UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · UNITED STATES
Computer Science Major
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Limited Enrollment Program (LEP)Admission Type
- Focus on problem-solving and practical applicationProgram Focus
- Opportunities for specializations in Cybersecurity, Data Science, Machine Learning, or Quantum InformationSpecializations
- Emphasis on developing software creation, debugging, and testing skillsCore Skills
- Requirement for strong mathematical and reasoning abilitiesAcademic Foundation
The Computer Science major at the University of Maryland, College Park, focuses on the study of computers and computational systems, including their application, design, development, and theory. Key areas of study encompass machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, programming languages, software engineering, computer systems, algorithms, and more. Computer scientists are problem-solvers, addressing challenges from abstract theoretical questions to practical design issues concerning efficiency, security, and usability of computer systems. The program aims to equip graduates with the ability to create, improve, debug, and test software. Students will develop essential mathematical and reasoning skills vital for computer science, alongside practical experience in designing and implementing real-world programming projects. Communication skills are also emphasized, and students have the option to engage in academic research, working independently on projects.
Curriculum
The curriculum requires a total of 63-64 credits, including lower-level courses, additional required courses, and upper-level computer science electives. Students must also complete 12 credits in a discipline outside of computer science.
- Year 1/2 (Lower Level)
- Calculus IMATH140
- Calculus IIMATH141
- Object-Oriented Programming ICMSC131
- Object-Oriented Programming IICMSC132
- Introduction to Computer SystemsCMSC216
- Discrete StructuresCMSC250
- Additional Required Courses
- Organization of Programming LanguagesCMSC330
- AlgorithmsCMSC351
- Statistics Course (STAT4xx)STAT4xx
- Mathematics/Statistics/AMSC CourseMATH/AMSC/STAT xxx
- Upper Level Computer Science Courses
- Five 400-level courses from at least three areas (Systems, Information Processing, Software Engineering/Programming Languages, Theory, Numerical Analysis)
- Upper Level Concentration Requirement
- 12 credits of 300-400 level courses outside of CMSC
Careers
Graduates of the Computer Science program are prepared for a variety of roles in the technology sector and beyond. The skills acquired are applicable to numerous industries requiring computational expertise.
- Software Developer
- Data Scientist
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- AI Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Network Engineer
- Research Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Computer Science major?
- The Computer Science major is a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP). Applicants need to meet specific departmental requirements in addition to university admission. High school students should have strong grades (primarily As and Bs) in challenging courses, while transfer applicants need good grades in rigorous coursework, including freshman-level English and math.
- What English proficiency scores are accepted?
- The program accepts Duolingo English Test (DET) with a score of 120, or IELTS (including IELTS Indicator) with a score of 7.0. Official scores must be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with reporting code 5814, and they must be less than two years old.
- How much does the Computer Science program cost?
- Tuition rates for this program are the same for residents and non-residents. Please refer to the University of Maryland's official tuition and fees page for current rates, as they are subject to change. Additional graduate student fees are charged.
- What is the structure of the Computer Science curriculum?
- The curriculum requires a total of 63-64 credits. This includes lower-level courses, additional required courses like programming languages and algorithms, 15 credits of upper-level computer science electives from at least three areas, and 12 credits in a discipline outside of computer science.
- What career paths can I pursue after graduating with a Computer Science major?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI Engineer, Systems Analyst, Network Engineer, and Research Scientist. The skills acquired are applicable to numerous industries requiring computational expertise.
- Does the program offer any scholarships or financial aid?
- The program does not provide departmental assistantships or fellowships. However, students may be eligible for university-wide aid like the need-based 'Terrapin Commitment' or the merit-based 'Banneker/Key Scholarship'.
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or equivalentApplicants are expected to have earned primarily As and Bs in high school and challenged themselves with honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Advanced Level Exams courses.
Transfer ApplicantsSuccessful transfer applicants have strong grades in rigorous academic courses and have completed freshman-level English and math. A B average or better is recommended.
Duolingo English Test (DET)120
IELTS (including IELTS Indicator)7.0
TOEFL
The Computer Science major is a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP). Admission to the major has specific requirements and procedures found at http://lep.umd.edu/. Students may be eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency test requirement if they meet certain criteria. Official scores must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions using reporting code 5814. Scores must be less than two years old. A 'C-' or better must be earned in all major requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University of Maryland's official tuition and fees page for current rates, as they are subject to change. This program has a special tuition rate that does not differ between residents and non-residents.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University of Maryland's official tuition and fees page for current rates, as they are subject to change. This program has a special tuition rate that does not differ between residents and non-residents.
LivingInformation on estimated living costs is not provided.
Additional graduate student fees are charged. This program does not provide departmental assistantships or fellowships.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsReview the specific admission requirements and procedures for the Computer Science Limited Enrollment Program (LEP) at http://lep.umd.edu/.
2. Prepare Academic TranscriptsEnsure your high school or previous college transcripts accurately reflect your academic achievements, including grades in challenging courses.
3. Submit English Proficiency ScoresIf required, have official scores from accepted English proficiency tests (Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL) sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions using reporting code 5814. Ensure scores are less than two years old.
4. Complete the University ApplicationSubmit your application for undergraduate admission to the University of Maryland, College Park.
5. Consider Exemption ExamsIf you have prior CS coursework, consider taking exemption exams for CMSC131, CMSC132, CMSC216, and CMSC250 to potentially start in more advanced courses. More information is available at http://undergrad.cs.umd.edu/exemption-exams/.
Scholarships
Terrapin CommitmentVaries
Banneker/Key ScholarshipVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Computer Science major?
+
The Computer Science major is a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP). Applicants need to meet specific departmental requirements in addition to university admission. High school students should have strong grades (primarily As and Bs) in challenging courses, while transfer applicants need good grades in rigorous coursework, including freshman-level English and math.
What English proficiency scores are accepted?
+
The program accepts Duolingo English Test (DET) with a score of 120, or IELTS (including IELTS Indicator) with a score of 7.0. Official scores must be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with reporting code 5814, and they must be less than two years old.
How much does the Computer Science program cost?
+
Tuition rates for this program are the same for residents and non-residents. Please refer to the University of Maryland's official tuition and fees page for current rates, as they are subject to change. Additional graduate student fees are charged.
What is the structure of the Computer Science curriculum?
+
The curriculum requires a total of 63-64 credits. This includes lower-level courses, additional required courses like programming languages and algorithms, 15 credits of upper-level computer science electives from at least three areas, and 12 credits in a discipline outside of computer science.
What career paths can I pursue after graduating with a Computer Science major?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI Engineer, Systems Analyst, Network Engineer, and Research Scientist. The skills acquired are applicable to numerous industries requiring computational expertise.
Does the program offer any scholarships or financial aid?
+
The program does not provide departmental assistantships or fellowships. However, students may be eligible for university-wide aid like the need-based 'Terrapin Commitment' or the merit-based 'Banneker/Key Scholarship'.