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 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 Science (B.S). through Cornell Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) through the College of Arts and Sciences
If you’re interested in pursuing the B.S. in Computer Science, you should apply directly to Cornell Engineering. While you’ll indicate your interest in CS on the common app, admission is to Engineering itself and not directly to the major. This path combines CS studies with Cornell’s engineering 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 EN students typically apply (also known as “affiliate”) during the second semester of their second year.
Becoming a Bowers' major.
EN students must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible to apply to -- 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
The following math course must be completed with a grade of “C” (not “C-”) or higher:
- 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 1920 requirement with 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 2940 - Linear Algebra for Engineers
- MATH 4710 - Basic Probability
Finally, the average of the student’s grades in MATH 1920 and all other completed Critical Math courses from the list above must be at least a 2.30.
Cornell Engineering students can apply to (also known as "affiliate with") the Computer Science major after completing our affiliation requirements. You must also submit the appropriate Engineering form (Major Affiliation form, Change of Major form, or Double Major form).
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 - May 31 → Decision by July 1
Submit Jun 1 - Dec 31 → Decision by mid-January
Your degree through Cornell Engineering.
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 Cornell Engineering.
EN | A&S | |
|---|---|---|
Degree Awarded | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science |
Overview | Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with engineering and science. | Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with liberal arts study. |
Degree Similarities | As with A&S, you’re required to complete core computer science courses, a practicum or project, technical electives, and external specialization courses. | As with EN, you’re required to complete core computer science courses, a practicum or project, technical electives, and external specialization courses. |
Degree Differences | Course requirements include required science courses and distribution areas across EN. | Course requirements include a required foreign language and distribution areas across A&S. |
