Major and Minor
The CS Major and Minor
The Major
- CS 111, CS 230, CS 231, CS 235, CS 240, CS 251, two 300 level CS courses (not including CS 350, CS 360 or CS 370), and at least one additional computer science course at the 200 or 300 level.
- All majors in Computer Science are expected to complete MATH 225 and at least one additional course in mathematics at the 200 or 300 level. The MATH courses are considered prerequisites for the CS degree and could be counted toward another major.
All computer science majors are required to participate in Computer Science Student Seminars held during the academic year.
Students who plan to pursue graduate work in computer science are strongly encouraged to develop their background in mathematics, particularly in the areas of linear algebra, probability and statistics, and graph theory. Such students should elect one or both of CS 310 or MATH 305.
In addition, students who are planning either graduate work or technical research work are encouraged to obtain research experience through CS 350 or CS 370), or further study through appropriate courses at MIT.
Majors who are interested in writing a senior honors thesis are urged to read the section on Honors Projects and discuss their plans with either their advisor or the Department Chair as early as possible in their junior year.
The department, along with the Studio Art and other departments, also supports a Media Arts and Sciences Major.
Suggested schedule for the major
Students are encouraged to complete the 200 level CS and mathematics requirements as early in the major as possible. Students considering a junior year abroad should consult a faculty member in the department as soon as possible in their sophomore year to plan a schedule of courses to complete the major.
Year 2: MATH 225 and at least two of the following courses: CS 235, CS 231, CS 240, or CS 251.
Year 3: The remaining 200 level required courses from the four listed above and at least one additional 200 level or 300 level course.
Year 4: Additional courses to complete the major.
The CS Minor
The computer science minor is recommended for students whose primary interests lie elsewhere, but who wish to obtain a fundamental understanding of computer science.
- CS 111, CS230
- Either CS231 or CS235, or CS240
- At least one computer science course above the 100 level and at least one 300 level course other than CS 350.
Students who do not take CS 111 must replace this requirement with one additional computer science course at the 200 or 300 level.
Consult the Wellesley College Bulletin for more details. If you have any questions, please contact any member of the Computer Science Faculty or the Department Chair.
