Getting Started

College: CICS

Information below is meant to guide first year students in getting started with this major and choosing appropriate courses. More advanced students interested in this major would also likely start with proposed foundation/pre-requisite courses. Please refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn about the full major requirements.

How to Explore the Major

Students interested in Computer Science are welcome to take introductory CS courses to align their schedules for applying to the major. Exploring other major options while taking CS predictor courses is also recommended.

Suggested General Education Courses

All Undergraduates are required to satisfy the General Education Requirements. Guidelines for students are available at www.umass.edu/gened. Students should choose a wide variety of Gen Ed courses, providing breadth of experience.

Recommended GenEd options: College Writing, Social World/Diversity courses; CHEM 111 or GEOLOGY 101; PHYSICS 151.

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

CICS 110 (Foundations of Programming) followed by CICS 160 (Object-Oriented Programming)
MATH 131 and 132 for both the BS and the BA
In most cases, students start by taking CICS 110 and MATH 131, with exceptions approved based on previous background, Math Placement or AP scores. A student with a score of 4 or 5 on the Computer Science AP Exam (CSA) will receive four credits for CICS 110. Some students may need to take MATH 101-102 or MATH 104 as preparation for Calculus or entry-level computing courses in preparation for CICS 110. Contact Advising for questions about placement in the CICS and MATH sequences. Prospective majors should begin the required introductor as soon as possible and apply as soon as they are eligible within the designated time frame of the application process on our webpages.

How to Declare/Change into the Major

For current and admitted students: The computer science major is restricted, which means students must apply through an on-campus process. The minimum predictor courses required are CICS 160 and MATH 132. Students can apply to join the major in the semester they are enrolled in these courses. The application deadlines are October 1st and March 1st. Starting in 2023-2024, students who meet minimum eligibility requirements are entered into a holistic review process. Selected students are invited to join the CS major. The full application process and requirements details can be found on the web page listed below.

https://www.cics.umass.edu/content/undergraduate-peer-advising.

Students interested in joining the CS major are invited to attend frequently held career development events, seminars and tech talks, as well as student-run events organized by our active student groups. All interested students are invited to visit the CICS Peer Advisors. For peer advising hours see https://www.cics.umass.edu/content/undergraduate-peer-advising. Visit the website at the address below to find out when information sessions are scheduled.

Transfer Students

Transfers should contact csapply@cs.umass.edu to begin the process of applying to the major following the same guidelines regarding predictor courses mentioned above. Specific questions may be sent to the Undergraduate Program Director (upd@cs.umass.edu).

Summary of Requirements for the B.S. Major:

Refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn more. Minimum total # of credits required: 77.

Summary of Requirements for the B.A. Major:

Refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn more. Minimum total # of credits required is 65-66.

Is there a minor? If so, what are the requirements?
Yes - A minor is available! Refer to the Minor page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

For further information, contact:
CICS Advising (cicsadvising@umass.edu).
CICS Advising 413-545-4822 LGRC A243
or visit: https://www.cics.umass.edu/advising