UC apps: Computer science major??

State Forums
1

<p>Currently starting my apps for UC schools for 2015 (I am a rising senior)</p>

<p>So there are TWO different departments under which you can find a computer science major: College of Engineering, or the College of Letters and Science.</p>

<p>I realize that the College of Engineering may be harder to get into, but would it really make that big of a difference considering they're both CS? And what are the differences, like why are there two?</p>

<p>Also, after graduating, how would the different degrees affect my ability in choosing a career?</p>

<p>Basically I could use help in choosing which department to pick x) Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>A Berkeley degree in computer science (or any degree in computer science) is not exactly a professional hindrance, even if it’s not from the College of Engineering. Some of the most successful people in the tech world don’t have any college degree at all. My sense is employers will care about your skills and experience (how well can you code? and what do you have to show for it?), but they do not have time to worry about your university’s administrative nuances. </p>

3

<p>At Berkeley, your choice of CS majors is between:</p>

<ul>
<li>EECS in the College of Engineering. Generally considered more selective, but if you are admitted, you are in the major. EECS has additional math and physics requirements.</li>
<li>CS in the College of Letters and Science. All frosh in L&S enter undeclared. Prospective CS majors must complete the prerequisites with a (currently) 3.0 GPA to declare the major.</li>
</ul>

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<p>I’m in about the same situation, and I had the same question. From what I’ve gathered (at least regarding UC Davis), Computer Science in L&S focuses more specifically on traditional CS subjects, programming, software and theoretical math concepts, while EECS involves more working with hardware and computer engineering. I of course have no experience in the matter myself, but this is my interpretation.</p>

5

<p>But, I’ve noticed with the EECS, you have more employment options because you cover both electrical engineering AND computer science coursework. With the CS degree, your exposure to EE is limited. DD received a degree similar to EECS at her university in NY. </p>

<p>She applied for jobs here in California in EE and CS and is working as a software engineer whereby her EE degree, and intern experience, is valued as a big plus by her employer, such that she’s been promoted to a junior management track. She’s sought for her EE background on large projects, but is training new recruits with her CS skills. She’s only been out of school for 1 ½ yrs.</p>

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<p>A student in the EECS major at Berkeley does have considerable choice in upper division EE and CS courses. S/he can take all EE, all CS, or a mix. Someone who takes all CS in upper division probably would not be looking for EE jobs, for example.</p>

<p>In lower division courses, EECS and L&S CS majors take the same CS courses; EECS majors take two EE courses, while L&S CS majors must take one of those two.</p>

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<p>Only Berkeley CS is the same as the CS in EECS, other UCs are not the same. Other UCs the non engineering CS is more theoretical, more like a minor for math major.</p>

8

<p>Which other UCs are you referring to?</p>

<p>UCSC and UCSD offer BA and BS options for CS. In each case, the BA and BS majors select from the same set of CS courses, although the number of CS and non-CS courses required for the degree may differ. UCSD also offers computer engineering as a major.</p>

9

<p>But they are part of the engineering department. UCSD and UCLA do not CS under College of Letters and Science like UCB.</p>

<p><a href=“Official UCSD Mathematics Advising Thread - #96 by MathAdvising - University of California - San Diego - College Confidential Forums”>Official UCSD Mathematics Advising Thread - #96 by MathAdvising - University of California - San Diego - College Confidential Forums;

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