The programs offered by the School of Computing are regarded as an interdisciplinary research department with research spanning across a variety of areas.
Information on admission requirements, financial assistance, and academic policies and procedures as a student in SOC can be found in the catalog and advising.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs Program Criteria.
Computer Science Degree Programs
The Computer Science (CPSC) program is oriented toward the design, implementation, and application of software systems to solve information processing problems. While programming is a significant part of Computer Science, the focus is not solely on coding but also on understanding the underlying principles and theories governing computation. It prepares students for employment in the computer software field or continued study toward an advanced degree in computer science. The choice between the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degrees depends on individual interests and career goals.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS-CPSC)
The BS-CPSC degree emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics, which can include calculus, linear algebra, and physics. In addition, the BS-CPSC degree requires more advanced computer science topics such as advanced computer systems, theoretical computer science, software engineering, and programming languages. In addition, students in the BS-CPSC program choose an area of depth with their PATH requirement. PATH areas include advanced computing systems, data science and artificial intelligence, and interactive systems.
Careers
- Software Development
- Technical Consulting
- Research
- Systems Architect
- Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BA-CPSC)
The BA-CPSC is ideal for students interested in acquiring a broad-based liberal arts education that includes a foundation in computer science combined with a different field via a required minor. Upper-level computer science coursework for this degree is chosen in conjunction with an academic advisor to help students achieve their career goals. The BA-CPSC degree also requires four semesters of proficiency in a modern language.
Careers
- Software Development
- IT Consulting
- Business Analyst
- Project Management
- Education
- Data Science
- UX Designer
-
Computer Science Curriculum
Similarities in the curriculum are noted in bold.
B.S. | First-Year Student
First Semester Curriculum
- ENGL 1030 - Composition and Rhetoric (3 Credits)
- MATH 1060 - Calculus of One Variable I (4 Credits)
- Introduction to Computing Requirement (4 Credits)
- Natural Science Requirement (4 Credits)
Second Semester Curriculum
- MATH 1080 - Calculus of One Variable II (4 Credits)
- Arts and Humanities (Non-Literature) Requirement 3 Credits)
- Introduction to Computing Requirement (4 Credits)
- Natural Science Requirement (4 Credits)
B.S. Computer Science: 122
B.A. | First-Year Student
First Semester Curriculum
- ENGL 1030 - Composition and Rhetoric (3 Credits)
- MATH 1020 - Business Calculus I (3 Credits) or MATH 1060 - Calculus of One Variable I (4 Credits)
- Introduction to Computing Requirement (4 Credits)
- Modern Language Requirement (4 Credits)
- Elective (1 Credit)
Second Semester Curriculum
- MATH 2070 - Business Calculus II 3 Credits or MATH 1080 - Calculus of One Variable II (4 Credits)
- Arts and Humanities (Non-Literature) Requirement (3 Credits)
- Introduction to Computing Requirement (4 Credits)
- Modern Language Requirement (4 Credits)
- Elective (1 Credit)
B.A. Computer Science: 121
Complete curriculum and program requirements for the Computer Science B.S. and B.A. can be found in the Clemson Course Catalog.
Combined Bachelors/Masters
The School of Computing allows students to apply up to nine hours of graduate credit (6000- and 8000-level courses) toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students participating in this program must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.4 and be admitted to the Graduate School prior to registering for graduate courses.
Combined Program Overview -
Department Honors Program
Departmental Honors in computer science requires taking a junior-year honors seminar and a senior-year honors thesis (for a total of 7-8 credit hours). Please see Dr. Chris Plaue for honors academic advising and Dr. Bart Knijnenburg for departmental honors (e.g., research).
-
Applying to the B.S. or Bachelors/Masters Program
Undergraduate Degree
Applicants will apply to Clemson as first-year students if they are without college credit or if they earned college credit prior to high school graduation. Students who change majors to Computer Science must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or higher.
Bachelors-to-Graduate Program
Application for this combined degree program should occur at the end of the junior year to meet the academic standing and GPA requirements. Application details are available in the Academic Regulations section of the Graduate Policies and Procedures Handbook.
How to Apply
Clemson University offers a Coalition Application, Clemson Application, and the Common Application. To learn more about the application process, deadlines, requirements and what to expect after applying, please review the First-Year Application Process.
The GS6-Bachelor-to-Graduate Plan form on the graduate school site (Forms -> Current Students) will serve as your application to the bioengineering graduate program – no additional application is required. However, while the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not mandatory, some fellowship applications may require GRE scores.
