Hello.
I’ve got accepted to computer science major in college of Liberal Arts. The problem is that I would really prefer to study the major in college of Science&Engineering. I emailed this question to office of admission, but they haven’t answered yet. So I hope that there are people who could help my by answering the following questions.
Is it possible to change my B.A to B.S before Fall 2017? If no, will I lose anything if I change colleges after the first semester?
Thank you in advance!
you apply for CSE during winter semester, they will make a decision after winter semester, if you have over a 3.0 you will be in good shape.
I’d call them instead of emailing. Phone calls are a lot harder to ignore.
If you can’t change, you can apply to transfer into CSE once you start going to school here. You may need to do some of the intro to CLA stuff instead of CSE but that’s about it. Shouldn’t be a huge deal.
You will most likely not be able to switch before completing at least one year of coursework at UMN (ie do an internal transfer over to CSE). Admissions to CSE is probably closed with many on the waitlist. You might call them and ask to be put on the waitlist; however, make sure doing so doesn’t jeopardize your admission to CLA.
The major will have the same requirements in either college. The big difference between the two is that your college requirements for CSE are going to be science and math based, while CLA allows you to take a broad array of other coursework in order to enjoy the liberal arts experience (btw, that will include more math and science, if you desire such). For instance, at CLA you can double major in CS and Math, or CS and physics, or CS and a non-STEM major. It’s up to you. The only major practical difference is that you will need to take a foreign language in CLA (waived if you can place out with AP or equivalent).
While the BS will allow you to focus on more specialized areas of CS, and there might be a certain cache to graduating from CSE, in reality employers are looking for high performing and intelligent students who have been trained in the relevant area. They don’t necessarily require a BS or a BA. If you are able to keep your course work to a high standard of rigor at CLA and do well, you shouldn’t be at a disadvantage.
Good luck to you!
Agree with JBStillFlying - I am a senior manager in CS, 30 years in the field. I have hired a lot of people and whether your Bachelors is a BA or BS does not matter. Keep your grades high and focus your electives on deeper CS topics and you will be fine.