DEGREES AVAILABLE: Major and Minor
The overall field of information and computer science spans a vast spectrum of topics.
At one end, it includes computer system design and networking, detailing how modern computer hardware and networks operate on a day-to-day basis.
At the other end are human factors, such as how software should be structured to facilitate cooperative work among groups of people.
The B.S. in Information and Computer Science (ICS) provides students with a broad introduction to these topics.
In the lower division, ICS students prepare with fundamental courses in mathematics and computer science, supplemented by breadth courses from other disciplines.
In the upper division, they take courses that ensure all majors are exposed to the basic principles of programming languages, compilers, operating systems, digital logic, computer architecture, algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.
To complete their major requirements, students complement these basic introductions by choosing from a diverse set of auxiliary courses, including advanced courses exploring the above topics in more depth and courses covering such topics as computer game development, computer graphics, and expert systems.
By selecting appropriate elective courses, students may choose to complete the requirements for a specialization in one or more of six areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Systems
- Implementation and Analysis of Algorithms
- Information Systems
- Networks and Distributed Systems
- Software Systems
› Is Information and Computer Science for me?
› What do I take?
› What can I do with this degree?
› Special Programs and Courses
› Still not sure?Is Information and Computer Science for me?
By choosing one or more of the above specializations, ICS students will augment their education.
The choice to pursue a specialization usually occurs in the junior year, after students have gained experience with the range of possible areas in the overall field of information and computer science.
ICS can be a good choice of major for you if you are interested in any of the following areas:
Artificial Intelligence
Prepares students in both the theory and implementation of AI methods, such as expert systems, neural nets, reasoning, constraint satisfaction and machine learning.Computer Systems
Provides in-depth knowledge on the design and development of integrated software and hardware computing systems for a number of application domains.Implementation and Analysis of Algorithms
Provides students with a course of study that includes understanding the theoretical basis of algorithms and their analysis, as well as providing a significant practical programming experience.Information Systems
Students will study aspects of management and organizational behavior necessary to understand how computing systems are built, adopted and maintained in companies and organizations.Networks and Distributed Systems
Enables students to focus their studies on the rapidly expanding sub-area of computer science that deals with the design and use of systems consisting of multiple computer nodes interconnected via a communication network.Software Systems
Enables students to focus their studies on topics related to the analysis, design, development and evolution of large-scale software systems.
Still not sure? Try the major advisor
Finding the right major can be a bit overwhelming, but by consulting our major advisor you should get a better sense of which Bren School major(s) are right for you.
What do I take?
A sample course of study for the Information and Computer Science degree is available along with information on pursuing a minor in ICS.
This is just one example; students may complete these courses in any order that is consistent with the prerequisites and the actual offerings each year.
The first year of the program introduces students to fundamental concepts related to computer software design and construction.
Students learn initial design and programming skills as well as useful computer-based tools for analysis, expression, and discovery.
The second year builds up a portfolio of foundational techniques and skills that establish the discipline of Information and Computer Science.
Students begin to explore areas of specialization in the third and fourth years of the degree program.
Students may elect to complete one or more specializations within the major in Information and Computer Science.
What can I do with this degree?
Graduates of the Information and Computer Science major pursue a broad variety of careers.
Since students have maximum flexibility in selecting their courses, they may choose to take any set of courses that best aligns with their career goals.
Upon completing their degree our students have been hired at Pixar, IBM, Yahoo, NASA, Microsoft, Google, Deloitte, Unisys, Accenture, Merrill Lynch, Blizzard, Broadcom, and many other world-renowned organizations.
Many students also go on to graduate school, continuing their studies, conducting research, and earning graduate degrees in computer engineering, computer science, information science, management or law.
Special Programs and Courses
» CONCENTRATION IN GAME CULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
The concentration in Game Culture and Technology is available to students majoring in Information and Computer Science, Informatics, Computer Science, and Studio Art.It exposes advanced students to an influential and expanding sector of media culture and contemporary art and technology practice, facilitates students’ media literacy in relation to an increasingly prevalent art and entertainment form, and enables students to be more critical consumers and producers of new media art and culture.
» OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONORS-LEVEL STUDY
Incoming freshmen majoring in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, and Information and Computer Science are invited to apply for admission to the Bren School of ICS's introductory honors sequence (ICS H21/H22/H23) in the summer preceding their fall quarter entry; details are provided during summer orientation workshops.The honors courses provide a uniquely challenging and intimate learning environment in which the conventional course material is explored in greater depth.
» BREN SCHOOL OF ICS HONORS PROGRAM
Allows juniors and seniors majoring in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Informatics, or Information and Computer Science to pursue advanced work in one of many research areas.Students admitted to the program participate in an honors seminar, conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member, and write a research paper.
More information about eligibility criteria and benefits of successful completion of the honors program is available at the Honors program web site.
» INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The School encourages all majors to take advantage of this valuable experience, and faculty advertise many research opportunities every year.Students are also encouraged to participate in the campus Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which offers guidance and grant funding for student-proposed independent research, and sponsors programs which provide summer stipends for students working on faculty-guided research.
» CAMPUSWIDE HONORS PROGRAM
Available to selected high-achieving students from all academic majors from their freshman through senior years. For more information see the CHP web site.» EDUCATION ABROAD PROGRAM
Upper-division students have the opportunity to experience different cultures while making progress toward degree objectives through the Education Abroad Program (EAP).EAP is an overseas study program which operates in cooperation with host universities and colleges throughout the world.
Still not sure?
Undergraduate counselors are eager to talk to you about this and other Bren School degrees, just drop them a note.
You may also want to visit campus, take a tour and experience the Bren School and UCI in person.
