Computer Science Major

Program of Study
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science

The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students, the program distribution requirements for the Computer Science major include computer science, mathematics, and basic science and/or engineering science as follows. Note that a cross-listed course may be counted toward only one of these three areas.

Program Distribution Requirements for the Computer Science Major

Computer Science, including the MQP (Minimum 18/3 Units)

Only CS 1101, CS 1102 and computer science courses at the 2000-level or higher will count towards the computer science requirement.  CS 2119 will not count towards the computer science requirement.

At least 5/3 units of the Computer Science requirement must consist of 4000-level or graduate CS courses, except for CS 5007. 

Only one of CS 1101 and CS 1102 may count towards the computer science requirement.  Only one of CS 2301 and CS 2303 may count towards the computer science requirement.  Only one of CS 2102, CS 210X, and CS 2103 may count towards the computer science requirement. 

Must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the following areas:

In addition to these courses, any of the following graduate courses (when used as stated above) can be used to satisfy the undergraduate Systems area requirement: CS 502, CS 533, or CS 535.

In addition to these courses, any of the following graduate courses (when used as described above) can be used to satisfy the undergraduate Theory and Languages area requirement: CS 5003, CS 5084, CS 503, CS 536, CS 544, or CS 584.

In addition to these courses, any of the following graduate courses (when used as stated above) can be used to satisfy the undergraduate Design area requirement: CS 509, CS 542, CS 546, CS 561, or CS 562. 

If GOV/ID 2314, GOV/ID 2315, IMGD 2000, IMGD 2001, or RBE 3100 is used to satisfy this requirement, it does not count as part of the 6 units of CS.

Minimum Units
1/3

Mathematics (Minimum 7/3 Units)

At most four 1000-level Mathematics courses may be counted towards this requirement.
Must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the following areas:

Basic Science and/or Engineering Science (Minimum 5/3 Units)

Courses satisfying the Basic Science requirement must come from the AE, BB, BME (excluding BME 1004), CE, CH, CHE, ECE, ES, GE, ME, PH, or RBE (excluding RBE 3100) disciplines.  At least three courses must come from BB, CH, GE, or PH, where at least two courses are from one of these disciplines.

Project Opportunities

Off-campus major qualifying projects are available at several project centers including those below. 

Projects are also available on campus, both to support the ongoing research activities of the faculty and to expand and improve the applications of computers for service, education, and administration.

Additionally, the department supports IQPs in a number of areas.

Lincoln Laboratory collaborates with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in its Major Qualifying Project (MQP) program, which requires a student to complete an undergraduate project equivalent to a senior thesis. MQP activities encompass research and development, as well as the practical application of principles and technology to real problems.

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Students at the Japan Project Center conduct their projects at either Osaka University or Ritsumeikan University, two of Japan’s leading universities. The city of Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu and is Japan’s third largest city. Filled with business, food, and entertainment venues, as well as historic and cultural attractions, Osaka offers an eclectic mix of old and new while Kyoto, the "heart of Japan" boasts many important cultural sites. Kyoto is the old imperial capital of Japan and is considered to be the cultural heart of Japan. It balances is traditional focus with investment into modern technologies, and is now famous for its game and animation studios.

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The Wall Street/FinTech Project Center is part of the WPI FinTech Collaborative and it also works closely with the WPI Center for Industrial Mathematics & Statistics (CIMS).

The Wall Street/FinTech Project Center, CIMS, and the WPI FinTech Collaborative support team-based, student-led, FinTech projects by partnering with some of the top global financial services firms and FinTech innovators on critically important strategic and operational initiatives.

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Silicon Valley, a region of California in the San Francisco Bay area, is home to many dynamic companies in the computer industry and related high-tech fields. Students at the Silicon Valley project center have opportunities to work with companies such as SRI International (a research center), Disney Interactive, NVIDIA, and others. Several students have taken full-time positions with sponsors and other companies in Silicon Valley following their projects.

During their stay in Silicon Valley, students can also explore area attractions including theme parks, vineyards, gardens, sporting arenas, shopping centers, and more. Silicon Valley is home to San Jose, the third largest city in California, and provides a gateway to both urban and natural points of interest.

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Advanced Placement

Advanced placement in computer science can be earned for the “Computer Science AP A” exam. Credit for CS 1000 is granted for scoring a “4” or “5” on the CS AP A exam. No credit will be granted for “Computer Science AP Principles” exam.

The Computer Science department advises CS Majors who earn a “4” or a “5” on the CS AP A exam to enroll in CS 1102 (Accelerated Introduction to Program Design). Students who wish to pursue a CS Minor after earning a “4” or a “5” on the CS AP A exam may consider enrolling in CS 2119 (Application Building with Object-Oriented Concepts) or CS 2301 (Systems Programming for Non-Majors).

Students who took CS AP Principles exam and have substantial programming experience should consult with the CS course instructors as to which course to take.

Independent Study

Independent study and project work provide the opportunity for students, working under the direction of faculty members, to study or conduct research in an area not covered in courses or in which the students require a greater depth of knowledge. The background required of a student for independent study work depends on the particular area of study or research.

Additional Advice

For additional advice about course selections, students should consult with their academic advisor or the Computer Science Undergraduate Advising Site (https://canvas.wpi.edu/courses/41587)
Program Chart and/or Course Flow Chart