Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Computer Science (Major) | BS

  • Computer Science
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 198S
  • Degree Type: BS
  • Program Type: Major, Credit Intensive
  • Program Summary: Computer science at Rutgers University–New Brunswick is a nationally ranked program that prepares you for a rapidly changing field. Through courses in computer architecture, data structures, and analysis of algorithms, you will learn techniques of program design, creation and testing, key aspects of computer hardware, and algorithmic principles. Through a subsequent series of elective courses, computer science students can explore applications such as:

  • Prerequisites- 01:640:151,152, 01:198:111,112,205; all with grades of C or better. 01:640:135 may be used in place of 01:640:151, 14:332:312 may be used in place of 01:198:205. ***Students who have received credit for courses equivalent to 01:198:111, 112, or 205 must complete TWO major courses in the New Brunswick Department of Computer Science (01:198:xxx)(with grades of C or better) before being admitted to the major.***

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include these in your schedule: 

    Students with a Calculus placement

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Introduction to Computer Science

    01:198:111

    4

    		 Computer Science (198)
    Calculus I for Math and Physical Sciences*  01:640:151 4 Mathematics (640)

    *Students with MA:640:CLS placement must take Math 151. Students with MA:640:CLG placement can take 01:640:135.

    Students with math placement at or below Precalculus (MA:640:CMA, MA:640:CMP, MA:640:EAL, MA:640:IMA, MA:640:PCA) must take the math into which they placed. We also recommend Principles of Computer Science (01:198:110).

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Principles of Computer Science

    01:198:110

    3

    		 Computer Science (198)
    Calculus/Algebra-Based Math   3-4.5 Mathematics (640)

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Information Technology & Informatics 04:189:103 3 Communication & Media Studies (189)
    Cognitive Science: A Multidisciplinary Introduction 01:185:201 4 Cognitive Science (185)
    Introduction to Logic 01:730:201 3 Philosophy (730)
    Any World Language   3-4 See Course Planning Worksheet for languages offered

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Mathematics (640)
      • Statistics (960) - also includes Biostatistics
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
  • Related Majors / Minors Listing: Computer Science (Major) | BA | Computer Science (Minor)
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