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
ShowProspective 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
ShowStep 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
ShowFor information on required courses, students can view computer science degree plans by specific major. For additional information, view computer science course descriptions.
Specializations
ShowThe Department of Computer Science offers six undergraduate degrees:
- Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Science (BS): Turing Scholars
- Bachelor of Science (BS): Teaching (through the UTeach Program)
- Integrated BS/MS
For additional information, learn about the differences between BSA and BS degrees.
Personality
ShowLearn about the computer science student experience by learning about related student organizations and viewing student home pages.
Skills
ShowComputer 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.
