MAJORS | MINORS | BS/MS COMBINED
The School of Computing offers three undergraduate degree programs each containing a strong and common technical core that emphasizes the development of programming and problem-solving skills:
The Computer Science program is oriented toward the design, implementation, and application of software systems to solve information processing problems. This program is more technically oriented than the Computer Information Systems curriculum. It prepares students for employment in the computer software field or for continued study toward an advanced degree in computer science.
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science is ideal for students interested in acquiring a broad-based liberal arts education that includes a strong and solid understanding of computer science. The curriculum is oriented toward the design, implementation, and application of computer software systems to solve information processing problems. The program prepares students for employment in the computer software field or for continued study toward an advanced degree in computer science.
The Computer Information Systems degree program is oriented toward computer applications in management-related problems. The program emphasizes functional areas of management, including accounting, production, marketing, and finance, and the applications of computers in these areas. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in areas such as systems design and analysis, application programming, database administration, and information retrieval, as well as for continued study toward an advanced degree.
The programs share a common computer science core but typically differ in requirements during the junior and senior years with different emphases in areas outside of computer science:
All three degrees (BS-CS, BA-CS, and BS-CIS) require demonstration of Advanced Writing and Oral Communication competency through the following:
Advanced Writing: ENGL 3040, 3120, 3140 (preferred), 3150, 3160, or 3303
Oral Communication: COMM 1500, 2500, HONS 2230
Visit the Clemson Registrar's page on changing academic programs to find out information on how to declare or change your major.
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 Chris Plaue for honors advising. The previous honors advisor, Jim Martin, also maintains additional information and frequently asked questions.
The School of Computing offers two minor programs to allow Clemson students the opportunity to add a technical component to their degree. In addition, the School of Computing is a part of the interdisciplinary Clemson University Cybersecurity Center, which offers a minor in cybersecurity (starting with the 2018-2019 academic year.):
Computer Science [CPSC minor flowchart]
Digital Production Arts [DPA minor flowchart]
Cybersecurity Minor
This minor provides students the opportunity to complete a deeper examination of cybersecurity topics than is typical for a conventional degree. The minor requires a minimum of 15 credits. Students select one of two paths of study and complete all courses from that path, as well as an additional course selected from the approved cybersecurity list.
For additional information about the Cybersecurity minor, please visit the Clemson University Cybersecurity Center's Web site. CPSC and CIS majors who wish to pursue Path I may consult their academic advisor for more information.
Visit the Clemson Registrar's website on changing academic programs to find out information on how to declare or change your minor.
Disclaimer
While we make every effort to ensure that information on this page is up-to-date, the official requirements for each program of study are listed in the official Clemson University Undergraduate Announcements. In the rare case of a discrepancy in the information listed on the School of Computing's webpage, requirements listed in the Undergraduate Announcements will apply.
The School of Computing offers a combined BS-MS education plan which allows students to apply up to nine-hour of graduate (6000- and 8000-level courses) towards both the BS and MS degrees. Students participating in this program must have at least 90 semester hours (junior standing) and a minimum GPA of 3.4. For questions about the program or on how to apply for the program, complete Form GS6 BS/MS and see Prof. Carrie Russell for necessary approval.