Mar 28, 2024  
Course Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Course Catalog 2023-2024

Computer Science Major


The major consists of a minimum of 12 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.


arrow View the catalog page for the computer science department.  


Students majoring in computer science at Oberlin College are prepared both for graduate study in the discipline and for careers in industry and business. No previous experience with computer science is required or expected in order to complete the computer science major while at Oberlin.

Note(s) on Requirements


  • Of the five required major elective courses, a minimum of three must be at the 300-level.
  • Private reading courses do not normally count toward the major.

Course of Study


Most students who wish to study computer science or who wish to explore programming and algorithmic problem-solving should begin with CSCI 150 . This course does not assume any prior experience with programming and is appropriate for both potential majors and non-majors. Since the requirements for the major in computer science are substantial, students planning to major in the discipline are encouraged to begin the coursework in their first year at Oberlin taking CSCI 150  and CSCI 151  along with MATH 133 . It is, however, possible to complete the major without overloading starting with CSCI 150  in the fall of the sophomore year.

Honors Program in Computer Science


In the spring of the junior year, students may apply for admission to the Honors Program in Computer Science by submitting a proposal for a project they would undertake in their final year. Admission to the program will be based on past performance in classes as well as the quality and feasibility of the proposal. Those admitted to the program will enroll in CSCI 401F  both semesters of their senior year.

Most projects involve either original research in computer science or the development of an application that makes use of algorithms and techniques from recent papers. All honors projects include a thorough exploration of the primary literature. Honors students make several presentations of their work during the year, write a thesis on their research, and in the spring take a comprehensive examination prepared by an external examiner.

Detailed Major Requirements


Computer Science Major Course Lists