Computer Science

The mission of the Computer Science in Engineering (BSCS) program is to provide graduates with the durable knowledge necessary to become future leaders in the rapidly evolving discipline of Computer Science as well as in other computer-related fields. We aim to give each graduate a solid foundation in both Computer Science theory and programming practice, and to prepare each graduate for further advanced study in Computer Science and related fields. We aim to expose each graduate to the challenges and research problems involved in creating new kinds of computer software. We aim to give graduates the skills and commitment to lifelong learning necessary to prepare them to be effective employees or graduate students in computer-related fields. The faculty is dedicated to accomplishing this mission through integration of teaching and research.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, Inc. (http://www.abet.org).

FRESHMAN YEAR

Fall semester

• ES93: Engineering Science Special Courses
• Mathematics 32: Calculus I (formerly Mathematics 11)
• Physics 11: General Physics with lab
• English (either English 1: Expository Writing or English 3: Reading, Writing, Research)

Spring semester

• Engineering Science 2: Introduction to Computing in Engineering
• Mathematics 36: Applied Calculus II (formerly Mathematics 50)
• Physics 12: General Physics with lab or Chemistry (either Chemistry 1: Chemical Fundamentals or Chemistry 16: Chemistry of Materials)
• Humanities, Arts, or Social Science elective

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Fall semester

• Computer Science 11: Introduction to Computer Science
• Mathematics 42: Calculus III (formerly Mathematics 13)
• Chemistry (Chemistry 1: Chemical Fundamentals, Chemistry 2: Chemical Principles with Lab, or Chemistry 16: Chemistry of Materials) or Physics 12: General Physics
• Engineering Science 3: Introduction to Electrical Engineering
• Humanities, Arts, or Social Science elective

Spring semester

• Computer Science 15: Data Structures
• Mathematics 61: Discrete Mathematics (formerly Mathematics 22)
• Engineering Science 4: Introduction to Digital Logic Circuits
• Natural Science elective
• Breadth elective

JUNIOR YEAR

Fall semester

• Computer Science 40: Computer Architecture
• Computer Science 160: Algorithms
• Breadth elective
• Humanities, Arts, or Social Science elective
• Free elective

Spring semester

• Computer Science 105: Programming Languages
• Computer Science 170: Theory of Computation
• Computer Science elective
• Breadth elective
• Free elective

SENIOR YEAR

Fall semester

• Computer Science 97: Senior Capstone Project I
• Computer Science elective
• Probability and Statistics
• Humanities, Arts, or Social Science elective
• Breadth elective

Spring semester

• Computer Science 98: Senior Capstone Project II
• Computer Science elective
• Computer Science elective
• Humanities, Arts, or Social Science elective
• Free elective

Computer science electives are selected from a list provided by the Department.  The selections are subject to the approval of the departmental adviser.

One of the breadth electives must be chosen from one of:

• Philosophy 24: Introduction to Ethics
• Engineering Management 54: Engineering Leadership

The remainder must be from the following list:

• Any Humanities, Social Sciences or Arts course accepted for a Humanities and Social Sciences elective
• Biomedical Engineering 50: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering 10: Introduction to Civil Engineering
• Civil Engineering 32: Introduction to Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering 1: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
• Any course in Engineering Psychology, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Engineering Management, or Engineering Science except ES 2, ES 11, ES 56, and ES 101
• Maximum of one course credit from the Experimental College
• Maximum of one course from Physical Education

The Probability and Statistics course must be one of:

• Mathematics 161: Probability and Mathematics 162: Statistics
• Engineering Science 56: Probability and Statistics
• Electrical Engineering 104: Probabalistic Systems Analysis
• Biology 132: Biostatistics
• Physics 153: Statistical Mechanics

1. Completed Common Application or Coalition Application
2. Completed Tufts Writing Supplement 
3. High School Transcript(s)
4. Senior Grades: All applicants will be required to send their senior grades as part of their application. Students applying Early Decision I should send first quarter or trimester grades no later than the last week in November. Students applying Early Decision II should plan for their first semester or trimester grades to arrive no later than the third week in January. Finally, Regular Decision applicants should submit their first semester or trimester grades by the middle of February. Students studying abroad (where predicted grades are common) should send those if senior grades are not available.
5. Testing:
   • For applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering or the Combined Degree Programs with the SMFA at Tufts or the NEC: SAT with two subject tests or ACT. See the standardized test requirements for information about these tests and recommendations regarding which subject tests to take.
   • For applicants to the SMFA at Tufts' BFA program: SAT or ACT. Subject tests are not required for BFA candidates applying to the SMFA at Tufts.
6. TOEFL Scores: Required only for students for whom English is not the first language or who attend a school where English is not the language of instruction.
7. Letters of Recommendation: Tufts requires one letter from a teacher in a junior or senior year major academic course (math, natural science, social science, English, or a foreign language) and one letter from a guidance counselor for all applicants. Candidates for the SMFA at Tufts' BFA or Combined Degree programs are required to submit a letter from their art teacher as well. An additional letter from all other applicants, though not encouraged, may be submitted if the student feels it can add new perspective to his or her application.
8. Extracurricular Activities: In addition to evaluating an academic fit, the admissions committee looks for ways a student may contribute to the community as a whole. They will assess the level and type of involvement in each activity and may ask questions such as: Has the student been a significant contributor or leader? How has the involvement contributed to the school or larger community? Does the student have a special talent in a particular area? We do not expect all students to be team captains, class presidents, or editors-in-chief; rather, we look for meaningful involvement in their school and/or community. The Common Application allows students to list up to ten different activities, but you don't need to fill every space. Some of the most successful applicants are heavily engaged in just a few activities. Keep in mind that the Common Application is your one chance to show your extracurricular engagements: we are not able to accept a supplemental resume of activities.
9. Art Portfolio: Required only for students applying to the Combined Degree BFA/BA or BFA/BS and BFA applicants to the SMFA at Tufts. Submit a 15-20-piece portfolio of recent work, which represents your strengths and interests, via SlideRoom.
10. $75 Application Fee or Fee Waiver - You may have the application fee waived by submitting either i) a written request from your college counselor or school official who can attest that the fee would represent a financial hardship, or ii) a College Board Request for Waiver of the Application Fee form. You may consider the waiver approved unless a member of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions notifies you otherwise. Without an application fee, or an approved fee waiver, we cannot continue to process your application to Tufts University.