Roadmap: Computer Science, BS

The following roadmap is a sample advising map to complete the degree program in four years. Please consult your MyPlanner and major advisor as you develop your individualized academic plan. Students must have completed 60+ units in order to enroll in GE UD courses.

*Courses marked with an asterisk may be taken in a different semester than listed.

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1

Fall Semester (16 units)

CS 46A - Introduction to Programming 4 unit(s)
MATH 30 - Calculus I 3 unit(s) (GE Area 2)
MATH 42 - Discrete Mathematics 3 unit(s)
GE Area 1A (Recommended ENGL 1A - First Year Writing ) 3 unit(s)
GE Area 4 + US 123 3 unit(s)*

Spring Semester (15 units)

CS 46B - Introduction to Data Structures 4 unit(s)
MATH 31 - Calculus II 3 unit(s) (GE Area 2)
GE Area 4 + US 123 3 unit(s)*
GE Area 1B 3 unit(s)*
Physical Education 1 unit*

Year 2

Fall Semester (16 units)

CS 47 - Introduction to Computer Systems 3 unit(s)
CS 146 - Data Structures and Algorithms 3 unit(s)
Approved Science Elective (Recommended PHYS 50 - General Physics I: Mechanics , GEOL 1 - General Geology OR GEOL 7 - Earth, Time and Life ) 4 unit(s) (GE Areas 5A + 5C)
GE Area 1C 3 unit(s)*
GE Area 3A 3 unit(s)*
Complete the Upper Division Writing - Directed Self Placement

Spring Semester (15 units)

CS 147 - Computer Architecture 3 unit(s)
CS 151 - Object-Oriented Design 3 unit(s)
MATH 39 - Linear Algebra I 3 unit(s)
Computer Science Elective 3 unit(s)
GE Area 3B 3 unit(s)*

Year 3

Fall Semester (14 units)

CS 149 - Operating Systems 3 unit(s)
Approved Science Elective (Recommended BIOL 30 - Principles of Biology I ) 4 unit(s) (GE Areas 5B + 5C)
Upper Division Computer Science Elective 3 unit(s)
GE Area 6 3 unit(s)*
Physical Education 1 unit*

Spring Semester (15 units)

CS 152 - Programming Paradigms 3 unit(s)
PHIL 134 - Computers, Ethics and Society 3 unit(s) (GE UD Area 3)
CS 100W - Technical Writing Workshop 3 unit(s) (WID)
MATH 32 - Calculus III , MATH 142 - Introduction to Combinatorics , OR MATH 161A - Applied Probability and Statistics I 3 unit(s)
Upper Division Computer Science Elective 3 unit(s)
Apply to Graduate

Year 4

Fall Semester (15 units)

CS 157A - Introduction to Database Management Systems 3 unit(s)
CS 160 - Software Engineering 3 unit(s)
CS 166 - Information Security 3 unit(s)
Upper Division Computer Science Elective 3 unit(s)
GE UD Area 2/5 3 unit(s)*

Spring Semester (14 units)

CS 154 - Formal Languages and Computability 3 unit(s)
Upper Division Computer Science Elective 5 unit(s)
GE UD Area 4 3 unit(s)*
University Elective 3 unit(s)

Roadmap Notes

*Courses marked with an asterisk may be taken in a different semester than listed.

Lower division courses should generally be taken in years 1-2, and upper division courses in years 3-4. Students must have completed 60+ units in order to enroll in Upper Division GE courses. Students should work with an academic advisor to create an individual roadmap using the MyPlanner tool.

This plan assumes readiness for calculus and for an introductory CS course. At least one CS electives should be chosen from the following list: CS 116A , CS 116B , CS 122 , CS 123A , CS 123B , CS 131 , CS 133 , CS 134 , CS 136 , CS 144 , CS 153 , CS 155 , CS 156 , CS 157B , CS 157C , CS 158A , CS 158B , CS 159 , CS 161 , CS 168 , CS 171 , CS 174 , CS 175 , or CS 176 .

¹Math 42 is a strict prerequisite for CS 146, so it should be taken no later than concurrently with CS 46B. This is especially of note for students who take CS 46B earlier due to AP credit.
²We recommend Math 32 for students interested in computer graphics or video game courses, and Math 142 or Math 161A for other students. Math 32 can be swapped with a science course from Fall Semester - Year 2. You also have the option to take Math 32 and take one of the other courses as a CS elective.

A minimum of 120 units is required for this degree.