<p>I'm considering majoring in computer science but I don't know if I want to go through the engineering courses that certain engineering schools require (like requiring me to take a mechanical class). I have other liberal arts interests that I also want to explore. My question is: how is Penn engineering? Is it very strict in the courses they require? How is the computer science dept? I'm wondering whether I should apply to A&S or Engineering.</p>
<p>You could get a BAS or BSE in Computer Science. BSE is more engineering based and BAS allows you more room for humanities and stuff.</p>
<p>Computer science dept. is great. You won't have to take any mechanical engineering classes or anything like that - you'll have a computer science curriculum. Depending on BSE or BAS, you'll have technical electives. These may need to be taken in the engineering school (but could be in computer science) or they may just need to all be from a related subject.</p>
<p>You will have basic science requirements (basic math, basic physics, and 2 other science credits) but most people fill those out of APs or placement tests.</p>
<p>The primary difference between the BSE and BAS is in the rigor of the engineering classes required: BSE makes you take certain computer science classes (operating systems, chip design) and some electives must be from engineering, but BAS gives you more flexibility with those electives.</p>
<p>There is some relationship between the rigor of the degree and the opportunities available: the BSE curriculum generally makes one more attractive for CS areas in the future. Penn CS on the whole is solid: the top firms recruit here, and grad school placement is good. You won't get the full selection of classes you might at CMU or MIT, but you'll have more flexibility in the other areas that Penn offers. Many CS students are dual degrees, either in the DMD program (fine arts and CS), the M&T program (business and engineering) or have a double major in some a&s subject.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>