University of Massachusetts - Computer Science
 
 

Transferring to the Computer Science Department

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 Department of Computer Science 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 regular procedure described above. 

Guidelines for evaluating work taken elsewhere
Some students entering the University will have already done work which can be applied to the computer science requirements. This work may be completed in high school, at another college or university, or through private study. Exemption from computer science requirements may be granted by the Undergraduate Program Director, according to guidelines that are described below. Exemption from university general education requirements can only be granted by the Office of Transfer Affairs.

The most common exemptions are for the introductory Java programming sequence, CMPSCI 121, 123 and 187. (CMPSCI 123 is also known as CMPSCI 191B.) CMPSCI 121 is the introductory course intended for students with little or no prior programming experience. Students with significant high-school background in Java or C++ programming may elect to skip 121 and go directly to 123. Students with Advanced Placement scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the A Computer Science exam may skip 123 and receive 3 credits for it. Students with Advanced Placement scores of 4 or 5 on the AB Computer Science exam may skip both 123 and 187 and receive 7 credits for them. Such students will normally start with CMPSCI 201. Some students may elect to start with 187 on the basis of high-school work without the Advanced Placement exam. In all cases, a student beginning above CMPSCI 121 should consult with both a CMPSCI academic advisor and with their prospective instructor. Placement tests will be given at the beginning of each course to help students judge their level of preparation.

Some students will be able to demonstrate competence in the material of other courses, such as CmpSci 201, Architecture and Assembly Language. Exemption for requirements such as these may be granted by the Undergraduate Program Director in consultation with the faculty.

Exemption from courses in other departments required by computer science is generally granted at the discretion of the other department involved. Math students who start with a more advanced calculus course (Math 132 or Math 233) and receive a C or better are given graduation credit for the calculus courses skipped (Math 131, Math 132), unless they have already received credit for the same courses through other means. The Computer Science Department will accept these credits as the equivalent of the required math courses. Similarly, students given credit for Science courses which are deemed by the relevant department to be equivalent to the required courses lists above will be viewed as having met the science requirement.

Credit for Equivalent CS Courses at Other Schools

Transfer students should have their records evaluated by the admissions office and verified by the Undergraduate Program Director to determine which courses will transfer and which requirements are met.

As a guide, we provide links that suggest equivalencies between UMass Amherst and other colleges in Massachusetts. We believe this information is accurate, but must be verified by the Undergraduate Program Director on a case to case basis.

If you want to take equivalent courses at another school, please make sure that you:

  • Check with your advisor before registering (this list is subject to change)
  • Check with the other school to see if the course is being offered when you want it (for example, not all of these courses are offered during summer sessions).
  • Make sure at least 5 of 311, 320, 377, 383, plus your 2 semi-required courses and your 3 electives are taken at UMass-Amherst.
  • Get a prior agreement form from the Registrar's Office (in Whitmore) or from the Computer Science main office (in CMPS), fill it out, identifying the course(s) you want to take. Then obtain a signature from Prof. Moll, Prof. Wileden, or Prof. Barrington. ***
  • Ask the registrar at the other (non-5-college) school to send a transcript to Whitmore when you complete the course(s). ***

*** NOTE: If you are taking a 5-college course, steps 4 and 5 are unnecessary. To register for 5-college courses, go the the 5-college office, Goodell 614.