Admission to the Computer Science Major

Because the Computer Science major is very demanding and our instructional resources are limited, admission to the major is restricted. Before declaring the major, a student must demonstrate their ability to succeed in difficult computer science and mathematics courses. Some first-year students are admitted directly to the major based on standardized test scores and high-school grades. Other students wanting to join the major should take the appropriate predictor courses in Computer Science (CMSPCI 121, 123 (191B) 187, and 201) and mathematics (MATH 131, 132) -- normally one of each in a given semester.

Any student interested in the major may file an application using a form available at the CMPSCI main office. The form indicates which predictor courses the student may have taken already and which courses (both technical and non-technical) they are taking in the current or upcoming semester. Applying students should discuss this schedule with a CMPSCI advisor to make sure it is appropriate.

There are three possible responses to an application:

1) Immediate admission to the major.

2) Conditional admission -- the UPD or designate will tell the student what level of performance on the current or upcoming semester will be sufficient to gain admission.

3) Rejection of the application, if no performance on the given course schedule would be sufficient to establish the student's qualifications.

Students who are rejected, or who fail to meet the conditions set for admission, are welcome to reapply in later semesters.

Before the summer of 2006 there was an official "pre-major" status for students wanting the CMPSCI major but not yet admitted. This pre-major designation is being phased out immediately, and all students currently in it should have been contacted. Any student having trouble registering for a predictor course should contact a CMPSCI advisor for assistance.

Transfer students interested in computer science should apply directly to the University through the Office of Transfer Affairs, which will then forward the application materials to the Computer Science Department for consideration for admission directly into the major. Transfer students who are not directly admitted to the computer science major but are accepted by the University may apply for admission using the procedure described above. Students who wish to apply to the Second Bachelor's Degree Program in computer science should contact the University Admissions Office.

For further information on the undergraduate program contact:

Computer Science Undergraduate Program Director
Computer Science Bldg, Room 100
140 Governors Drive
University of Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003-9264
phone: (413) 545-2744
fax: (413) 545-1249

If you are interested in Undergraduate Admissions, please contact:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
37 Mather Drive
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003-9291
phone: (413) 545-0222
fax: (413) 545-4312
http://www.umass.edu/admissions/