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The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences at UMass Amherst offers two flexible and well-structured undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, allowing students to align their studies with their academic goals and career plans:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science
This degree offers a comprehensive and technically rigorous education, emphasizing engineering principles, mathematical foundations, and system-level thinking.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science
The BA is designed for students who want to blend their computer science studies with a broader liberal arts education, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration.
Curriculum Overview
Both the BS and BA programs share a core set of computer science courses but differ in supporting requirements, allowing students to choose the path that best suits their interests.
Bachelor of Science (BS) Requirements:
Core Computer Science Courses:
Seven essential courses covering programming, algorithms, systems, and more.
Upper-Level Electives:
Eight advanced electives, offering the opportunity to specialize in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data science.
Mathematics:
Four math courses, including calculus and linear algebra, to support a strong analytical foundation.
Laboratory Sciences:
Two approved lab science courses to connect computing with real-world scientific challenges.
Junior Year Writing & Integrative Experience:
Courses designed to sharpen communication skills and encourage interdisciplinary thinking.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Requirements:
Introductory and Core Courses:
A sequence of foundational courses introducing key programming and computing concepts.
Upper-Level Electives:
Five advanced electives for focused study in selected areas of interest.
Mathematics:
Three math courses, including calculus and statistics, aimed at supporting analytical and quantitative reasoning.
Four-Course Outside Concentration:
A unique feature that allows students to delve into another discipline—perfect for those interested in double majors or broad academic experiences.
Junior Year Writing & Integrative Experience:
Emphasizes writing proficiency and cross-disciplinary integration.
Whether you're aiming for a technical career in software development or want to apply computing in a wider context like the arts, social sciences, or natural sciences, UMass Amherst provides the academic flexibility and support to make it happen.
UMass Amherst emphasizes hands-on learning through various avenues:
Internships and Co-ops:
Students can engage in full-time, paid work experiences related to their major through cooperative education programs (co-ops), typically spanning 4-9 months.
The university partners with organizations to facilitate internships, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Undergraduate Research:
Opportunities are available for students to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects, enhancing their understanding and contributing to advancements in the field.
Student Organizations and Competitions:
Active participation in computing clubs and organizations fosters collaboration, networking, and leadership skills.
Students are encouraged to participate in hackathons, coding competitions, and conferences to showcase their skills and gain exposure to industry practices.
Special Programs:
The AI for the Commonwealth Internship Program allows students to work with state agencies on AI projects aimed at social good, providing practical experience in applying artificial intelligence to real-world challenges.
By combining a rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on learning and professional support, UMass Amherst’s Computer Science programs are committed to developing adaptable, forward-thinking professionals ready to thrive in an ever-changing tech landscape.
The Career Development & Professional Connections office at UMass Amherst plays a vital role in preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Services include:
Resume and cover letter workshops
Mock interviews and job search strategy sessions
Networking events and employer meetups
Internship and co-op opportunities
This diversity reflects the program’s versatility and the growing demand for computing talent across disciplines.
UMass Computer Science alumni have made their mark across a wide range of industries, including:
Healthcare
Internet & Software
Biotech & Life Sciences
Defense and Security
Top Industries for UMass CS Graduates:
Common Application (including the UMass questions) • Official High School Transcripts • Interview (optional) • Letter of Reference (1) • SAT / ACT (optional)A strong academic record in math through pre-calculus is strongly recommendedSoftware Engineer Network Architect Network Manager Wireless Network Engineer Network Security Engineer Cloud Engineer DevOps Engineer AI Engineer Database Administrator Cybersecurity Analyst 
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
