Question to University of Michigan EE/CS Students

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>This might be a dumb question, but what's the difference between the Computer Science program at LSA and that of CoE? I want to do computer science and/or electrical engineering and was just wondering. </p>

<p>In addition, is my high school math & science schedule rigorous enough to prepare me for EE/CS? I'm also quite competent in Java and am learning PHP and UNIX on my own. Here is my schedule:</p>

<p>Sophomore Year:
AP Chem (A 1st semester/A 2nd semester)
Pre-Calc (B+ first semester/A 2nd semester)</p>

<p>Junior Year: (got A+'s in all these classes)
AP Calc AB
AP Physics C:Mechanics
IB Comp Sci HL1</p>

<p>I'll be taking these senior year:
-AP Calc BC
-AP Physics C: E&M
-IB Comp Sci HL 2
-AP Statistics (self-study)
-Linear Algebra (MIT OpenCourseWare)</p>

<p>I don’t know specifically for U Michigan, but I know for many schools like Berkeley, the CS program in CoE is for a B.S. which means more math and engineering courses, while in LSA, it is for a B.A. so it gives you more freedom to take electives in humanities courses or foreign language.</p>

<p>The program core is exactly the same, the general school requirements are different. If you were dead set on CS, I’d tell you to apply to LSA, since you have enough experience to skip the into level programming class. I think CoE makes you take a faster paced intro class, but it’s still “intro” level.</p>

<p>In CoE, you’re forced to take Chem, Physics (mechanics and E&M, 2 different classes), calc 3 or 4, and linear algebra, as well as flexible technical electives, which are basically classes usually at least 1 class past an intro level in a different field (IE Organic Chem, Genetics, Intermediate Macro/Microeconomics). But I guess since you’re also contemplating EE, you might wanna apply to CoE.</p>

<p>In LSA, you have to have a 4 semester proficiency in a foreign language, and they offer the option of testing out of a few, if not all, semesters through placement exams, writing requirments (a lower level and an upper level), a “race and ethnicity” requirement, and distribution requirements (7 credits in each of social science, natural science, and humanities), but you can double count requirements. For example, a class that’s an Upper level writing can also satisfy the race and ethnicity requirement as well as give you SS credits.</p>

<p>I guess it boils down to what you prefer: more math and natural science classes, versus social science/writing classes. </p>

<p>I’d also take a look at CoE breadth requirements closer if I were you. I’m not too familiar with them, as I’m CS-LSA.</p>

<p>EDIT: The LSA degree granted is a BS in Computer Science, the CoE degree granted is a BSE in Computer Science. If your interviewer is a Michigan alumni they’ll know the difference, else it won’t come up.</p>

<p>With regards to your classes, I wouldn’t bother with AP Stats, because you only get departmental credit for it. I’d focus on AP Calc and Physics. If you can get 5’s on the BC exam and Physics C, you’ll have gotten some pretty annoying classes outta the way, regardless of which school you apply to.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot, Higgs!</p>