<p>What is the difference between the Cornell's computer science major in Arts and Sciences and the computer science major in the School of Engineering?</p>
<p>Pre-reqs.</p>
<p>Check the respective websites for the distribution requirements.</p>
<p>Off the top of my head all engineers have to do chemistry and physics. Schedule is more pre-planned because there’s usually a lot of pre-reqs (ex: OR has 31 required courses or something) although I heard that CS is actually one of the more lenient engineering majors in terms of distribution requirements.</p>
<p>I guess for A+S the most relevant thing is that you have to do a foreign language, which is something a lot of people dislike. And there’s more opportunities to do academic exploration in other subjects.</p>
<p>It’s best if you check the website and read the distribution requirements.</p>
<p>Hello! I’m a CS Major in Engineering.</p>
<p>You take the same sequence of CS classes for Arts vs Engineering.</p>
<p>However…
For arts, you have to satisfy this checklist to graduate:
<a href=“https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad/rulesandproceduresarts/artschecklist[/url]”>Arts & Sciences Requirements | Department of Computer Science;
<p>For engineering, you have this checklist:
<a href=“https://www.cs.cornell.edu/undergrad/rulesandproceduresengineering/engineeringchecklist[/url]”>Engineering Requirements | Department of Computer Science;
<p>The real difference is this:</p>
<p>For Engineering, you HAVE to take the Engineering math sequence consisting of Math 1910 (Calculus for Engineers), Math 1920 (Multivariable Calculus for Engineers), and Math 2940 (Linear Algebra for Engineers). You can also take Math 2930 (Differential Equations for Engineers) if you want to go into Robotics, Graphics, or Scientific Computing. AP Credit can get you out of the Math 1910, but that’s it.</p>
<p>For Arts, you can take the regular math sequence consisting of Math 1110 (Calc I), Math 1120 (Calc II), and Math 2210 (Linear Algebra). You can take the Engineering math sequence instead, but why on earth would you do that? Here, AP Credit can get you out of the first two math classes, leaving to take only Math 2210.</p>
<p>Also, Arts requires you to take a language in a addition to a humanities distribution requirement (called “Liberal Studies”).</p>
<p>In Engineering, you don’t have to take a language, but you still have a Liberal Studies requirements. Engineers have the option of using a language to satisfy this.</p>
<p>In Arts, you have to take two science classes of any kind.
In Engineering, you have to take Chem 2090 (Chem for Engineers), Phys 1112 (Mechanics), Phys 2213 (E&M), and then you have a choice for the 4th science class. I am choosing to take Phys 2214 (Oscillations & Waves).</p>
<p>Engineering requires you to take an Intro to Engineering class and a bunch of Engineering distribution classes.</p>
<p>Take Arts if you want the freedom to take a bunch of humanities classes.
Engineering will drag you through a bunch more science and tougher math courses.</p>
<p>You choose your fate.
Good luck! Please feel free to ask any questions.</p>