Is coding a requirement for CS major at Stanford

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

I was wondering, does one need to be able to code very well in several languages for them to succeed as a CS MAJOR at Stanford.

Also does Stanford offer classes to teach specific programming languages or if you don’t know how to code you have to learn yourself…

2

Please any advice is useful
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3

http://cs.stanford.edu/degrees/undergrad/HS-FAQ.shtml says that “The CS major is a comprehensive program that assumes no prior knowledge of computer science.”

In any CS major at any decent school for CS, you will learn various programming languages as needed, but the focus is not the programming languages, since they are more like the tools for learning and work, rather than the target.

4

Thanks @ucbalumnus :slight_smile:

5

There are many resources and paths available to students with no prior experience. My son knows a student with no prior experience that was actually considering majoring in bio that took the popular introductory class. She won 1st place in the app competition. After that she was hooked on CS - and is now a successful CS major student.

6

Wow! That’s cool. Thanks for sharing :).

Also @Rivet2000 do you think it’s possible for one to double major in Human Bio and CS (at Stanford)? Do you know anyone who has done something similar ?

7

It can be done. Check out the website for details. Just how hard would it be? I don’t know. I do know that the CS curriculum is challenging (this from my son who came in with strong a background in CS and math).

8

Deleted.

9

Yes. There will be a LOT of coding to do. Most of the classes will have a number of programming assignments and/or a final project. You have to be proficient in at least Python and C/C++ to be successful.

Classes are focused on teaching programming and CS concepts, there will be some discussion on language specifics. However, it is expect that you learn languages concepts on your own. Having prior experience in programming definitely helps.

it is possible. But doing in 4 years will be difficult. CS is a high unit major (100-120 credits needed) doesn’t leave a lot of time for a second major/degree.

10

Okay, thanks ! :slight_smile: I’ll learn those (I’m currently in a gap year so I have spare time) @CA94309