ut comp sci degree plan: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Oct 25, 2024

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The University of Texas at Austin's Computer Science degree plan is a rigorous and rewarding program that can lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

To be eligible for the program, students typically take a set of core courses, including CS 313 (Data Structures), CS 314 (Algorithms), and CS 315 (Computer Systems).

These foundational courses provide a strong foundation in computer science principles and prepare students for more advanced coursework and specialization.

UT Austin's CS department is highly selective, with a 15% acceptance rate for incoming freshmen, making it a challenging but rewarding experience for those who are admitted.

Degree Requirements

To fulfill the Computer Science degree requirements, you'll need to complete a prescribed set of work common to all degrees, including the core curriculum and skills and experience flags.

You'll also need to take at least 42 semester hours of upper-division coursework, with at least 21 semester hours of upper-division computer science coursework completed in residence at the University.

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The Computer Science major requires a total of 360 units, broken down into various areas, including Computer Science, Mathematics, Technical Communication, Science/Engineering, Humanities/Arts, and a minor or concentration requirement/free electives.

Here's a summary of the unit requirements for each area:

Students pursuing a Dual Degree in Computer Science must complete at least 450 units in total and meet all requirements for the CS major, including general education requirements.

Consider reading: Comp Sci Requirements

Honors and Special Programs

To pursue the Turing Scholars Honors program, you'll need to take specific courses and meet certain requirements. The program director must approve the courses you choose to fulfill requirements a through c.

You'll need to take at least five upper-division courses, including Computer Science 429H, 118H, and 379H, which must be honors courses. The honors thesis in Computer Science 379H also requires approval from the program director.

To be eligible for the Turing Scholars Honors program, you must have completed the required coursework, including Mathematics 408C and 408D, or 408N, 408S, and 408M, and either 340L or 341 or Statistics and Data Sciences 329C.

Honors

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Honors programs can be a great way to challenge yourself and stand out in your field. To be eligible for the Turing Scholars Honors program, you'll need to complete specific coursework, including Mathematics 408C and 408D, or 408N, 408S, and 408M, and either 340L or 341 or Statistics and Data Sciences 329C.

The honors thesis in Computer Science 379H must be approved by the program director. You'll also need to complete at least five upper-division courses, with at least five of them being honors courses. These courses must be approved by the Turing Scholars program director.

To fulfill the honors requirements, you'll need to choose courses that meet specific criteria, such as completing three or four additional hours of majors-level coursework. You can find a list of eligible courses in the Turing Scholars program information.

Here are some key facts about the Turing Scholars Honors program:

You can also participate in the Honors Computer Science and Business program, which requires 124 hours for completion of both degrees. This program includes coursework in computer science, business, and economics, as well as a thesis.

Honors Business

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Honors Business is a unique program that allows students to combine their academic interests with real-world business skills. This program is designed for students who want to develop a deeper understanding of business principles and apply them to their academic pursuits.

Students in Honors Business can expect to take a range of courses that cover topics such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. They will also have the opportunity to participate in internships and other hands-on learning experiences that will help them build a strong foundation in business.

One of the key benefits of Honors Business is the opportunity to work closely with experienced faculty members who have a strong background in business. These mentors will provide guidance and support as students navigate the program and work on their business projects.

Honors Business students can also expect to gain a competitive edge in the job market by developing a strong understanding of business principles and practices. This will enable them to make informed decisions and drive success in their future careers.

Admission and Progress

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Admission to the University of Texas's Computer Science program is competitive, and only a small number of high-performing students are selected for the Honors Computer Science and Business (CSB) program. These students must demonstrate exceptional potential for success in both computer science and business.

To be considered for the CSB program, students must submit a separate online application through the Office of Admissions, which requires SAT Reasoning Test or ACT scores, high school class rank, preparatory courses, extracurricular activities, evidence of leadership ability, and other objective criteria.

Students entering the University as freshmen may apply to the CSB program, and admission decisions are made by the CSB Committee. Students who are selected for the program enter as freshmen and must have a grade point average of at least 3.25 on the courses taken in residence during the fall and spring semesters of the first year to continue in the program.

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To progress in the program, students must make continuous progress toward the degree by completing required computer science coursework each semester. Those who fail to take program coursework two fall/spring semesters in a row will be removed from the program and re-enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Option that they were following before admission to the Integrated Program.

Here are the academic standards for the CSB program:

  • Grade point average of at least 3.25 on the courses taken in residence during the fall and spring semesters of the first year
  • Overall, computer science, or business grade point average of at least 3.25
  • Completion of at least 12 semester hours in residence on the letter-grade basis during each of the two semesters

Admission

Admission to competitive programs like Honors Computer Science and Business is limited to a small number of high-achieving students.

Students selected for such programs have demonstrated exceptional potential for success in both computer science and business. Admission decisions are made by a committee, and students enter the program as freshmen.

To be considered for enrollment into a software engineering program, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.

You can demonstrate program readiness through one of five options: completing college-level coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.75, possessing a bachelor's or associate degree from an accredited post-secondary institution, submitting an official record of completion of a transferable IT certification, submitting high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0, or submitting transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework.

The Honors Computer Science and Business program requires a separate online application, which is available through the Office of Admissions.

Satisfactory Progress

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To continue in the CSB program, you must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25 in your first year, completing at least 12 semester hours in residence on the letter-grade basis during each of the fall and spring semesters.

If your overall, computer science, or business grade point average drops below 3.25 after the freshman year, you will be dismissed from the program. This applies to all students, regardless of their individual circumstances.

To graduate under the CSB Honors Program, you must earn a University grade point average of at least 3.25, as well as a grade point average of at least 3.25 in business courses and a grade point average of at least 3.25 in computer science courses.

Students in CSB must satisfy the University's Core Curriculum and degree requirements for a B.S. in Computer Science and for a B.B.A.

You are expected to make continuous progress toward your degree by completing required computer science coursework each semester. If you fail to take program coursework two fall/spring semesters in a row, you will be removed from the program and re-enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Option that you were following before admission to the Integrated Program.

Additional reading: Comp Sci Degree Plan Tamu

Graduation and Work Choices

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To graduate with a degree through the Integrated Program, you'll need to have a University grade point average of at least 3.00 in the Master of Science Program of Work coursework.

You'll also need to have a grade point average of at least 3.00 in graduate computer science and information studies, or computational science, engineering, and mathematics coursework.

Graduation

To receive a degree through the Integrated Program, you must have a University grade point average of at least 3.00 in the Master of Science Program of Work.

A student must also have a grade point average in graduate computer science and information studies, or computational science, engineering, and mathematics coursework of at least 3.00.

Work Choices

To graduate, you'll need to complete a certain amount of coursework. This can be broken down into several categories, and it's essential to understand the requirements for each.

Mathematics and statistics courses are a crucial part of your program. You'll need to complete specific courses in these areas, such as Mathematics 362K or Statistics and Data Sciences 321.

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You'll also need to choose from a list of additional coursework options. These include sequences of coursework, which can be completed in one of several ways.

Here are some additional coursework options:

  • Mathematics 408C and 408D, or 408N, 408S, and 408M
  • Either 340L or 341 or Statistics and Data Sciences 329C
  • Three to four additional hours of majors-level coursework chosen from:
  • The following courses in computer science:
  • Enough additional coursework to make a total of 120 semester hours

It's also worth noting that you'll need to consult with your faculty advisor each semester to discuss the order and choice of your coursework. They can help you make informed decisions about your academic path.

Software Engineering

A software engineering degree can lead to a wide range of job opportunities. You'll be qualified for roles like Software Engineer, Software Developer, and Multimedia Programmer.

Some major employers in the field include Booz Allen Hamilton, U.S. Army, Oracle, and U.S. Department of Justice.

You can expect to work in industries such as the U.S. Army, where you'll be part of a team developing software solutions for military operations.

Software Engineering Courses

Software engineering courses can be a great way to get started in this field. They often cover the basics of software development, including programming languages, data structures, and algorithms.

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Some courses may focus on specific areas like web development or mobile app development. For example, a course on full-stack web development might cover HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side programming languages like Ruby or Python.

Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of software engineering courses. These courses can be taken at your own pace and often include interactive coding exercises and projects.

Software engineering courses can also be found in traditional academic settings, such as colleges and universities. These courses may lead to a degree in computer science or software engineering.

Many software engineering courses emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication in software development. This includes learning how to work with others to design and implement software systems.

Some courses may also cover the latest software engineering trends and technologies, such as agile development methodologies and DevOps practices.

See what others are reading: Is Comp Sci Engineering

Third Party Software Certifications

Earning third-party software engineering certifications can give you a significant edge in the job market. The degree program includes certifications like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Project+, and ITIL Foundation Certification, which are included in the tuition price.

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These certifications can immediately boost your resume, even before you complete your degree program. The industry certifications you'll be positioned to earn will give you knowledge, skills, and credentials that are highly valued by employers.

The cost of these certifications is a significant savings, and you'll be able to add them to your resume before you finish your degree program. This can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

In addition to these certifications, you'll also earn WGU certificates, depending on your track. In the Java track, students earn the Back End Developer and Front End Developer certificates, while in the C# track, students earn the Front End Developer certificate.

Worth a look: Compsci Degree

Software Job Opportunities

Software job opportunities are vast and varied. You can pursue a career in software engineering and qualify for jobs such as software engineer, software developer, multimedia programmer, application analyst, or game developer.

Some of the major employers in the field include Booz Allen Hamilton, U.S. Army, Oracle, and U.S. Department of Justice.

These employers offer a range of job opportunities in software engineering, and having a bachelor's degree in the field can qualify you for these positions.

Here are some of the job titles you can expect to qualify for:

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Multimedia Programmer
  • Application Analyst
  • Game Developer

Software Engineering Admissions

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To get into a software engineering program, you'll need to meet certain requirements.

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The good news is that there are multiple ways to demonstrate program readiness.

Here are the options:

  • Submit transcripts with a minimum 2.75 GPA from college-level coursework.
  • Possess a bachelor's or associate degree from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • Submit official records of completion of a transferable IT certification.
  • Submit high school transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Submit transcripts with completion of previous IT coursework, which must be 300 level or higher.

Types of Software

In software engineering, understanding the different types of software is crucial for developing effective solutions. There are three primary types of software.

System software bridges the gap between hardware and applications, running behind the scenes to enable device functionality. It's not typically visible to the user.

Application software is designed to carry out a specific task or function. Users interact with it through a graphical user interface.

Programming languages, like Java and C#, are used by software engineers and developers to write code that directs computer action.

Mathematics

To fulfill the math requirements for a comp sci degree, you'll need to take a minimum of 5 courses. The first 5 courses include Differential and Integral Calculus, Integration and Approximation, Concepts of Mathematics, Matrices and Linear Transformations, and one of the following: Probability and Computing, Probability, or Probability Theory for Computer Scientists.

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The math courses can be a bit overwhelming, but it's essential to understand the concepts. You'll need to take Differential and Integral Calculus, which covers the basics of calculus, and Integration and Approximation, which focuses on integration and approximation techniques.

You'll also need to take either Concepts of Mathematics or Mathematical Concepts and Proofs, both of which cover mathematical concepts and proofs. Additionally, you'll need to take Matrices and Linear Transformations or Matrix Theory, which covers linear transformations and matrices.

Here's a summary of the required math courses:

After completing the math courses, you'll need to take one of the computer science core courses, such as Introduction to Computer Systems or Great Ideas in Theoretical Computer Science.

Degree Options and Restrictions

To pursue a dual degree in Computer Science, you'll need to apply through the SCS Policies section, just like students who want to transfer into the Computer Science major.

You'll need to complete at least 450 units in total, and meet all the requirements for the CS major, including general education requirements in humanities/arts and science/engineering.

The CS major requires a minor or concentration in another area, but you can substitute your primary major for this requirement.

Here's a summary of the degree requirements:

Common to All Degrees

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As you navigate the world of degree options, it's essential to understand what's common to all degrees. All students must complete a core curriculum and skills and experience flags, which can be found in the Course Schedule.

These flags are crucial, and students can use the same course to fulfill multiple requirements, unless specified otherwise. However, there's a catch: students can't earn the cultural diversity in the United States and the global cultures flags from the same course.

To fulfill the foreign language/culture requirement, students can choose from various options, but some programs like Computer Science Honors and Honors Computer Science and Business are exempt. Students in these programs don't need to worry about this requirement.

Here are the specific requirements for the foreign language/culture choice:

* One of the following foreign language/culture choices:

+ (Students in Computer Science Honors, and Honors Computer Science and Business are exempt from this requirement)

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Students also need to complete at least 42 semester hours of upper-division coursework. This is a significant milestone, and students should make sure to plan accordingly.

Additionally, students must complete at least 21 semester hours of upper-division coursework in computer science in residence at the University. This ensures that students have a strong foundation in computer science before graduating.

Choose Your Track

If you're a math enthusiast, you'll need to take Mathematics 408C and 408D, or 408N, 408S, and 408M, and either 340L or 341 or Statistics and Data Sciences 329C, and Mathematics 362K or Statistics and Data Sciences 321.

For computer science, you can choose from the following courses: enough additional coursework to make a total of 120 semester hours.

You'll also need to complete one of the following sequences of coursework: three to four additional hours of majors-level coursework chosen from various options.

Alternatively, you can take enough additional coursework to make a total of 120 semester hours.

Dual Degree

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Pursuing a Dual Degree in Computer Science requires a bit of extra planning, but it's definitely doable. To be eligible, you'll need to apply through the same process as students transferring into the Computer Science major.

You'll need to complete at least 450 units in total, and meet all requirements for the CS major, including general education requirements. This means you'll need to fulfill the humanities/arts and science/engineering requirements.

A Dual Degree in CS doesn't require completing 07-128, and you'll replace 15-151 with either 21-127 or 21-128. Your primary major will also serve as a minor or concentration in another area, so you won't need to declare a separate minor.

Be sure to consult with the Assistant Dean in the CS Undergraduate Office and/or your CS academic advisor to review all the requirements and make sure you're on the right track. They can help you navigate any double-counting restrictions that might apply to your situation.

Additional reading: Swe Degree vs Comp Sci

Frequently Asked Questions

Is computer science a 2 or 4 year degree?

A computer science degree is typically a 4-year program, requiring 120-128 credits for completion. If you're interested in learning more about the degree and its requirements, keep reading.

Landon Fanetti

Writer

Landon Fanetti is a prolific author with many years of experience writing blog posts. He has a keen interest in technology, finance, and politics, which are reflected in his writings. Landon's unique perspective on current events and his ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple manner make him a favorite among readers.

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