Return to: School of Engineering and Applied Science: Degree Programs
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET - https://www.abet.org.
Program Objectives
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program:
- Have the knowledge and skills that allow them to make tangible contributions in their profession.
- Have the knowledge and skills that allow them meet new technical challenges.
- Are able to contribute effectively to society.
- Are able to work effectively as team leaders and members.
- Have the ability to be innovators in the design, analysis and application of computer systems.
GPA Requirement
BSCS majors must have a 2.0 GPA average for CS courses in order to graduate. For courses that must be repeated due to a failing grade or not obtaining the needed grade as a prerequisite for a later course, all grades (including the original grade) count toward the CS GPA.
Place-Out Tests
Some students who come to UVA with programming experience but without any formal credentials to earn degree credits (e.g. AP, IB, or dual-enrollment), can opt to take a place-out test for some early courses. Place-out tests can be requested from the CS office in Rice 527 during the time periods of (a) the week before classes begin, (b) the first week of classes, and (c) the week preceding the week before enrollment opens. Upon completing a place-out test and turning it in to the CS office, a CS faculty member will determine whether the student has sufficient background and experience with the material to move on to the next course. NOTE: Passing a place-out test DOES NOT award degree credit. It only grants an exception to needing the course as a prerequisite to move on. Students who pass the place-out test will be informed by the CS office, who will note the completion of the test in the student’s SIS academic report. The student must at some point in the future complete additional CS courses equivalent to the number of credits that were placed-out of in order to complete the requirement.
Course Enrollment Policies
Prerequisites for Courses
In general, CS courses have the following prerequisite structure:
-
1000 level courses - no prerequisites
-
2000 level courses - require completion of a course in Introduction to Programming
-
3000 level courses - require completion of certain 2000 or other 3000 level courses
-
4000 level courses - require completion of certain 2000 or 3000 level courses
Each course’s prerequisites can be found with their course catalog entry in SIS. Students who do not meet the prerequisite for a course or do not have explicit instructor permission to stay in the course may be dropped from the course roster at any time.
Most CS courses require a grade of C- or better in their prerequisite courses. A D- or better in a course is sufficient to meet graduation requirements, but not sufficient to take subsequent courses.
Declaring the Major
Students declare their major in the School of Engineering and Applied Science either in their second semester if they entered the school as a first year student or upon transfer to the School. More information can be found on the SEAS page for major declaration.
