The Computer Science Option for Undergraduates: Requirements

General Information | Requirements | Planning Sheet | Teaching Chart

Caltech Computer Science Option

The undergraduate option in computer science is designed to introduce students to the mathematical and engineering foundations of this discipline. The program provides considerable flexibility in course selection, together with a capstone project giving an opportunity for independent work in an area of the student's choice. Individual programs will be worked out in consultation with faculty advisors.

Any student of the computer science option whose grade-point average is less than 1.9 at the end of the academic year in the subjects listed in the option requirements may be refused permission to continue work in the option.

Option Requirements

(1) CS 1; CS 2; Ma/CS 6 a or Ma 121 a; CS 21 or CS/EE/Ma 129 a; CS 24; CS 38; E 10, E 11.

(2) One of the following:

a. Any of the following three-quarter sequences involving a large project in their last quarter: CS 141 abc; CS/EE 181 abc; CS/EE/Ma 129 abc; CS 134 abc; CS 139 abc; CS/CNS 174 and two other CS 170-series courses; CS/EE 145 ab and one quarter of a networking project.

b. A laboratory project in computer science extending at least two quarters and totaling at least 18 units (normally in CS 81 or CS 90), approved for this requirement by the student's adviser and the CS undergraduate option representative.

c. Thesis (EE/CS 80 abc) supervised by a CS faculty member.

(3) A total of 63 CS units that are not applied to requirement (1), and that are either numbered CS 114 and above or are in satisfaction of requirement (2).

(4) In addition to the above requirements, 36 units in Ma, ACM, or CS; 18 units in E&AS or Ma; and 18 units not labeled PE or PA.

(5) Units used to fulfill the Institute Core requirements do not count towards any of the option requirements. Pass/fail grading cannot be elected for courses taken to satisfy option requirements. Passing grades must be earned in a total of 486 units, including all courses used to satisfy the above requirements.

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