Undergraduate Program

Overview

Our computer science degree programs are based on an undergraduate curriculum that provides students with a durable foundation in the field and a comprehensive set of electives that allow for greater depth in areas of interest.

Admissions/Change of Major Information

Interested students should prioritize the CS Bachelor's of Science major when they apply to UCSB.

Bachelor of Science

The program provides students with hands-on experience and a depth of understanding of computer systems that prepares them for successful careers in computer science and to participate in the next-generation of technological advance.

Special Programs

Research, Five year BS/MS programs, EAP, Honors program, Double majors, and minors.

Undergraduate Resources

Student information and campus resources.

Undergraduate FAQs

Answers to common questions asked by prospective students and current UCSB non-CS students.

Senior Capstone Project

The capstone course sequence presents an opportunity to develop innovative solutions to real industry problems. You won't find answers to these problems in a textbook, on a message board, or in off-the-shelf software package, because students in this class are among the first ever to solve them. Working together with industry leaders, student teams take on the most challenging problems of the day with technological innovation, creativity, and boatloads of hard work.

Undergraduate Tutor Program

The CS Department UT program, in its current instantiation compensates UTs with course credit in their first quarter of service, while they are undergoing training: all first time UTs are required to take a course under the “Topics in Computer Science” (CMPSC 190J), which is a 4-unit upper division course that counts towards the B.S. C.S. degree requirements as an upper division elective. Students that have completed this course become eligible to apply for paid positions offered under the “Remedial Tutor” title. Upper division credit, and paid positions are important to attract experienced UTs who typically have competing offers from industry and research labs

FAQs

If I Am a PhD Student and Want to Get My MS Degree as Well, Can I?

Yes, when you do your Proposal, you can also get an MS degree. You need to complete and submit an MS study plan. On the study plan, you will choose the project track. You will also need to complete a Change of Degree Status Petition in order to add the MS.

If I Am Completing the Project Track for My MS, What Do I Need to Submit?

Complete a project under faculty direction.
Publicly defend your project.
Submit a PDF write-up of the project to the Graduate Advisor.
Submit a completed MS study plan to the Graduate Advisor.

If I Took Graduate Courses at Another University, Can I Transfer Courses Towards My Degree at UCSB?

Subject to the following stipulations, you can petition to have up to three masters level courses count towards your graduate degree at UCSB.

Petitioned course cannot have been used for a bachelor’s degree.
Must have received a ‘B’ or better in the course to petition it.
Must be approved by the Graduate Advising & Affairs Committee Chair.

What Is the Average Time to Complete the MS and the PhD?

MS

5 quarters

PhD

5.5 years

What Is the BS/MS Program?

The BS/MS Program is an academic program that allows participants to obtain both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in 5 years. When admitted, a student may take graduate courses in computer science during his or her senior year, which can be used toward satisfying his or her M.S. degree requirements.

When Is the Comprehensive Exam Offered for the Exam Track of the MS?

The comprehensive exam is offered during the 8th week of both fall and spring quarters.

When Should I Apply for the BS / MS? What Is the Deadline?

Students should apply to the BS/MS program during their Junior year, when they still have a full year of BS left.

March 15th

Undergraduate Spotlight

Undergraduate Spotlight: Davina Zamanzadeh Selected as a 2017 KPCB Engineering Fellow

Venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) partners with the brightest entrepreneurs to turn disruptive ideas into world-changing businesses. KPCB has helped build and accelerate growth at pioneering companies like Amazon, Google, Lending Club, Nest, Twitter, Uber, and Mandiant.

Daniel Spokoyny wins the UCSB Chancellor's Award for Excellence

We are pleased to congratulate Daniel Spokoyny on his outstanding achievement of being selected to receive the Chancellor's Award for Excellent in Undergraduate Research.

Capstone Award Winners: To the victors go the spoils

CONGRATULATIONS to the Computer Science undergraduate teams who won this year’s Capstone project awards!

1ST PLACE
Team "CitrixNChill," mentored by Citrix

2ND PLACE
Team "Under Construction," mentored by Procore

3RD PLACE
Team "Euphoria," mentored by Sonos

Staff Spotlight: Elijah Baker, Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Elijah Baker started in the Computer Science department in July 2018. An alumnus of UCSB, he graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies, Winter 2018. He has previously worked on sustainability initiatives with Associated Students and at UCSB Housing supporting and advising students.

In his leisure time, Elijah enjoys trivia, saving the environment, hiking, and enjoying sunsets at the Lagoon.