0010: Majors & Minors
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As computers become more complex, more critical to society and business, and more integrated into other fields of study, universities are adapting by offering multiple programs of study.
The Bren School offers five majors, two minors, and a special concentration. Since there is some overlap between programs, changing majors in the freshman and sophomore years is easy, and students can refine their program as their interests develop.
» Business Information Management
Major
Open to Freshmen Applicants: Fall 2008
Open to Transfer Applicants: Fall 2009The major teaches students to understand and apply the theories of a broad, integrated curriculum covering computer science, business concepts, and analytical methods.
Students will use and evaluate the technologies through which business information is gathered, analyzed and presented.
This major is interdisciplinary and administered jointly by the Bren School of ICS and The Paul Merage School of Business.
» Computer Science (CS)
Major
The place to go for a traditional computer science education, with an emphasis on science, and a balance between low-level computer hardware and system design; middle-level infrastructure such as programming languages, operating systems, databases, and networks; and high-level topics such as artificial intelligence and computer graphics. more »» Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)
Major
Offered jointly with The Henry Samueli School of Engineering, this major offers a blend of computer science and computer engineering. The major has a strong orientation towards hardware, with courses such as circuit design, network design, digital signal processing, and VLSI design, but also addresses the software techniques needed to make the hardware usable, with courses such as operating systems and embedded systems. more »» Informatics
Major and Minor
Students in this major learn how to design, develop, and evaluate software applications with a focus on how and where they will be used in the real world. Leveraging real-world examples and case studies, topics include software engineering, human-computer interaction, computer-supported collaborative work, information visualization, and the impact of information technology on organizations and society. more »» Information and Computer Science (ICS)
Major and Minor
This major provides a broad overview of computing topics covered in the other majors. For students who want a broad exposure to all topics, or who wish to combine some unique set of courses in their study plan, this major is a good choice. more »» ICS Undeclared
New freshmen who want to explore their interests in computer science and information technology may apply as ICS Undeclared.This option allows freshmen all the benefits of being a Bren School student.
An academic counselor will help the ICS Undeclared pre-major structure a first-year academic plan that includes a core set of lower-division computer science and math courses common to all Bren School majors.
Note, however, that students interested in the Computer Science and Engineering major are strongly encouraged to start off in that major at the time they enter UCI.
» Concentration in Game Culture and Technology
Major and Minor
The Bren School also offers a concentration in Game Culture and Technology,* and the Claire Trevor School of the Arts offers a minor in Digital Arts for students interested in the creative uses of electronic media. more »Still not sure which major is right for you?
A quick way to begin thinking about which major is best suited to your interests is to consult our major advisor.
*Open only to Computer Science, Informatics, Information and Computer Science, and Studio Art majors.
Don't take our word »
Consult our major advisor to get a better sense of which Bren School major(s) are right for you. more »
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