The number of qualified students who want to major in computer sciences exceeds the number who can be adequately instructed by the faculty and accommodated within available facilities. To provide students with the best possible educational experience, the Office of Admissions limits the admission of students to the pre-computer sciences major, and the Department of Computer Sciences further limits admission to the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences degree programs.

Freshman and transfer applicants to the University who wish to major in computer sciences should apply to the pre-computer sciences major. Admission to pre-computer sciences is highly competitive, and the admission requirements are more stringent than those of the University. As a result, a student may be admitted to the University but denied admission to pre-computer sciences. Because even qualified students may be denied admission, every student who applies for admission to the pre-computer sciences major should have an alternate major in mind in case the application is denied.

Students are admitted to pre-computer sciences only for the fall semester. They are expected to attend Orientation the summer before they enter the University.

Students in the pre-computer sciences major have priority to register for Computer Sciences 307 and 315. Other students may enroll in these courses when space is available. Courses in the major sequence beyond 315 are open only to computer sciences majors.

Pre-computer sciences students who lack either one year of programming in high school or credit for Mathematics 305G (precalculus) will be delayed by at least one semester in completing the basic sequence coursework that is required for admission to the computer sciences major. Students who lack both of these prerequisites are at a disadvantage in completing the basic sequence coursework and may benefit from special programs offered by the University; information about these programs is available in the College of Natural Sciences Transitional Advising Center.

To apply for admission to a computer sciences degree program, the student must earn a grade of at least C in four basic sequence courses: Computer Sciences 307 and 315, Mathematics 408C, and Philosophy 313K. He or she must also have a grade point average in these courses of at least 2.46 and must complete at least two of the courses in residence at the University. These requirements apply both to pre-computer sciences students and to other University students seeking admission to a computer sciences degree program.

Applications are evaluated at the end of each semester and at the end of the summer by the Department of Computer Sciences Admission Committee. Admission decisions are based on the student's grade point average in the basic sequence courses, his or her University grade point average, and other factors. The grade point averages required for admission vary from semester to semester. Students should consult advisers in the Computer Sciences Advising Center for information about the application process and application deadlines.

Admission to computer sciences degree programs is highly competitive; a student may be denied admission even though he or she meets the coursework and grade point average requirements to apply for admission. Because even qualified students may be denied admission, every student who plans to major in computer sciences should have an alternate major in mind in case the application for admission is denied.