Applying to the program.
Below, you'll find the essential information you need to prepare a strong application to our undergraduate program, including qualifications, expectations, and application steps.
The Application Process
Here’s what you need to apply (also known as “affiliate”) based on where you are in the process.
Studying Computer Science at Cornell.
Bowers gives students interested in majoring in Computer Science at Cornell two options:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) through the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) through Cornell Engineering
If you’re interested in pursuing the B.A. in Computer Science, you should apply directly to A&S. While you’ll indicate your interest in CS on the common app, admission is to A&S itself and not directly to the major. This path combines CS studies with Cornell’s liberal arts curriculum.
Once you’re enrolled at Cornell, you’ll complete a set of prerequisite courses before applying to (also known as “affiliating with”) the CS major.
Cornell A&S students typically apply to (also known as “affiliate with”)the major during the second semester of their second year.
See the “Cornell Students” tab for more details.
Becoming a Bowers' major.
A&S students must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible to apply to declare (also known as “affiliate with”) the CS major:
General Requirement
A minimum grade of “C” (not “C-”) in all completed CS, MATH, and CS-designated “Critical Math Courses” at the time the affiliation application is reviewed, even if those courses are not required for affiliation.
Computer Science Requirements
These courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" (not "C-") in each and the average of the two grades must be no lower than a 2.50:
- CS 2110 - Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures (or CS 2112, the Honors version of CS 2110);
And
- CS 2800 - Mathematical Foundations of Computing (or CS 2802, the Honors version of CS 2800).
Math Requirements
A grade of of “C” (not “C-”) or higher in one of these two courses:
- MATH 1120 - Calculus II. Also accepted:
- a score of 5 on the Calculus AB BC exam;
- a score of “S” on the MATH 1120 CASE exam (administered during Cornell Orientation); or, approved external transfer credit.
Or
- MATH 1920 - Multivariable Calculus for Engineers. Also accepted:
- A score of “S” on the MATH 1920 CASE exam; or,
- approved external transfer credit.
Students who fulfill the MATH 1120/MATH 1920 requirement with AP, CASE exam, or external transfer credit must complete one additional course from the below list, also with a minimum grade of “C” (not “C-”):
CS-Designated “Critical Math Coursework”
- BTRY/STSCI/ILRST 3080 - Probability Models and Inference
- CS 4850 - Probability, Vectors, and Matrices in Computing
- ECE 3100 - Introduction to Probability and Inference for Random Signals and Systems
- ECON 3130 - Probability and Statistics
- ENGRD 2700 - Engineering Probability and Statistics: Modeling and Data Science
- MATH 2210 - Linear Algebra
- MATH 2940 - Linear Algebra for Engineers
- MATH 4710 - Basic Probability
Finally, the average of the student’s grades in MATH 1120/MATH 1920 and all other completed CS-designated critical math courses from the list above must be at least a 2.30.
Cornell A&S students can apply (also known as "affiliate") to the major after fulfilling the Bowers requirements:
Pro-tip: You can also apply while you are enrolled in the last courses you need to affiliate. Your application will be reviewed after that semester’s final grades are posted.
Application Processing Schedule
- Submit Jan 1 - Jan 31 → Decision by March 1
- Submit Feb 1- May 31 → Decision by July 1
- Submit June 1- Sept 14 → Decision by October 15
- Submit Sept 15 - Dec 31 → Decision by mid-January
Explore your degree options.
You can pursue a computer science degree through Cornell Engineering (EN) or the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). This program is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S).
A&S | EN | |
|---|---|---|
Degree Awarded | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
Overview | Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with liberal arts study. | Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with engineering and science. |
Degree Similarities | As with EN, you’re required to complete core computer science courses, a practicum or project, technical electives, and external specialization courses. | As with A&S, you’re required to complete core computer science courses, a practicum or project, technical electives, and external specialization courses. |
Degree Differences | Course requirements include a required foreign language and distribution areas across A&S. | Course requirements include required science courses and distribution areas across EN. |
