<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I have applied to major in computer science at UVA through the school of Arts and Sciences instead of the Engineering school. Can you guys please tell me if this was a wise move and what the differences are. Do both programs receive as much attention and resources? Is the Computer Science degree from the college of Arts and Science not regarded as highly as the one through the engineering school?</p>
<p>-Thanks!</p>
<p>No it makes no difference. The two girls I mentioned earlier who are at Berkeley, one was a BA and one was a BS so grad schools don’t care. The difference is in the core requirements (engineering physics chem etc, college foreign language, history, etc). And it’s easier to have another major if you do it through the College. The two intro classes are different as well but it’s not a big deal, they’re more liberal-artsy through the College but that’s it. The classes other than those are exactly the same, ie BA and BS people have the same CS courses, sections, professors. I think the BA has some “integration electives” as well but those seem fun enough (math, music, etc).</p>
<p>Are the BA people considered second class though? Like do other students regard them as being less smart?</p>
<p>I don’t think people really know who the BA kids are. And if so, they definitely don’t regard them as less smart – one of my friends is a BA CS major and she’s probably the smartest person I know at UVa.</p>
<p>You’re judged by your peers based on your performance, not based on what degree you’re getting. I agree that the BA CS people I know are incredibly smart. Most of them do double majors, so it’s really like I said, more about being more into the liberal arts aspects of college than engineering.</p>
<p>alright thanks
it sounds like a pretty sweet program</p>
<p>CS in the particular college can also matter less if you are fortunate enough to get in as an Echols, because then you have even more flexibility in your class choices. My son is in the College and is doing CS and science, and it seems helpful to be in the College with both areas. The course overlaps will be significant, which also facilitates inter-college transfers, should it come to that.</p>
<p>what is Echols?</p>
<p>A program through the College of Arts and Sciences known because those chosen don’t have general ed requirements</p>
<p>The BA is easier, from what I’ve heard. One friend of mine who did that is now the head of IT at a small company, making like almost 100K right out of UVA.</p>
<p>wow, that’s impressive</p>