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| Photo by Patrick O'Leary |
Computer science is one of the fastest growing technology fields. Currently there are more jobs in this industry than graduates, making computer science students highly sought after by local and national companies. Most students graduate with a job already lined up.
Computer science is the study of software, hardware, and theoretical aspects of computing devices, along with the study of the application of computing in scientific, engineering, business, and other areas. Note that although programming is a part of computer science, it is only one part, and strong computer science programs require not only programming classes, but classes in other areas of computer science as well.
Computer scientists do many different types of work, from helping computers to run more efficiently, to making them safer, and improving mobile devices and other computerized technologies.
By choosing the CS&E department, you are guaranteed access to a world-class institution, internationally renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, broad job possibilities, and a promising, impactful career. The CS&E department offers challenging B.S., B.A, M.S., and Ph.D. programs.
To learn more about job possibilities available to CS&E graduates, visit Computing Careers.
Students interested in studying computer science at the University of Minnesota should apply to either the College of Science and Engineering for the Bachelor of Science degree or the College of Liberal Arts for the Bachelor of Arts degree. The CS Undergraduate Guide and the University catalog contain additional information about these degrees and their requirements. The University of Minnesota also offers degrees in related fields, such as Computer Engineering and Information Technology Infrastructure. Once prospective students are admitted to one of these colleges, they can then take required lower division courses in computer science. Students officially enter the computer science major once they have successfully applied for upper division status, which is usually near the end of their sophomore year.
Admission is done by colleges, rather than by the department. More admission information is available at Discover CLA and CSE Prospective students, as well as on the University Admissions website.
Most students are admitted to the university as lower division students, and must take certain classes before being admitted to “upper division,” i.e., to a specific major. Information about the requirements and process for admission to upper division is in the “Application to Major” section of the CS Undergraduate Guide. Students must fulfill these requirements in a timely manner. Most CS students apply to upper division near the end of their sophomore year.
The computer science degree at the University of Minnesota consists of a foundation of math and science classes. Here are the different attributes and supporting requirements:
CS&E student Chung-Yun (George) Chao is one of three University of Minnesota undergraduates to have been named 2012 Barry M. Goldwater Scholars. The prestigious Goldwater Scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding sophomores and juniors in mathematics, science and engineering who intend to pursue research-oriented careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. The scholarships provide up to $7,500 per year for up to two years of undergraduate study.
Chao is a junior pursuing a double major in genetics, cell biology and development in the College of Biological Sciences and computer science in the College of Science and Engineering. Following his undergraduate studies, he plans to pursue a doctorate in bioinformatics and possibly an M.D. with a future specialty in internal medicine. Working under the guidance of professor Chad Myers, he has researched mapping gene interaction networks in yeast and has extended these studies into an interaction network of human genes to predict possible protein interactions in humans.
