Undergraduate Program Overview
Our BS and BA degree programs are based on an undergraduate curriculum that contains a durable foundation and a comprehensive set of electives. Our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission of the Accrediting Board for Engineers and Technology. Additionally, the department offers advanced degrees and opportunities for research experience through our 5-year B.S./M.S./M.A. programs.
The Department of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with an interdisciplinary focus. The core concepts of computer science are complemented with an emphasis in another discipline with a significant computational component.
This program is especially attractive to students who wish to pursue careers in physical or social sciences with a computational specialization. "There is a growing demand for such professionals as algorithmic and computational approaches have become an essential tool in scientific investigations and management of complexity," adds Professor Subhash Suri, who led this effort. Some notable examples of such interdisciplinary efforts are Quantum Computers, Google Earth, and mapping of the Human Genome. The program offers the following emphases:
Computational BiologyComputational Economics
Computational Geography
For additional information, please contact the Undergraduate Advisor.
Special Programs
Double Majors and Letters and Science Minors
Completing a minor or double major offers students a cohesive supplement to their orginal major, reflecting well-rounded interests and course of study. Engineering and Letters and Science students may double major in a College of Engineering major and either a Letters and Science or Creative Studies major. Students may NOT double major in two Engineering majors. Students who entered UCSB as freshmen must complete their degrees within a total of 15 regular quarters. Transfer students must complete their degrees within a total of 9 regular quarters. No exception will be made to this rule. Students may minor in any subject listed in the College of Letters & Science minor subjects. For more information see the Letters and Science page.
Study Abroad
The Education Abroad Program (EAP) offers a variety of choices for students to gain international education experiences while completing a Bachelor's program. An international experience can prepare students to better adjust to the global economy and, in particular, the global IT industry. EAP provides a rare and high quality combination of an education experience of UC quality with an international experience. For more information on the program, see the EAP program.
Five Year B.S. / M.S. in Computer Science
A combined BS/MS Program in Computer Science provides an opportunity for outstanding undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years. Additional information about this program is available from the College of Engineering undergraduate office or from the Computer Science graduate program assistant. Interested students should make their interest known to the department early in their junior year. Advising and application materials are also available in the Department of Computer Science office.
Five Year B.S. in Computer Science / M.A. in Economics
This BS/MA Program allows participants to obtain a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Economics in 5 years. Program information is available from the Economics Department. Advising and application materials are also available in the Department of Computer Science office.
Five-Year B.S./B.A. in Creative Studies and M.S. in Computer Science
The computer science program in the College of Creative Studies bridges the gap between traditional computer science curricula and the lively, rapidly changing universe of computing at large. The College of Creative Studies, in conjunction with the Computer Science Department offers a five year BS/MS program for qualified students. Please obtain details about the program from the College of Creative Studies.
Five-Year B.S. in Computer Engineering / M.S. in Computer Science
The Computer Engineering Program incorporates the design of computer hardware and software to meet the needs for various career applications. Students are trained to work with systems ranging from small integrated circuits to worldwide communications networks, from digital watches to supercomputers, and from single-line programs to operating systems. For more information on the program, please consult the Computer Engineering department.
