Summary of Undergraduate Degrees

The Department of Computer Science offers a variety of ways to concentrate in this field at the undergraduate level. We have Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs, degree options in medical preparation and bioinformatics, and second-major and minor possibilities. This page summarizes the choices for you.

BA vs. BS, which one is for me?

The basic B.S. program is a 125-semester-credit professional program which is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the ABET (formerly called Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) This program provides a year of general education, strength in mathematics and science, and a 57-credit major program in Computer Science including a 6-credit Senior Design Project that closely models "industrial-strength" project development. Choose the B.S. program if you want to have depth and focus in Computer Science.

The B.A. program is a 122-credit program designed for students who desire to combine a concentration in Computer Science with a second major, or set of secondary fields (minors), in natural science, liberal arts, or business. The program provides 36 semester credits of Computer Science, along with electives in mathematics, science, literature, humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. Students are required to elect a second major or two Secondary Fields. 33 semester credits are allocated to electives that support this requirement. Choose the B.A. program if you have varied interests and want to pursue them side-by-side with a Computer Science concentration.

Tracks for Computer Science Majors:

To provide a significant depth in a particular area of computer science, students need to opt for a technical track. To provide an opportunity to acquire the vision and skills likely to enable them to stay current with our rapidly-evolving field and to establish the relevance of their studies in our global and changing environment, students need to opt for a non-technical track. The technical track should comprise at least three but usually no more than four specialized courses with a well-defined unifying theme. The non-technical track should comprise the equivalent of at least three but typically no more than four courses that serve a clearly-defined purpose in broadening the individual student�s outlook in an endeavor that is not narrowly focused on the discipline of computer science. Courses beyond the limit of four specified for a track but that contribute to the aims of the track may still be taken, but will serve to fulfill the role of elective courses. Note: The B.A. degree requires that the student complete a second major or two secondary fields (minors) outside engineering. Thus, the non-technical track is a new requirement only for students in the B.S. degree program.

Options in Medical Preparation, Bioinformatics, Computer Security and Information Assurance, Digital Media, and Biomedical Computing

Medical Preparation option

If you are interested in combining a Computer Science major with preparation for admission to a school of medicine, consider the Medical Preparation options in the B.A. and B.S. programs. In these options, you add additional natural science material to your course requirements.

Bioinformatics option

The emerging field of Bioinformatics combines the disciplines of Computer Science and Biochemistry, and focuses on the use of computers to characterize the molecular components of living things. If you choose this option in either the B.S. or the B.A. program, you will study a number of subjects in Biology and Chemistry, including molecular biology and genetics, and take specific coursework in Bioinformatics. Both options also meet the requirements for medical school admission, and the B.A. option in Bioinformatics meets the requirements for a second major in Biology.

Read more on the exciting Bioinformatics field.

Computer Security and Information Assurance option

The exciting and important field of Computer Security and Information Assurance gives you a solid technical education in securing and preserving the integrity of stand-alone computer systems and computer networks while being mindful of related societal issues such as privacy and intellectual property protection. If you choose this option, you take specific coursework in these topics.

Digital Media option

Digital Media encompasses audio, video, the World Wide Web and other technologies that can be used to create and distribute digital content. Graphics is the use of computers to create virtual worlds from which visuals can be generated and with which humans can interact. You can choose between two degree options. The Bachelor of Science (BS) concentrates on the technology. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) allows you to explore the use of digital media and computer graphics in the arts, sciences, engineering, business, medicine, and in a number of other disciplines. The expanded breadth is made available through the opportunity to take a number of related courses from other departments. Read more on the Digital Media option.

Biomedical Computing option

Biomedical Computing is at the intersection of health care and computer science. It involves all aspects of the analysis, management, and visualization of information in biomedical applications. The technology is based on computer science, but the field demands knowledge of the problems that need to be solved in medicine and health care.

Second Majors and Minors in Computer Science

Students in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) and the Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA) are eligible to declare a second major in Computer Science. Read more information on the curriculum requirements for a second major.

A student in one of the other GW schools can declare a Secondary Field in Computer Science. A SEAS student who is not majoring in Computer Science can elect a minor.

Five-Year Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Computer Science

The five year program provides an opportunity for students to complete a conventional four year undergraduate degree in Computer Science and then, with one additional year of study, earn a Masters degree in Computer Science. Course work for the bachelor's degree differs from the standard bachelor degree requirements only in that the student must take two graduate level courses as part of their electives. Application to the graduate portion of the program is ordinarily made after the fifth semester, and students must be accepted for the graduate portion prior to the start of the seventh semester. For further details consult the department website and advisor. The bachelor's degree is awarded after completion of coursework required by the eighth semester.

The fifth year of study, leading to the Master of Science (Computer Science), consists of eight courses selected from the graduate level courses. After completing the fifth year of course work, students receive the M.S. (C.S) degree. See the graduate programs bulletin for details on the graduate program.
Guide to transferring