• Undergraduate Info
• Overview
• Admission to the Major
• Program Requirements
• Advising for Majors and Minors
• Minors in Computer Science
• Graduation Requirements
• Prospective Students
• Related Majors
• Undergraduate Research
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Also see:
• Academic Resources
• Knowledgebase

Undergraduate Info

Prospective Freshmen

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science at the University of Arizona!

The Computer Science curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students at all levels of programming experience.  Whether you are already knowledgeable about programming or will be trying it for the first time, your introductory CS courses will fit your skill level.

Although you are not required to have a background in Computer Science prior to studying at the UA, there are ways you can prepare yourself to succeed in this major.  If you have access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Computer Science at your high school, you may want to consider enrolling in these classes.  In order to find out how Computer Science AP credit, in addition to other types of AP credit, could apply to your UA degree, view the University's Academic Catalog. You may also take computer courses or workshops at your local community college.  Contact the pre-Computer Science advisor, Rebecca Mitchell, at rmitch@cs.arizona.edu for more information about this option.

In addition to exploring the field of Computer Science prior to coming to the UA, you will also benefit from advancing as far as you can in mathematics while in high school.  In order to graduate with a degree in Computer Science from the UA, you must complete either Calculus II or Linear Algebra.  Preparation at the high school level will allow you to more easily transition into math courses in college.

Want more information?

If you have questions about the Computer Science major, feel free to contact the pre-Computer Science advisor, Rebecca Mitchell, at 520-621-4632 or rmitch@cs.arizona.edu .  If you are planning to visit campus or take an official University of Arizona Tour, you are welcome to come to the Computer Science department and meet with an advisor as well.  Please schedule this appointment in advance in order to ensure that someone will be available to meet with you.