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Computer Science

Major in the College of Natural Sciences

The Department of Computer Science undergraduate program provides a broad and deep education in the science of computing, offering over 45 courses that span the full range of topics in modern computer science.

Required and elective courses offer a theoretical base of knowledge in a wide variety of the computer sciences - software development, artificial intelligence, networks, theory, architecture, graphics and algorithm analysis. With only six required courses, students have the opportunity to dive into concentration areas and tailor their degrees to their specific interests, or to study computer science more broadly by sampling from various subareas.

The Department of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in computer science. Each degree will provide the necessary background to enter a graduate program in computer science.

First-year students are strongly encouraged to participate in research. After the first year, students can work in a research group, write an honors thesis, or create an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member.

Declaration Requirements

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Prospective University of Texas at Austin students should visit UT Admissions to learn about the application process and how to declare a major.

How to Declare

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Step 1: Internal transfer students must apply to the College of Natural Sciences prior to completing 60 hours or four long semesters at UT. Applications are due to the College of Natural Sciences in the spring. Learn more about the college's internal transfer requirements.

Step 2: Once accepted into the College of Natural Sciences, all students will start as entry-level computer science majors until they successfully complete the entry-level requirements.

Required Courses

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For information on required courses, students can view computer science degree plans by specific major. For additional information, view computer science course descriptions.

Specializations

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The Department of Computer Science offers six undergraduate degrees:

For additional information, learn about the differences between BSA and BS degrees.

Personality

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Learn about the computer science student experience by learning about related student organizations and viewing student home pages.

Skills

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Computer science students develop a strong background in hardware architectures and mathematics as a foundation on which to build their computing proficiency. The Department of Computer Science requires students to obtain a background in other scientific disciplines and to develop effective communication skills.

MAJOR ≠ CAREER

Your major does not always determine your career path. Many graduates pursue careers outside their field, depending on their interests and experiences.

EXPERIENCE + DEGREE = CAREER

It’s not just your major that matters! Make yourself marketable by gaining a variety of experiences in college. Read a few inspiring stories by professionals whose experiences led to great careers.

Contact a Texas Career Engagement career counselor today to find out how you can turn your major into a career.