Apr 25, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Computer Science and Linguistics, BS


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The BS Computer Science and Linguistics program, jointly offered by the Department of Computer Science  and the Department of Linguistics and Language Development , prepares students with foundational knowledge and skills for the combination of Computer Science and Linguistics careers. It features a computing-based curriculum and instructs students in the theory and practice of language, linguistics and applied linguistics, and computer science to prepare students for job careers in automated text analysis, machine translation, grammar checking, speech synthesis & recognition, artificial intelligence, machine learning, web search, information retrieval, big data analytics, and more. The program also prepares students for entry to graduate programs in a wide variety of interdisciplinary fields such as computational linguistics, natural language processing, computer science, artificial intelligence, information research, media studies, and human-computer interaction. Its balanced coursework provides students with strong computing, analytical, and linguistics-focused skills to understand and solve problems for business and research, with strong societal and cultural implications.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 44
Major Preparation 22
Major Requirements 53
University Electives 1
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

A grade of “C-” or better is required for courses being used to meet any requirement in any minor or major offered by the Department of Computer Science , including Major Preparation courses.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (30 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with the major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (6 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 3 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with the major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies sequence (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) or Humanities Honors course (HUM 2B ; 6 units) satisfies the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a  grade of C or better (C- not accepted) to meet graduation requirements. For this major, the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major.

Major Preparation (22 units)


Requirements of the Major (53 units)


Major Electives (9 units)


Complete 9 units from:

University Electives (1 unit)


Total Units Required (120 units)


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