This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2026-27.
Major Requirements
The computer science major consists of 8 courses, starting with . Foundational and elective courses at the 200-level prepare students for electives at the 300- and 400-levels. The requirements for the major are as follows:
Preparatory Courses
- COSC 101 - Introduction for Computing I and or equivalent experience (usually completed in the first year)
Required Courses
- COSC 102 - Intro to Computing II and (completed by the end of the sophomore year)
- COSC 202 - Data Structures and Algorithms and
- COSC 208 - Introduction to Computer Systems and
- COSC 290 - Discrete Structures and
Electives
Four COSC courses at the 200, 300 or 400 level
- No more than two may be at the 200 level
- At least one must be at the 400 level
- Independent Studies (COSC 291, COSC 391, COSC 491, and COSC 492) are not counted toward this requirement.
GPA Requirement
A minimum average GPA of 2.00 in the COSC courses chosen to meet the major requirements is necessary to satisfy the major.
Honors and High Honors
The requirements for earning honors in computer science are as follows:
1. An overall GPA of 3.30 or higher, and a major GPA of 3.50 or higher;
2. Satisfactory completion of , which entails completing a novel and significant independent project that either advances the field of computer science or synthesizes computer science concepts and technologies to benefit specific communities;
3.The project completed in is evaluated by the Computer Science faculty and meets the standards for honors.
A student whose completed project exceeds the expectations for honors according to the Computer Science faculty will be awarded high honors
Major Declaration
Students must complete COSC 102 prior to declaring the major. Students desiring to declare a major while enrolled in COSC 102 should seek the approval of the department chair.
Computer Science Department
For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the catalog page.