Computer Science BS
Welcome to Computer Science
Learn how to tap into the power of computing with our Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. At Luddy, we give you the skills and the know-how to address even the world’s most complex problems using technology, from your phone to your future self-driving car.
Your experience as a computer science major – including challenging class projects, internship and research opportunities, and career-oriented degree concentrations – will prepare you to work in a variety of settings and thrive as technology changes. Our graduates’ skills and versatility are why major tech employers like Amazon and GM hire them, and why their average starting salary is $79,666.
Meet the advisors
Your Luddy advisor can help you:
- Consider your goals and plan your four years around achieving them
- Understand your degree requirements and how to customize your program
- Add or change majors, minors, and certificates
- Navigate campus policies and procedures
- Take advantage of helpful resources and academic opportunities
Luddy Computer Science & Data Science Advisors |
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Review the degree requirements
All degree requirements are listed in the Luddy academic bulletin. As an undergraduate, student, you can review your specific requirements by choosing the bulletin that represents the year you entered IU. The bulletin for the most current academic year is typically released later in the summer.
Computer Science Core (16 credits)
- CSCI-C 200: Introduction to Computers and Programming or
CSCI-C 211: Introduction to Computer Science - CSCI-C 212: Introduction to Software Systems
- CSCI-C 241: Discrete Structures for Computer Science
- CSCI-C 343: Data Structures
- CSCI-Y 395: Career Development for Computer Science Majors
Honors Options
These honors courses are available for Computer Science majors. Your advisor will help you determine which courses are appropriate for your schedule.
- CSCI-H 200: Introduction to Computers and Programming, Honors
- CSCI-H 211: Introduction to Computer Science, Honors
- CSCI-H 212: Introduction to Software Systems, Honors
- CSCI-H 241: Discrete Structures for Computer Science, Honors
- CSCI-H 311: Programming Languages, Honors
- CSCI-H 335: Computer Structures, Honors
- CSCI-H 343: Data Structures, Honors
Computer Science departmental honors notation requires:
- 3.3 Major and Program GPAs
- 29 hours CSCI for majors at the 300/400 level
- 11 hours of CSCI-H coursework
Additional Luddy Courses
In addition to General Education Requirements, the Luddy School requires students to complete a few extra requirements to meet the Shared Goals of IU Bloomington. For Computer Science, students must complete:
- Diversity in the U.S.
- English Composition (grade of C or higher)
- Intensive Writing
- 12 credits of Natural Science (includes AST, BIOL, CHEM, EAS, or PHYS courses)
Computer Science: Sample First Semester Schedule
Your advisor can help you with your specific situation, but just to give you an idea, a sample Computer Science first semester schedule usually totals around 13-14 credits and includes the following:
- ENG-W 131: English Composition (3 cr)
- MATH-M 211: Calculus I (4 cr)
- CSCI-C 200: Introduction to Computers and Programming (4 cr) or
CSCI-C 211: Introduction to Computer Science (4 cr) - A&H General Education or S&H General Education (3 cr)
*NSO students are pre-enrolled in ENG-W 131 and CSCI-C 200 or CSCI-C 211
(For NSO students only): Note about Pre-enrollment
You may be pre-enrolled for one or more courses prior to your NSO advising appointment. These courses may include English Composition, English Language Improvement (for some international students), and CSCI-C 200 or CSCI-C 211.
You can check your current enrollment in your Student Center from One.IU. You can review your enrollment with an academic advisor during your NSO advising appointment and make adjustments at that time.
Relevant AP Scores
| AP Test | Score | Course Equivalent | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus AB | 4 or 5 | MATH-M 211 | 4 |
| Calculus BC | 4 or 5 | MATH-M 212 | 4 |
| Computer Science A | 3 | CSCI-C 102 | 3 |
| Computer Science A | 4 or 5 | CSCI-C 200 | 4 |
| Computer Science P | 3, 4, or 5 | CSCI-C 102 | 3 |
| English Language & Comp | 4 or 5 | ENG-W 131. Could also earn credit through ACT/SAT | 3 |
Consider your specialization options
Our specializations enable you to build skills in a key area of computing while personalizing your degree. These specializations – as well as a Luddy minor or a minor from another IU school – can also help in your job search. You have eight specialization options:
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence includes several subfields involving the study of reasoning and learning methods that collect data, analyze it, and make inferences about the real world. AI, machine learning, and data mining provide decision support for physicians, inform recommendations to consumers, aid scientists at complex tasks, and provide intelligent user interfaces and knowledge management systems. Nearly every industry is looking for employees with AI-related skills.
Data Science
This specialization focuses on the algorithms, programming, and systems expertise you need in order to effectively acquire, model, store, search, analyze, and mine data – all to ultimately extract knowledge from it.
Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of computing theory and structure, including algorithm design and analysis, language theory, various computational models, program verification, database concepts, and more. Consider this specialization if you excel at math and are motivated by the pursuit of finding patterns and analyzing things.
Game Development
This specialization is designed for students who want to turn their love of games into a career in game programming and development. You’ll develop essential programming and design skills and gain experience using a variety of tools and game engines, all while learning to work together effectively in a team.
Programming Languages
This specialization focuses on how to design and implement computer languages—even ones that have yet to be invented. You’ll learn to build interpreters that bring the fundamental principles of computation to life, and also to create compilers that translate programs in high-level languages (for humans) into low-level languages (for machines).
Security
Computers affect every aspect of our lives. Ensuring that systems are secure and function properly is essential for everything from financial transactions to medical devices to self-driving vehicles. You’ll learn the fundamentals of systems and networking while focusing on the theory, practice, and tools behind securing these systems.
Software Engineering
Get ready to create software products for different platforms and purposes. This specialization focuses on the essential principles and techniques of software engineering. You’ll learn to effectively design, develop, test, debug, manage, and maintain software, and to work well on teams.
Systems
This specialization focuses on machine structure, the internal operation and hardware organization of computers, linking computers into networks, and working in areas such as operating systems and input/output devices. Systems may be a good fit for you if you enjoy building and working with your hands.
