Computer Science Program
2024-25 Computer Science Program Requirements
Looking at technology today, it is hard to believe that the first computers were developed only seventy years ago. Computers are everywhere, and much of modern engineering involves the application of computer technology.
(Click link for a short presentation on Choosing Introductory CS Courses)
The undergraduate major in computer science offers a broad and rigorous training for students interested in the science of computing. The track structure of the CS program also allows you to pursue the area(s) of CS you find most interesting while giving you a solid overall foundation in the field.
Many students obtaining a BS in CS will go on to work in industry or do graduate work in a branch of CS such as artificial intelligence, robotics, software design, graphics, theory, or hardware design. But CS is not just for future computer scientists. There is an increasing demand for people trained in CS and some other field. If you are interested in working as a manager of a high-tech company, a BS in CS along with an MBA is a great combination. If you want to work on court cases involving software piracy, you will be well served by a BS in CS combined with a JD. Similar opportunities exist for those who combine a BS in CS with an MD or other graduate degree.
The minimum major in computer science consists of 96 units, including 26 units of math, 11 units of science, 10 units of engineering fundamentals, one course in TIS (Technology in Society), one Writing in Major (WIM) course, and 43 units of core depth. After learning essential programming techniques in CS106 (via the CS106A/B courses) and the mathematical foundations of computer science in CS103, the computer science major offers coursework in areas such as artificial intelligence, computational biology, computer engineering, human-computer interaction, information, systems, theory, and visual computing.
The Computer Science Department also participates in two interdisciplinary majors: Mathematical and Computational Sciences, and Symbolic Systems.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
In addition to the honors program in CS (see the link to Honors on the home page of this site), there are many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research. Here is a partial list:
CURIS (Undergraduate Research in Computer Science)
Each summer undergraduates work with CS faculty through the summer research college. Interested students apply for positions during the winter quarter (the deadline is mid-February), and CURIS decisions are then made and offers sent out before spring quarter begins. These positions are fully-funded and provide invaluable experience in cutting-edge research. All CS students are notified via email of CURIS opportunities and the application process.
Research Seminars and Talks
At various times throughout the year the CS department hosts talks and presentations on various research and technology topics. In addition to these one-time events, there are regularly scheduled seminars that are open to undergraduates. Many of these seminars are available as 1 unit, 500-level courses, but enrollment is not required for attendance.
For students Interested in pursuing a Research-Oriented Undergraduate Program:
Freshman and Sophomore Year
Students interested in pursuing research should plan to finish the majority of the CS core (CS 103, 106, 107, 109, 111, and 161) by the end of the sophomore year. If you already have an idea of the area in CS you'd like to pursue, you may find these course suggestions useful:
If you’re considering…
- Possible AI courses: make sure to take CS 109 freshman/sophomore year
- Possible visual computing courses: make sure to take Math 51 and/or Math 104 freshman/sophomore year
- Possible theory courses: make sure to take CS 109, CS 154, or CS 161 freshman/sophomore year
Students doing summer research through CURIS should expect to take a course or two spring quarter to prepare them for their research project.
Junior Year
During the junior year students considering research can take one of the following sequences, depending upon your field of interest:
- Artificial Intelligence: Autumn: CS 221, Winter: Any 22X, Spring: Coursework suggested by CURIS advisor
- Databases: Autumn: CS 145, Winter: CS 245, Spring: Coursework suggested by CURIS advisor
- Visual Computing: Autumn: CS 148, Winter: CS 248A, Spring: Coursework suggested by CURIS advisor
- Human-Computer Interaction: Autumn: CS 147, Winter: CS 247, Spring: Coursework suggested by CURIS advisor
- Systems: Autumn: CS 144, Winter: CS 140, Spring: Coursework suggested by CURIS advisor
- Theory: Autumn: CS 157 & 161, Winter: CS 212, Spring: Coursework suggested by CURIS advisor
Students doing summer research through CURIS should expect to take a course or two spring quarter to prepare them for their research project.
Senior Year
At the end of the junior year students who qualify are encouraged to apply for the CS honors program (see the Computer Science ‘honors’ section on the Honors Programs page in the ToC). Students who are accepted spend the senior year exploring a research topic in depth and writing an honors thesis.
Note: The above are meant to be taken only as suggestions. If you have questions, contact the CS course advisor at advisor@cs.stanford.edu.
Program Sheets (Excel & pdf)
CS Requirements
Find current major requirements for this and all other School of Engineering major programs at Explore Degrees
Declaring CS
For instructions on declaring CS, go the the Declaring page on the CS site.