CS BS/BA Undergraduate Program

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, data bases, mathematical models for computation, optimization, and programming environments. Through this integrated approach, students acquire the kind of 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

• BS in Computer Science (SEAS) Updated February 2022
• BS in Computer Engineering (SEAS)
• BA in Computer Science (CC, GS, Barnard) – Updated February 2022
• BA in Computer Science and Mathematics (CC & GS)
• BA in Data Science (formerly known as Computer Science and Statistics) (CC, GS) 
• BA in Information Science (CC, GS) Updated March 2021
• Minor/Concentration in Computer Science – Please see the BS and BA program guides above
• A Guide for CC & GS Transfer Students

ADVISORS

• Undergraduate Faculty Advisors
• Administrative Advisors: advising@cs.columbia.edu

DEGREE PROGRESS CHECK LIST

(please right click on any of the below to download)

• BS in Computer Science (SEAS)
• BA in Computer Science (CC, GS, Barnard)
• BA in Computer Science and Mathematics (CC and GS)
• BA in Data Science (formerly known as Computer Science & Statistics) (CC, GS) – Updated January 2022

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

• Prospective Students
• Currently Enrolled Students

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.

Topics Descriptions

• Spring 2023 Topics Course Descriptions
  Fall 2022 Topics Course Descriptions
• Spring 2022 Topics Course Descriptions
• Fall 2021 Topics Course Descriptions
• Spring 2021 Topics Course Descriptions
• Fall 2020 Topics Course Descriptions

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES 

• Computer Science Department Projects
• Undergraduate Research Involvement Program

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

• Women in Computer Science
• Application Development Initiative

GRADUATE STUDIES

Computer Science majors are eligible to apply for the MS in Computer Science program using MS Express application. For more information, please contact the CS MS Admissions Team.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Computer Science Department Academic Honesty Policy

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact CS Student Services.

CONTACT US

Questions pertaining to the CS Department and major/minor requirements should be directed to CS Student Services.

If you have questions about the admissions requirements, please contact the following admissions offices:

• School of Engineering/Columbia College
• School of General Studies
• Barnard College

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Last updated on 20200721.