Computer Science/CS -  Major Course Recommendations

The Computer Science major focuses on algorithms, theoretical foundations of computer science, and development of software. A strong foundation in mathematics and science is needed for this emphasis. Graduates of this emphasis will be prepared to work for a variety of companies including those that have a software, engineering, scientific, or mathematical focus. Be sure to see a Computer Science advisor to select the appropriate emphasis for you.

Baccalaureate schools may have multiple computing degree programs, often located in different departments, which build on the recommendations for the Computer Science Technical Track. A technical track major is typically found in a department named Computer Science or Mathematics and Computer Science or within a College of Engineering.

Some schools may not require all of the courses listed below. Consult the baccalaureate schools you are considering and an advisor to select the appropriate courses for you.

Major Directive

Click here to see how courses at Illinois public 4-year institutions accept courses in transfer for this major.

Computer Science IAI Major Recommendations

• Computer Science Courses
  (9-11 semester credits)
  Computer Science Core Courses
  CS 911 - Computer Science I (3-4 semester credits)
  CS 912 - Computer Science II (3-4 semester credits)
  Note: It is strongly recommended (and may be required by some receiving schools) that both CS911 and CS 912 be taken at the same school before transfer. It is also important that both classes be in the same language. Consult the baccalaureate schools you are considering, since different schools have different requirements. Students may want to consult their choice of senior institution for requirements on language used in these courses as students will need to demonstrate mastery of the language used by the senior institution.
  CS 915 - Discrete Structures (3-4 semester credits) may be used to fulfill IAI GECC requirements, if the course is also identified by your institution as an M1 905 - Discrete Math (3-4 semester credits)
  
  
• Computer Science: IAI GECC Recommendations
  (Minimum 37 semester credits)
  These are the specific courses in the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (IAI GECC) that should be taken for this emphasis.
  
  Communication: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
  Select a two-course sequence in writing (6 semester credits) with a grade of "C" or better and,
  Select 1 course in oral communication (3 semester credits).
  
  Mathematics: 1 course (4-6 semester credits)
  Select from Mathematics - College-level Calculus I; Business Calculus(4 or more semester credits) ; or Finite Mathematics . Consult the baccalaureate schools you are considering, since different schools have different requirements.
  Students may also choose to take M1 905 if it is identified as the same course as CS 915 at your institution. Consult with your advisor for further clarification.
  
  Physical and Life Sciences: 2 courses (7-8 semester credits)
  Select P2 900L Calculus-based Physics I with Lab from Physical Sciences as 1 Physical Science course
  Select 1 course from Life Sciences.
  
  Humanities and Fine Arts: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
  Select 1 course from Humanities,
  Select 1 course from Fine Arts and
  Select 1 from either Humanities or Fine Arts. - Courses can be taken from the same identifier as long as the course outcomes are different.
  
  Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
  Select 3 courses from at least 2 different disciplines (e.g., no more than 2 courses from, for example, psychology). - Courses can be taken from the same identifier as long as the course outcomes are different.
  Select from Social and Behavioral Sciences - S3 900: Principles of Economics or
  Select S3 901: Principles of Macroeconomics and S3 902: Principles of Microeconomics .

Check the worksheet to see what courses you can take to fulfill your general education requirements
The worksheet allows you to see what courses to take to fulfill the IAI Gen. Ed. package (Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum) at any participating college or university in the State. You will find it helpful to use the major recommended general education courses shown above. You may want to print or copy a hard copy of this page.

Return to the Illinois Baccalaureate Majors' Recommendations (IAI Majors).