Computer Science | CLAS

Computer science majors in CLAS take a solid foundation of core computer science courses while fulfilling requirements for a liberal arts education, including courses from the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and the study of a foreign language. Questions about the major should be directed to a department advisor.

Coursework for the Major

This major requires a minimum of 29 credits in foundation coursework, 35 credits in core coursework, and 9 credits of major electives. Students must earn minimum grades of C in coursework for the major. An exit interview is required in the student's last semester.

A student can request to transfer in a maximum of four courses toward required core Computer Science or required Computer Science elective coursework, dependent upon courses being deemed equivalent by the Department. Course equivalency requests should begin with the department advising office, followed by the undergraduate coordinator.

Students may opt to take COP 3504C in lieu of COP 3502C and COP 3503C. If elected, students will need to complete an additional 4 credits to complete the degree program.

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Students should check prerequisites when planning their major electives. Students should discuss electives with an advisor in the department. Individual study, co-op, internship, research, and special topics credits must be approved by an advisor in the department. 

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' computer science program exposes students to a broad range of disciplines, including programming languages, theory of computer science, physical science, mathematics and software engineering. Students will graduate with the ability to apply knowledge of science and mathematics to computer science problems, to design computer systems or components to satisfy users' needs and to communicate technical information regarding computer systems to other computer scientists. This program emphasizes the broader aspects of computer science and is less technical in depth than the computer science program in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Pass assessment according to department rubric of student performance on a major design experience.
• Pass assessment in one or more core courses or individual assignments targeted to each SLO.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics and science to computer science problems.
2. Design a computing system, component or process, analyzing and interpreting the data.
3. Use the techniques, skills and tools necessary for computer science practice.

Critical Thinking

1. Design a computing system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, and health and safety constraints.
2. Identify, formulate and solve computer science problems.

Communication

1. Communicate technical data and design information effectively in writing, in speech and in multidisciplinary teams to other computer scientists.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Written assignments
• Exams
• Oral reports/presentations
• Exit survey

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

• Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
• Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

• Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
• Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

• A copy of your transcript for any school you have attended with the grades you have earned
• A list of your high school activities including jobs, clubs, sports, community service, etc.
• Information about your parent(s) or guardian(s), such as educational background, occupation and employer information

Add UF as a university to receive your application and review our specific application requirements.

Fill in your profile information. Your profile is where you'll enter information that will be sent to all schools to which you apply. The University of Florida requires the following sections:

• Information about who you are and how to contact you, your address, citizenship, high school and family information
• Current-year coursework
• Honors and distinctions
• Activities and experiences

Complete the UF Supplement. This includes a few additional short-answer questions so that we can learn more about you when reviewing your application.

Complete the essay questions. The essay helps our admissions staff get to know you better. Use this space to tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn elsewhere in your application. And remember, the best essay topic for you is going to be the one that you are most excited to write about.

Once you have submitted your application, a link will appear on your status page to create your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR). List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. You must complete the SSAR by December 1 for your application to be complete. If you begin the SSAR separately before submitting your UF application, be sure to link it to your application once your application has been submitted.

Submit your test scores to UF no later than December 15. You may either self-report your SAT and/or ACT scores through your application status page or send official scores from the testing agency. Since accuracy is critical, students who choose to self-report should have a copy of their SAT/ACT score report(s) available to reference when submitting their scores. Because UF superscores both the SAT and ACT, we encourage you to submit scores for all SAT or ACT tests you have taken. If admitted, students who have self-reported their scores in the admissions process will be required to submit official scores from the testing agency to UF by May 1. UF Institutional Codes:

You may request to begin your studies in either the Summer B or Fall term. The term requested DOES NOT affect the consideration of your application. If you are admitted, we will try to offer you the term you requested, but space limitations may mean you receive an offer for a different term.

When you submit your application, pay the $30 nonrefundable fee by credit card unless you qualify for a fee waiver. In both the Common and Coalition applications, you can indicate in the profile section if you qualify for a fee waiver.

You will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting your application with instructions to create your MyAdmissions application status credentials. Once completed, you can log in to the MyAdmissions app status portal to keep track of your application status and the materials that UF has received. This is also where you will find the link to create your SSAR.