (3 credits):

  • CSCI 2750-3, Computing, Ethics and Society
  • INFO 4601-3, Information Ethics and Policy
  • PHIL 1100-3, Ethics
  • PHIL 1200-3, Philosophy and Society
  • PHIL 2160-3, Ethics and Information Technology
  • EHON 1151-3, Critical Encounters
  • ENLP 2000-3 Leadership, Fame and Failure

Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to course prerequisites as listed in the course catalog. Some courses on this approved list may have restrictions or prerequisites that are not otherwise required for the computer science major.

Humanities, Social Science and Writing

A total of at least 18 credit hours of approved coursework in the Humanities and Social Sciences is required.

  • Approved writing (3 credits, grade of C- or better):
    • ENES 1010-3, Engineering, Ethics and SocietyÌý(first-year students only, listed as HUEN 1010 prior to Fall 2020)
    • ENES 3100-3, Seminar in Engineering, Ethics & Society (listed as HUEN 3100 prior to Fall 2020)
    • PHYS 3050-3, Writing in Physics: Problem-Solving and Rhetoric
    • WRTG 3030-3, Writing on Science and Society
    • WRTG 3035-3, Technical Communication and Design
    • other writing courses as approved by the Undergraduate Education Council
  • At least six of the remaining 15 credit hours must be at the upper-division level, i.e. numbered 3000 or above. Upper-division writing does not count towards this 6 credits of upper division coursework. See the for a list of approved courses and more details.

Additional Policies & Requirements

Students who complete a BS inÌýComputerÌýScienceÌýare not eligible to complete a BA inÌýComputerÌýScience, a BS in AppliedÌýComputerÌýScienceÌý(post-baccalaureate program), or aÌýcomputerÌýscienceÌý(CSMR) minor.

Students need to have the following grade point averages:

  • A cumulative GPA of at least 2.000 (prior to December 2021, this threshold was 2.250) in all courses taken at CU for Computer Science requirements.
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 2.000 (prior to December 2021, this threshold was 2.250) in all courses attempted at CU.
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 2.000 (prior to December 2021, this threshold was 2.250) in all CU courses used to satisfy graduation requirements.

Students need to have the following grades in individual courses:

  • A grade of C- or better is required in each Computer Science Foundation course, as well as in each course used to satisfy the Computer Science Core and the Computer Science Capstone.
  • A grade of C- or better is needed in all prerequisite courses to take a subsequent course.
  • The minimum passing grade for a course that is considered a prerequisite for another required course is C-. If a grade of D+ or lower is received in a course which is prerequisite to another, the student is required to repeat the course until the minimum acceptable course grade has been earned. If a student takes the advanced course, it does not remove the obligation to repeat the prerequisite course, even if the grade earned in the advanced course is a C- or above.
  • In general, aside from the above restrictions, any passing grade, i.e., a D- or better, is acceptable to fulfill a degree requirement.
  • A student may not enroll more than three times in a course that applies towards degree requirements; furthermore, after the third attempt, a student may not substitute an equivalent course. See the Ìýfrom the College of Engineering and Applied Science for more detail.
  • The department allows courses counting as free electives to be taken pass/fail. Students must petition the department to take a course pass/fail. The College of Engineering and Applied Science has further restrictions on taking a course Pass/Fail. These restrictions are outlined in the college's .
  • The last 45 credit hours toward the degree must be earned on the Boulder campus after admission to the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
    • Study abroad courses through a CU Boulder-approved study abroad program are considered resident courses.
  • In addition, the courses used to fulfill the Senior Capstone requirement in Computer Science must be taken on the Boulder campus.