Computer Science Major & Minor
The Computer Science Department strives to provide a high-quality major and minor in the context of the liberal arts, while simultaneously providing service courses for students who major in other areas. Through both its curriculum and its environment, the department seeks to be inviting to all DePauw University students, regardless of previous computing experience.
The department prepares its majors either to enter graduate school or the work force directly after graduation. In either case, graduates will be prepared to be life-long learners, so that they maintain current skills and knowledge in a rapidly changing world.
Requirements for the Computer Science Major and Minor are described below. Any member of the department is happy to offer guidance on selecting courses inside and outside of the department for students who are interested in focusing on particular areas of Computer Science or who want to combine Computer Science with other areas of interest.
Requirements for a major
Computer Science
| Total courses required | Ten CSC + MATH 123 |
|---|---|
| Core courses | CSC 121, CSC 122, CSC 231, CSC 232, CSC 233, CSC 498 |
| Other required courses | One CSC course at the 400 level in addition to CSC 498. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Five including CSC 498 |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | The senior requirement is CSC 498. As a culmination of the computer science major, each senior completes an independent project with credit earned through the course CSC498. Each student describes his or her project idea in a formal project proposal. Projects typically involve the design, implementation, testing and documentation of a software system that builds on earlier coursework both inside and outside the department. Students are mentored by a faculty member and meet regularly in groups to present their work and to discuss related topics such as the ethical implications of their work. |
| Additional information | MATH 123 is also required. MATH 223 may be substituted for MATH 123 with approval of the advisor. With the approval of the advisor one of the 300 level CSC courses may be replaced by an allied course from a list maintained by the department. Students are encouraged to complete an internship or research experience related to the major. This is not a requirement, however, and no departmental credit is awarded for these experiences. The advisor will offer guidance on selection of courses inside and outside of the department for students who may be interested in focusing on particular areas related to computer science. |
| Recent changes in major | The major requirements on this page apply to students entering DePauw in fall 2009 or thereafter. Other students may follow these requirements or may follow the previous set of requirements. Consult with any member of the Computer Science Faculty if you have questions. |
Requirements for a minor
Computer Science
| Total courses required | Five |
|---|---|
| Core courses | CSC 121 and CSC 122 |
| Other required courses | At least two of the courses from: CSC 231, CSC 232, CSC 233. At least one CSC course at the 300 or 400 level. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |