UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Computer Science majors at Columbia study an integrated curriculum, partially in areas with an immediate relationship to the computer, such as programming languages, operating systems, and computer architecture, and partially in theoretical computer science and mathematics.
A broad range of upper-level courses is available in topics including artificial intelligence, natural language processing, computational complexity and the analysis of algorithms, computer communications, combinatorial methods, computer architecture, computer graphics, databases, mathematical models for computation, optimization, and programming environments. Through this integrated approach, students acquire the flexibility needed in a rapidly changing field; they are prepared to engage in both applied and theoretical developments in computer science as they happen.
Most graduates of the Computer Science Program at Columbia step directly into career positions in computer science with industry or government or continue their education in graduate degree programs. Many choose to combine computer science with a second career interest by pursuing additional programs in business administration, medicine, or other professional studies.
DEGREE PROGRAM QUICK GUIDES
- New BS Curriculum Quick Guide – Students declaring in Fall 2023 or later must follow this.
- Old BS Curriculum Quick Guide – Those who declared prior to Fall 2023, may choose to follow the new curriculum or the old Tracks.
- New BA Curriculum Quick Guide – CC/GS Students declaring in Spring 2024 or later must follow this. Barnard CS Students who join in Fall 2023 or later must follow this.
- Old BA Curriculum Quick Guide – CC/GS students who declared prior to Spring 2024, may choose to follow the new curriculum or the old Tracks. Barnard students who joined Barnard in or before Spring 2023 are subject to the old requirements – for additional questions or possibly exceptions, please consult your Barnard advisor.
- Download Quick Guide Here
- The program was formerly known as Computer Science and Statistics
- Download Quick Guide Here Updated March 2021
- Please see the appropriate BS and BA program guides above. The Minor/Concentration in Computer Science consists of the CS Core Requirements.
ADVISORS
DEGREE PROGRESS CHECKLISTS & CLEARANCE FORMS
Access the Clearance Form via Google Docs. Make a copy of this form and enter your completed and/or planned courses. Name the file “Your Name UNI – SEAS BS Graduation Clearance Form” Share with Lionmail so your advisors can review it. Email ug-advising@cs.columbia.edu or your Faculty Advisor the link!
You can use this same form to check progress prior to graduation and update it each semester.
Access the Clearance Form via Google Docs. Make a copy of this form and enter your completed and/or planned courses. Name the file “Your Name UNI – CC/GS/BC BA Graduation Clearance Form” Share with Lionmail so your advisors can review it. Email ug-advising@cs.columbia.edu or your Faculty Advisor the link!
You can use this same form to check progress prior to graduation and update it each semester.
- CC/GS/BC BA Checklist/Clearance Form – Spring 2024 and beyond
- CC/GS/BC BA Checklist/Clearance Form – Tracks (Pre 2024)
- OLD Excel Progress Checklist
- Download Progress Checklist Here – Updated January 2022
- Program formerly known as Computer Science and Statistics
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
TOPICS COURSES
Undergraduate students must get permission from their faculty advisor to count any topics course toward the Major.
Students may take multiple sections of COMS 4995 and/or COMS 6998, as each section will vary by content each semester. If you aren’t sure if a course is the same, please email the instructor to verify.
CURRENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
CONTACT US
If you have questions about the CS Department and major/minor requirements, please email CS Advising.
If you have questions about the admissions requirements, please get in touch with the following admissions offices:
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