Computer Science, BAS
Computer scientists and engineers have revolutionized society and created the computer and telecommunications industries that are so important to human life and the world's economy. As a result of this revolution, expertise in computer science is essential in many new areas, including computer and network service and consulting companies, financial institutions, health industries, natural science labs and medical research labs, and other contexts where intensive manipulation of information is important. As a result, opportunities for computer scientists and engineers have expanded greatly, both in specialized fields as well as in numerous dual-career opportunities in which computer expertise is combined with advanced degrees in business, communication, engineering, law, medicine, and science.
For more information: https://www.seas.upenn.edu/prospective-students/undergrad/majors/computer-science/
Computer Science (ASCS) Major Requirements
37 course units are required.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | ||
| CIS 1100 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 1 |
| CIS 1200 | Programming Languages and Techniques I | 1 |
| CIS 1210 | Programming Languages and Techniques II | 1 |
| CIS 2400 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 1 |
| CIS 2620 | Automata, Computability, and Complexity | 1 |
| CIS 3200 | Introduction to Algorithms | 1 |
| CIS Electives 1 | 2 | |
| CIS Project Electives 2 | 2 | |
| Engineering Electives | 2 | |
| CIS 4980 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| Math and Natural Science | ||
| MATH 1400 | Calculus, Part I | 1 |
| MATH 1410 | Calculus, Part II | 1 |
| or MATH 1610 | Honors Calculus | |
| CIS 1600 | Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science | 1 |
| Select two of the following Natural Sciences: | 2 | |
| Principles of Physics I (without laboratory) | ||
| Principles of Physics II (without laboratory) | ||
| Chemistry Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Credit (Engineering Students Only) | ||
or CHEM 1011 | Introduction to General Chemistry I | |
| Introduction to Biology A | ||
or BIOL 1121 | Introduction to Biology - The Molecular Biology of Life | |
| Math/Natural Science Electives | 3 | |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 8 course units, with departmental approval 3,4 | 8 | |
| General Electives 5 | ||
| Select 4 Social Science or Humanities courses | 4 | |
| Select 2 Social Science or Humanities or Technology in Business & Society courses | 2 | |
| EAS 2030 | Engineering Ethics | 1 |
| or CIS 4230 | Ethical Algorithm Design | |
| or CIS 5230 | Ethical Algorithm Design | |
| or LAWM 5060 | ML: Technology Law | |
| Free Elective | ||
| Select 1 course unit of free elective (approval required) | 1 | |
| Total Course Units | 37 | |
- 1
A CIS Elective is a CIS or NETS engineering course numbered 1000 or above or ESE 3500 Embedded Systems/Microcontroller Laboratory. (Note that not all CIS/NETS courses are engineering courses, please see the SEAS Undergraduate Handbook.) At most one CU of 1000-level courses may be used as a CIS Elective.
- 2
Select from the following list: CIS 3410 Compilers and Interpreters, CIS 3500 Software Design/Engineering, CIS 3800 Computer Operating Systems, CIS 4410 Embedded Software for Life-Critical Applications,CIS 5410 Embedded Software for Life-Critical Applications, CIS 4500 Database and Information Systems, CIS 5500 Database and Information Systems, CIS 4550 Internet and Web Systems, CIS 5550 Internet and Web Systems, CIS 4600 Interactive Computer Graphics, CIS 5600 Interactive Computer Graphics, CIS 4710 Computer Organization and Design, CIS 5710 Computer Organization and Design, CIS 5050 Software Systems, CIS 5530 Networked Systems, NETS 2120 Scalable and Cloud Computing or ESE 3500 Embedded Systems/Microcontroller Laboratory.
- 3
OPTION 1: Any approved minor, or sequence of approved courses. Remaining must be Math, Natural Science or Engineering.
(MINORS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED)- 4
OPTION 2: Any 8 CU's from Math, Natural Science or Engineering
- 5
Must include a Writing Seminar (a list of approved Writing Seminars can be found in the SEAS Undergraduate Handbook)
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.