Requirements for a CS major



St. Olaf's Computer Science (CS) major is a balanced liberal-arts program that satisfies national curricular expectations, builds on a breadth-first, hands-on introduction to the discipline, takes a team-based approach to software design including interdisciplinary team projects, integrates ethical and social analysis in a distinctive way, and emphasizes written and oral communication skills and other aspects of a liberal arts education. See the page on curricular objectives for more information about these goals. See also the most recent catalog description of the major.

A CS major is arranged by individual contract between the program and a student, which helps both the student and the program with academic planning and builds in the potential to adapt requirements according to special circumstances and particular educational objectives. See Dick Brown (rab@stolaf.edu) to arrange a contract.

The CS major ordinarily requires a total of 11 credits in CS, with exceptions for double majors with Mathematics or Physics. Further information about the courses is provided in summary or detailed format; see also additional documents related to the curriculum.

Guidelines

Foundation courses (3-4 required)
Core courses (4 required)

Capstone course (1 credit required)
  • CAP: CS CS 390 Senior Capstone Seminar. [WRI]. Prerequisite: Senior CS major with all core courses taken or currently enrolled.

Elective courses (2 required)