Changes to Computer Science Major
Data Science Emphasis
Starting Fall 2025, we will be offering a Data Science Emphasis as an option for our CS Major. Students who wish to take the DS Emphasis would need to take the following classes as part of their CS major:
- MA117 (Probability and Statistics) or MA217 (Probability and Statistical Modeling)
- MA120 (Applied Linear Algebra)
- CP321 (Topics in Data Science)
- One additional block of CP321, or one block of CP341 that has a Data Science designation
Frequently Asked Questions:
If I have declared my CS major already, can I switch to the Data Science Emphasis?
Yes, although not until Fall 2025. You will need to have taken MA117 or MA120 as part of the concentration change process. This will require an advisor signature but you can keep your same advisor.
If I have not declared my CS major yet, can I declare with the emphasis?
You won’t be able to declare with the CS emphasis until Fall 2025. If you want to register for classes next year that require you having declared the major (CP274, CP275, CP499), you should declare the regular CS major now and then do the concentration change form in the Fall when the new emphasis is in the system. See below for emphasis declaration requirements.
Is declaring the CS Emphasis different from the regular CS major?
Yes. The required math course for declaration needs to be MA117 or MA120. You will still need to have taken or gotten credit for two CS courses.
What are the differences between CP321 and CP341?
CP321 requires both MA117/MA217 and MA120, but does not require programming classes beyond CP116. CP341 courses will have more CS prerequisites and usually will not require specific math courses.
If I had CP116 waived for my CS major because it was a new major requirement can I have it also waived for the Data Science Emphasis?
No. It introduces data science concepts and is a prerequisite for CP321.
If I took a CP341 course that has a similar title to a CP321 course, can I count it as a CP321?
No. Courses offered as CP321 will not be the same since they will be able to take advantage of students having had MA117/MA217 and MA120. It is possible that the CP341 course has retroactively been given a Data Science designation but that does not mean it can count as a CP321; see below for a complete list.
If I declare the emphasis but can’t get into the needed courses before graduation, can I still get a CS degree?
Yes. You can always switch back to the regular CS major. MA117 typically has very long waiting lists, so we would expect it to be the most challenging to get into if you weren’t able to take advantage of reserved seats for first-year students.
Is it possible to have CP341 classes I’ve already taken count towards the data science emphasis?
Yes, the following CP341 classes have been retroactively given a Data Science emphasis, and can be counted towards the emphasis (note that you will still need to take a CP321 course as well)
- CP341: Data Visualization and Interpretation (will not count as a CP321)
- CP341: Natural Language Processing (during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 academic years)
- CP341: Optimization and Deep Learning
Computer Science Major Declaration Requirements:
Students starting at CC in Fall 2023 should follow the new CS Declaration Requirements:- A student must complete any two CS courses and one math course from the required course list, and take at least one course from the Racial/Gender Equity or Ethics approved list before declaring the major.
Students starting at CC prior to Fall 2023 can follow the new CS Declaration Requirements (above) or the old CS Declaration Requirements:
Students may not mix and match declaration or major requirements. Students who started at CC prior to Fall 2023 should talk with their major advisor about if it is appropriate for them to take CP116. Our recommendation at this time is that students who have already successfully completed CP307 should not take CP116 to allow room for students who need it to get started in the major.