The computer science program in the College of Creative Studies bridges the gap between traditional computer science curricula and the lively, rapidly changing universe of computing at large. It is custom-designed to challenge each student and develop to the utmost his or her knowledge and creativity. The program is aimed at highly ambitious students with a demonstrated talent in computer science who are interested in exploring and contributing to the field. Many students in the CCS computer science program are also interested in other scientific fields and concurrently pursue studies in another emphasis, such as physics and/or mathematics. Collaboration with the Computer Science Department in the College of Engineering offers a stimulating and supportive environment and provides access to a number of laboratories and powerful computing platforms.
CCS computer science students start their studies by following an accelerated curriculum covering the mathematical foundations of computer science and programming techniques. This background paves the way to upper-division courses covering preparatory material for diverse specializations such as networks, distributed computing, computational theory, algorithm design, computer graphics, compilers, and database theory. Advanced courses provide both the depth and the breadth necessary for graduate-level research at top-ranked institutions in the United States and abroad.
Early in their studies, CCS computer science students can participate in innovative and challenging research projects that are typically reserved for graduate students. These range from purely theoretical studies to programming parallel computers for important applications in other fields of science.
CCS/CS BS/MS Degree Program
CCS in conjunction with the Computer Science Department in the College of Engineering offers a five year BS/MS program for qualified students. If you are interested in pursuing the BS/MS track, please obtain details about the program in the CCS office, Rm. 104. Candidates must apply during their Junior year and begin planning their curriculum.
Degree Requirements Students are expected to maintain a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) in their computer science courses, with a 2.75 GPA being the minimum GPA acceptable in major courses.
Students are subject to the Unit, Subject A (English Composition), and American History and Institutions requirements of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), as well as the General Education Requirements of the College of Creative Studies (CCS).
Lower Division Mathematics
Math 3A-B-C -- 12 units
Math 5A-B -- 8 units
Science
Twenty units from the following list, including at least 1 laboratory course:
They also are required to take those CCS computer science courses, and any other UCSB courses, that the student's faculty advisor deems necessary. This aspect of the curriculum is tailored for each student.
In the mathematics and science courses listed above, students may instead take a CCS course that their advisor deems acceptable. Some of the requirements above also can be met via advanced placement (please see the General Catalog).
Upper Division
The upper division requirements are the same as those for upper division computer science majors in the College of Engineering (Bachelor of Science degree program). These include the Major requirements, the Major Electives, and the Ethics requirement. However, CCS students are not required to satisfy the formal prerequisites for the upper division courses that they take. Rather, they meet with their CCS faculty advisor each quarter, and obtain approval for their planned course of study for the next quarter.
Under exceptional circumstances, certain upper division CS course requirements may be waived. Examples of such circumstances include a case in which a student has completed advanced work or research in the topic of the course(s), or has arranged to take a more advanced course. All such waivers require written advisor approval. For further information please contact Prof. Peter Cappello
