Computer Science B.A. / B.S.

B.A. Curriculum, effective Fall 2026

The B.A. combines foundational computer science with maximum flexibility for interdisciplinary exploration, perfect for double majors and career paths that bridge computing with other fields.

This page describes the new Fall 2026 curriculum. Current students should meet with an advisor about their catalog year.

• Curriculum Sheets
• Course Descriptions
• Learning Outcomes

A streamlined nine-course core ensures you master the essentials: software development, algorithms, systems, and machine learning, while leaving substantial elective space for complementary studies in the sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, or professional programs. You’ll build the same mathematical foundations as B.S. students, including calculus, discrete math, and statistics.

Degree requirements at a glance

• 120 credits total, with 36–51 credits in the major
• 9-course computing core (36 credits)
• Calculus, mathematical tools for computing, and statistics
• One professional writing course
• At least 30 credits at the 300 level or higher (major and general education courses count)
• A major and cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher is required to graduate

Computer science core: 36 credits

Course	Title	Credits
CSC 110	Introduction to Programming	4
CSC 211	Computer Programming	4
CSC 212	Data Structures	4
CSC 305	Software Engineering	4
CSC 310	Programming for Data Science	4
CSC 340	Discrete Structures	4
CSC 440	Design and Analysis of Algorithms	4
CSC 411	Computer Organization	4
CSC 412	Operating Systems and Networks	4

Additional major requirements

Requirement	Courses	Credits
Mathematics and statistics	MTH 141 Calculus I, MTH 180 Mathematical Tools for Computing, and STA 409 Statistical Methods in Research I	10
Professional writing, one of	WRT 227 Professional Writing, WRT 290 Writing with AI, WRT 332 Technical Writing, WRT 334 Science Writing, or HPR 142 Honors in Writing and Information Literacy	3–4

Students also complete the university’s 40-credit general education program, including at least one Grand Challenge course, and at least 30 credits at the 300 level or higher. Major and general education courses can fulfill this. A total of 120 credits is required for graduation.

Get real-world experience

B.A. students are strongly encouraged to complete a practicum, a professional internship or a faculty-mentored research project. It’s the single best way to turn coursework into a career story. Explore projects and internships.

One degree, many directions

The B.A.’s elective space is designed for combining. Here are a few of the paths our structure makes possible.

Your four years, mapped

One possible route through the degree. Your advisor will tailor the sequence to you each semester.

1. 1

   Foundations

   Start programming with CSC 110 and CSC 211 alongside MTH 141 and MTH 180, and begin exploring your second field.

2. 2

   Building blocks

   Data Structures (CSC 212), Software Engineering (CSC 305), Programming for Data Science (CSC 310), and statistics.

3. 3

   Depth and breadth

   Systems (CSC 411, 412) and Discrete Structures (CSC 340), with growing room for your minor or double major.

4. 4

   Launch

   Algorithms (CSC 440), your remaining electives, and, highly recommended, an internship or research practicum.

Joining the major

To transfer into the College of Arts and Sciences as a B.A. computer science major, complete CSC 110 and CSC 211 with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher across the CSC and MTH courses required by the program that you have taken. Both your major and cumulative GPA must remain 2.00 or higher to graduate. Talk with an advisor about your plan.

Bring computing to your world

Whatever your passion, the B.A. gives it computational power, starting Fall 2026.

Apply to URI Compare with the B.S.