Computer Science/CS - Major Course Recommendations
Computer Science focuses on algorithms, software development, and the theoretical foundations of computing. Because the major relies heavily on mathematics and science, students should build a strong foundation in these areas. Graduates are prepared for careers in software, engineering, scientific, and technology-focused industries. Students should consult a Computer Science advisor to select the pathway that best aligns with their goals.
Many universities offer multiple computing-related degree programs, often housed in different departments. The Computer Science Technical Track typically aligns with programs offered through Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, or Engineering departments.
Degree requirements vary by institution, and some schools may not require all of the courses listed below. Students should consult their intended transfer institution and an academic advisor when selecting courses.
Note to Faculty and Course Submitters working with IAI Courses:
Before submitting to the IAI Computer Science major panel, please review the panel criteria and other important documents which are available at
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: Students are strongly encouraged—and may be required by some receiving institutions—to complete both CS 911 and CS 912 at the same institution before transferring. These courses should also be completed using the same programming language. Because requirements vary among institutions, students should consult their intended transfer institution regarding course expectations and preferred programming languages. Students may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the programming language used by the receiving 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 (3 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: 2-3 courses (8-10 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).