Introductory Courses

Virtually all courses for Computer Science majors assume a proficiency in the Java programming language at the level obtained in CMPSCI 121 (Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers), and CMPSCI 187 (Programming with Data Structures). Some students will have obtained some of this proficiency in high school or elsewhere. For example, a score of 3 or higher on the Computer Science Advanced Placement "A" exam gives a student credit for 121.  

Students who feel that their transcript does not reflect their proficiency in topics covered in 121 may ask for advice at New Student Orientation. In some cases, advisers can allow such students to register for 187 directly by completing a Bypass/Waiver form for 121. The student may reverse this decision and switch back to 121 by the end of the add/drop period, or, remain in 187 and have 121 waived without credit.

Students who believe they have transfer credit for CS courses that didn't transfer appropriately can appeal to the Undergraduate Program Director using the Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) process.

The school also offers a variety of introductory courses that cannot be used for the BS/BA: CMPSCI 105 (Computer Literacy),  CMPSCI 119 (Introduction to Programming with Python), CMPSCI 120 (Introduction to Problem Solving with the Internet), and CMPSCI 145 (Representing, Storing, and Retrieving Information). These courses meet requirements for the minor in Information Technology, and are potentially suitable for students in any major.

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