which course to choose for freshman computer science at uiuc

by Carson Lakin 8 min read

What universities offer computer science?

  • Bachelor of Information Science with focus on Multimedia or Publishing
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

What are the best computer science courses?

Think of it like this:

  • Coding is all about making computer do what you want.
  • Computer Science basics help you know what your computer is capable of.
  • When you know how computers work, you can write better code and more efficient programs.

What courses are needed to be a computer scientist?

  • Required courses (13–16 courses) : Mathematical preparation (2–5 courses) : Same as Honors Requirements. ...
  • Tutorial: Same as Honors Requirements.
  • Thesis: A computationally-oriented thesis on a Mind, Brain, and Behavior-related topic is required. ...
  • General Examination: None.
  • Other information: Same as Honors Requirements.

More items...

What courses should I take for computer science major?

  • Multivariate Calculus: fundamental for statistics
  • Linear Algebra: matrix calculations are everywhere
  • Abstract Algebra: cryptography's love interest
  • Statistics: machine learning's fiance

What courses should I take as a computer science student?

Data Structure & Algorithms. Needless to say, Data Structure and Algorithms can be considered as the core of the Computer Science domain. ... Programming Languages. ... Computer Architecture. ... Operating Systems. ... Mathematics. ... Database Management. ... Computer Networks.

Is Urbana Champaign good for computer science?

The Illinois CS graduate program is ranked 5th by U.S. News & World Report, last ranked in 2018. There are 18 Illinois CS degree programs and more than 90 courses in computer science. In 2020, Champaign-Urbana was ranked #27 on Livability's list of Top 100 Best Places to Live in America.

How hard is it to get into UIUC for computer science?

1) How competitive are admissions to Illinois Computer Science? Quite competitive. For the last four years in a row, our CS major in The Grainger College of Engineering has broken the record for the most freshman applications received by any program in the history of the university.

How selective is UIUC computer science?

With an overall freshman acceptance rate of over 65%, it is less selective than other state schools, such as University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (24%) and the University of California, Berkeley (17.5%) .

What is UIUC computer science famous for?

A Tradition of Excellence. Our history is, in part, the history of computing. From the ILLIAC to Blue Waters, OpenMP to MPI, Mosaic to YouTube, and the first vectorizing compilers to LLVM, Illinois CS faculty, students, and alumni have long been at the forefront of computing research, innovation, and education.

What is UIUC CS acceptance rate?

Acceptance RatesUniversityOverall Admissions RateCS Admissions RateUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign62%15%University of California at Berkeley17%8.5%University of Washington46%28%University of Texas - Austin36%15%1 more row•Apr 3, 2019

What GPA is good for computer science?

It's difficult to say what the average GPA for one major is when you're looking across a bunch of different schools....GPAs by Major.MajorAverage GPAReligion3.22Arts3.19History3.19Computer Science3.1314 more rows•Oct 21, 2021

Is computer engineering harder than computer science?

Computer engineering is harder than computer science but not by much. A computer engineering degree is more difficult than a computer science one because you have to take more math courses, additional electrical engineering classes, and several practical lab sessions.

Is UIC good for computer science?

Computer science at the University of Illinois at Chicago was ranked #26 on a list of the 50 most innovative computer science departments in the U.S. by Computer Science Degree HUB, an online information source on accredited computer science degree programs.

What majors is UIUC known for?

The most popular majors at University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign include: Engineering; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; Mathematics and Statistics; Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related ...

Is computer science too competitive?

Computer science is generally considered a difficult and competitive major. You can expect to spend long hours learning concepts and applying them through your own coding projects, and you may find it challenging to keep up with your peers.

Why is CS so hard in college?

Full Answer Initially Computer Science seems hard because learning to program is challenging. Programming is the first task that Computer Science students must master, and programming requires an extremely logical and methodical approach to solving problems.

How many credit hours are required for computer science?

Computer Science Advanced Electives: Students must take for a letter grade a minimum of two (2) advanced elective courses comprising at least six (6) credit hours. These advanced elective courses must be distinct from courses used to satisfy the technical electives.

Can CS 500 be used as electives?

CS 500 -level courses may be used as technical electives, but only with special permission from the CS Academic Office. CS 397 and CS 499 may be used with a cumulative maximum of six (6) credits from them counting as technical electives.

What is the difference between computer science and computer engineering?

Roughly speaking, Computer Engineering focuses more on design and development of the physical components used in computing (hardware), whereas, Computer Science is focused more on using computation to solve problems (software).

Is CS degree outside of Grainger?

Because CS degrees outside of The Grainger College of Engineering are awarded by those colleges, some things will be different. For example, general education requirements may vary slightly by college, especially language other than English and science. We recommend prospective students to consult the specific degree requirements of each program ...

Is computer science competitive?

All of the undergraduate programs with “Computer Science” in the title are very competitive. The difference in the high school GPA and standardized test profiles of students admitted to these programs versus those in The Grainger College of Engineering is insignificant. Students should not apply to Math & CS, Stats & CS, or a CS + X major unless they have a strong and genuine interest in both halves of the major.

Degree Programs & Minor

Illinois offers a breadth of CS topics and applications unmatched almost anywhere. Our groundbreaking CS + X blended degree programs can be tailored to fit your academic and career interests.

How to Apply

Prospective students apply through the University's Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions can guide you through the application process and provide information on dates, deadlines, requirements and processes.

Admissions Information

The University's Office of Admissions offers information on how applications for admission are reviewed, and the factors that are considered when making an admission decision. The Grainger College of Engineering website offers Engineering-specific information.

Dates and Deadlines

Learn more about the latest application and decision dates for undergraduate applicants.

Discover your power

Your path to Grainger Engineering starts here. Explore your options and gather the information you need to take the next step and apply.

What is computer science?

The Computer Science curriculum provides both a broad and deep knowledge of the theory, design, and application of computer systems, with an emphasis on software systems. Because computing is ubiquitous, application areas involve virtually any field imaginable - from developing gene sequencing algorithms via techniques in computational biology, to designing user interfaces for mobile applications; from designing methods for high frequency trading, to creating computer generated graphics and special effects in the gaming industry; and from creating embedded real time systems to be deployed in medical devices, to analyzing social data from internet communication patterns. During the first two years the curriculum provides a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and computation. Advanced coursework in areas of the student's choosing follows in the second two years, which include either a senior thesis or a senior project. Graduates may go on to graduate study or leading positions in industry.

Can CS 500 be used as electives?

CS 500 -level courses may be used as technical electives, but only with special permission from the CS Academic Office. CS 397 and CS 499 may be used with a cumulative maximum of six (6) credits from them counting as technical electives.

What is UI2 in college?

You will be registering with a computer program known as UI Integrate Self-Serve (UI2), or Enterprise. To efficiently register you must know the courses you want to take and the Course Registration Number (CRN) of the section you wish to take.

How many hours of general education do I need to take to become a U of I?

All U of I students must take 18 hours of a selection of General Education electives covering the humanities & arts, social & behavioral sciences, western & non-western cultures, a foreign language, composition, natural sciences and quantitative reasoning. Natural sciences and quantitative reasoning are covered by ECE course requirements.

What are the two ECE related areas that require more chemistry?

Two ECE related areas requiring more chemistry are semiconductors (the physics of electronic devices, fabrication of chips, lasers, etc.) and bioengineering. If you focus your studies in one of these areas, you will be likely to take more chemistry classes.

What is the most important course for engineering?

Calculus. The most important course for first-term engineers is calculus. It is very important to register in the correct course, which for most students is one of Math 220, or 221, specific sections of 231, or 241.

What time is the Henry Administration Building lecture?

It has a small group discussion section at noon on Wednesday and Friday in 149 Henry Administration Building and a lecture time of 1 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday in 314 Altgeld Hall. This arrangement, a large lecture supplemented by smaller discussion sections, is common for introductory classes.