Course Planning for New and Exploring Students
Computer science-interested students should begin taking the calculus sequence in their first year. The will help determine where to start in the sequence for calculus. Students will often start with MATH 140: Calculus or MATH 155: Multivariable Calculus. If a student does not immediately place into MATH 140 or MATH 155, MATH 102:ÌýFoundations in Math and/or MATH 103:ÌýPreparation for Calculus will be recommended.
Additionally, students should try to register for CMSC 150: Introduction to Computer Science in the first year. First-year students not obtaining a seat in CMSC 150 will have another chance in fall of their second year – before CMSC 250:ÌýIntermediate Programming Concepts. Note:ÌýStudents interested in the computer science major should NOT takeÌýCMSC 140:ÌýIntroduction to Programming with Python, as this course is designed for non-majors.
AP Credit and Advanced Placement
Students scoring a 4 or 5 onÌýthe APÌýComputer Science A exam may skip CMSC 150 and take CMSC 250. Students with a 4 or 5 on the AP Computer Science Principles exam will earn 6 units of CMSC elective credit, but they must still start with CMSC 150.Ìý
Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC exams will earn credit for MATH 140 and may take the Ìýto start with MATH 155.ÌýIf student elects to take MATH 140, no additional AP credit will be awarded.
Declare a Major/Minor
All students are expected to declare a major before the end of sophomore year. Ideally, sophomore students will declare a major (and switch to an advisor in the major) before advance registration advising begins in spring term.
Major Advising
All students will transition to a major advisor upon declaration. The major advisor will help students plan their coursework to satisfy requirements for the major, select courses in other areas to complement the major or satisfy personal interests, and prepare for their Senior Experience. Prospective computer science majorsÌýcan consult with any of the following computerÌýscience faculty about serving as a major advisor:
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Add a Major Advisor
Need help identifying an advisor in the major? Students can contact advising@lawrence.edu for assistance with advisor matching.
Minor Advising
Students do not need an official advisor for the computer science minor. Instead, computer science minors are encouraged to consult with the department chair or other computer science faculty for advice on course selection and satisfying minor requirements.
Additional Student Resources
If you still have questions about advising support related to the computer science program, we invite you to contact the department chair.Ìý