Exploring Computer Science Programs at Boston College
Boston College, a private institution founded in 1863 and located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, offers a range of computer science programs designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computing technology. Ranked among the top universities in the nation, Boston College provides a comprehensive academic environment with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and a diverse student body representing over 104 countries. With a selective admissions process and a commitment to financial aid, Boston College aims to make quality education accessible to talented students from various backgrounds. This article delves into the details of the computer science programs available at Boston College, covering the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), minor programs, and other opportunities within the Computer Science Department.
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Computer Science at Boston College is designed to provide a broad liberal arts education with a strong focus on computer science fundamentals. The curriculum is based on the recommendations of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for liberal arts institutions. BA students complete a 34-credit computer science component, which is supplemented by a mathematics component rooted in calculus.
Core Course Requirements
The 34 credits required for the Bachelor of Arts major are grouped into two categories:
- Seven required core courses (totaling 22 credits): These courses cover the fundamental concepts and skills in computer science.
- Four electives (totaling at least 12 credits): These electives allow students to explore specific areas of interest within computer science.
All courses are 3 credits, with the exception of CSCI2272 (Computer Systems), which is 4 credits.
Mathematical Foundations
Logic and Computation (CSCI2243) and Randomness and Computation (CSCI2244) provide students with the mathematical fundamentals necessary for Computer Science. It is necessary that these courses be completed no later than the end of junior year, since this material is a prerequisite for the required course Algorithms (CSCI3383).
Read also: Requirements for Computer Science Degrees
GPA Requirement
Students enrolled in the computer science BA programs must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 1.67 or above in the CSCI courses counted toward their program's requirements.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science (BS) major in Computer Science requires a minimum of 37 credits in computer science, offering a more intensive focus on technical and scientific aspects of the field compared to the BA degree.
Mathematical Foundations
Like the BA program, Logic and Computation (CSCI2243) and Randomness and Computation (CSCI2244) provide students with mathematical fundamentals necessary for Computer Science. It is necessary that these be completed no later than the end of junior year, since this material is prerequisite for the required course Algorithms (CSCI3383).
GPA Requirement
Students enrolled in the computer science BS programs must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 1.67 or above in the CSCI courses counted toward their program's requirements.
Laboratory Science Requirement
A two-semester sequence in a laboratory science for science majors is also required for the BS degree.
Read also: Read more about Computer Vision and Machine Learning
Departmental Honors Program
Junior and senior Computer Science majors with at least a 3.3 GPA in CSCI courses are eligible to join the Departmental Honors Program. To graduate with the Departmental Honors designation, eligible students must maintain at least a 3.3 GPA in CSCI courses and complete a senior thesis.
Thesis Requirements
Thesis requirements are to have a thesis proposal approved by a faculty advisor and by the Honors Committee by the end of junior year. Students participating in the Honors Program are required to take both sections of CSCI4961 Honors Thesis.
Minor in Computer Science
The minor program in Computer Science is designed to provide an introduction to computer science, primarily for mathematics and science majors.
Course Requirements
The minor also requires students to do a Math course, MATH1103 Calculus II (Math/Science majors). Students can declare a minor in computer science after they have taken CS2 or enrolled in the course (following the add/drop deadline).
Prerequisites
Students pursuing a minor in computer science should carefully consider the prerequisites of 3000-level courses when selecting 2000-level electives. Several 3000-level electives specify CSCI2243 Logic and Computation and/or CSCI2271 Computer Systems as prerequisites.
Read also: Computer Science College Guide
Important Considerations for Minors
Computer science minors should take CSCI 1101 and CSCI 1102 by the end of their sophomore year, and Logic & Computation (CSCI 2243) and Computer Systems (CSCI 2271) by the end of their junior year, as all 3000-level CS electives have one or both of these courses as prerequisites.
Minor in Data Science
Students can apply to the minor in data science after they have taken CSCI 1090 and Math 2250. The data science minor is an interdisciplinary program emphasizing human-centered applications of data analysis and modeling for the common good.
Course Flexibility
CSCI 1090 and MATH 2250 can be taken in either order or concurrently.
Credit Requirements
Consistent with the University’s academic regulations, students must have at least 15 credits in the data science minor that are not used to fulfill requirements for another major or minor or a Core requirement. The director will review your pathway form together with your degree audit. Notifications of acceptance will be made in December and May after final grades have been submitted.
Bioinformatics Concentration
The Bioinformatics Concentration is offered to students majoring in Biology, Mathematics, or Computer Science. Please note that courses in this concentration may overlap with major or minor requirements. In addition, a semester of bioinformatics research within a lab can be substituted for either one of the three additional computer science courses or the computational biology course.
Program Objectives and Career Opportunities
The Computer Science majors are for students who enjoy using computers and who wish to gain a deeper understanding of computing technology. Both B.S. and B.A. majors are designed to provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of computer science. At the same time, they provide practical, hands-on experience, as the current technological job market dictates. Students are prepared for a variety of careers such as software development, network administration, technical support, and systems analysis.
Advice for First-Year Students
First-year students considering majoring in Computer Science should plan to complete the program's calculus requirement (MATH1102 or higher) during their first year. Most will enroll in MATH1100 in fall semester and continue with MATH1103 in spring semester. Students who either carry advanced mathematics placement or who have completed a year of calculus in high school, should enroll directly in MATH1103 (or a more advanced course) in the fall semester.
Introductory Programming Courses
First-year students with prior programming experience are encouraged to take CSCI1101 Computer Science I. Students who have had no programming experience should consider beginning with Principles of Computer Science (CSCI1080) in their first semester. CSCI1080 and CSCI1101 are the introductory programming courses. One of these is required of all Computer Science majors and minors and is a prerequisite for all advanced computer science courses.
Transfer Credits and Placement
The Computer Science Department will accept transfer credits from other schools with documentation (for example, syllabi) sufficient for us to determine course equivalence. Before taking an external course, check BC's academic policies. AP, IB, and GCE scores are used to make placement decisions, but not for course credit.
Course Availability
Most introductory courses (e.g., CSCI1101 and CSCI1102) are available every semester. CSCI1080 is offered every fall. All courses that are required for the major are offered at least once each academic year. All Computer Science courses are prefixed by the letters CSCI and are registered as courses in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences.
Student Life and Opportunities
Computer Science Society
The Boston College Computer Science Society is dedicated to helping students interested in technology and entrepreneurship achieve their goals. Throughout the school year, they host guest lectures, workshops, hackathons, collaborative projects, and more. CSS works closely with the Computer Science Department at BC to create a better environment for students to learn and find new opportunities. The Computer Science Society is the student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery and is very active. ACM is the professional organization for Computer and Information Scientists.
Women in Computer Science (WICS)
WICS organizes service and social events for all Computer Science students, and encourages a sense of community within the department. Specifically, WICS has organized a career night, pool night, and two highly successful Christmas Yankee Swaps.
Machine Intelligence Group (MIG)
MIG is a community of driven undergraduate students at Boston College who are passionate about artificial intelligence. We hold weekly lectures and tri-weekly workshops on various topics in machine intelligence that are open to all with the hopes of lowering the barriers of entry in artificial intelligence. Our core group does research and works on complex, real-world AI/ML problems. We also compete in and host various machine intelligence competitions throughout the academic year.
Applying to Boston College
Thinking about applying? If you plan to apply to Boston College, make sure you don't wait until the last minute to fill out your application. The school is one of the most selective in the United States and has a low acceptance rate of 17%. Approximately 44% of accepted students are men and 56% are women. About 34% of students accepted to Boston College submitted their SAT scores. When looking at the 25th through the 75th percentile, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores ranged between 705 and 760. Boston College received ACT scores from 18% of accepted students. When looking at the 25th through the 75th percentile, ACT English scores ranged between 34 and 35. Math scores were between 30 and 0. Boston College accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
The school's tuition and fees are $73,508. Thirty-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $39,090. The overall average net price of Boston College is $59,048. At Boston College, approximately 33% of students took out student loans averaging $3,581 a year.
Graduation and Post-Graduation Outcomes
The four-year graduation rate is 86%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $85,717.
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