Frequently Asked Questions that are answered in this page:

  1. How do I get permission to take a computer science (CMSC) course?
  2. I’m just looking for a little introduction to CS, to satisfy my curiosity or a one-course requirement of my major. What do you offer?
  3. Is there a minor in Computer Science?
  4. I am thinking about changing my major to computer science, what do I do?

1. How do I get permission to take a computer science (CMSC) course?
If you are …

  • a Computer Engineering major and wish to sign up for a CMSC course: You must see an advisor in the Computer Engineering department (room 2429 AVW). CMSC advisors are not allowed to clear blocks on your registration.
  • a CMSC graduate student: You should contact the graduate office (room 1151 AVW) to determine if advising is necessary. (For most it isn’t. They can also issue the permissions.)
  • an AMSC graduate student: You should arrange to see Brandi Adams (room 1119 AVW). You can contact her via the contact form or sign up for an appointment.
  • a Letters and Science student thinking about the CMSC major: You should arrange to see Brandi Adams or Melissa Affolter (room 1119 AVW). You can contact either of them via the contact form or sign up for an appointment. If you meet the prerequisite/co-requisite for a CS class, and there are open seats, we may be able to give you permission before the first day of classes.
  • not a CS major but in the college (CMPS): You should contact an advisor in your department and discuss this with them first. Once you have done this, have your advisor contact us to make the request. (This streamlines a lot of bureaucracy, since we defer to the other major’s department advisors in approving you to take a CS course. If you show up at our door first, then we need to send you to the other advisor anyway, so save yourself the extra steps.)
  • not in any of the categories above: We typically defer issuing permissions until the first day of class. To get permission at that time, stop by 1119 AVW and meet with a CS advisor. [Exception: If you want to take CMSC450, 456, 460, 466, or 477, then stop by after early registration is over. Early registration is normally over in mid- December for spring registration, mid-May for fall registration.]

2. I’m just looking for a little introduction to CS, to satisfy my curiosity or a one-course requirement of my major. What do you offer?

We will make our regular intro course CMSC 131 available to everyone who satisfies its prereqs, but we are expanding our offerings of courses to serve non-majors in many other ways as well. How about one of the following?

  • CMSC 102: “Introduction to Information Technology” An historical and practical introduction to computer and network terminology, applications and concepts. Students will have hands-on experience with a variety of tools available to find and access information on the Internet, to exchange information between computers, and to perform basic web design. Students will explore applications (such as browsers and spreadsheets) as well as different computing environments (such as Windows and UNIX). There will be discussions of social, legal, and ethical issues related to technology.
  • CMSC 106: “Introduction to C programming” Design and analysis of programs in C. An introduction to computing using structured programming concepts. For further information contact the Undergraduate Education Office, Computer Science Department. (This is a common choice for math majors seeking to satisfy your department’s programming requirement.)
  • CMSC 198N: “Introduction to programming via the web” This class provides an introduction to programming, and does so in the context of building full-featured web sites. Intended for students with no previous programming experience who wish to understand the technologies making such web sites possible, this course will provide a set of practical problem solving skills necessary for the development of dynamic client-side web content. (While offered now under a special topics number, it will shortly have its own number CMSC 122. This is a very popular course with growing demand. A good choice if you want to get a start on programming with some useful skills to bring back to your major!)

3. Is there a minor in Computer Science? The Computer Science Department offers a minor for non-majors. Students seeking the minor in CS should see Melissa Affolter or Brandi Adams for advising. Once the minor is declared, students seeking the minor can receive approval for CMSC classes. The official requirements are listed here.

4. I am thinking about changing my major to computer science, what do I do?
If you are thinking about majoring (or double majoring) in CS, then your first step is to talk with a computer science advisor during regular hours. Once you feel like you know enough about our program to make a knowledgeable decision, you can see Brandi Adams or Melissa Affolter for the necessary forms.