Hi, I’m a Senior who recently received admission at UIUC for statistics major. I’m curious that since there is Stat+CS major in Stat department, can I change to that combined major? or should I apply to change my major to Stat+Cs major? Thank you for your answers
https://cs.illinois.edu/prospective-students/undergraduates/transfer-students/transferring-another-university-illinois-major indicates that you need a 3.67 GPA with A- grades in two CS courses to be able to change into the statistics & CS major at UIUC.
Is that after 1st semester or 1st year tho?
The two CS courses where students need at least A- grades in are typically CS 173 and CS 225. The prerequisite relationship is CS 125 -> CS 173 -> CS 225, so it normally means at least three semesters before being able to apply. AP CS credit does not count for any of these courses.
You may have trouble getting your CS classes into your schedule - very high demand and often over-enrolled. If you really want to combine CS with your major, you should look at a few options to UIUC. Many people apply CS and don’t get admitted and still enroll thinking it will be relatively easy to move into the major once there - it’s very competitive so while not impossible, it’s far from easy.
There were people who took CS 173 and CS 225 concurrently.
A freshman non-major, without registration privileges, will have an almost impossible time getting in to 173 and 225 concurrently.
How does this major compare to a CS only major in terms of getting jobs, etc. I was admitted and frankly do not know anything about linguistics. I know that UIUC is highly ranked for CS, but how is this linguistics/CS ranked and perceived? Is it considered lower than a CS degree?
As it is in the LAS college, is it as credible as having a CS degree from an engineering school? Is there enough emphasis on CS courses to get a job in the software industry?
It seems like a relatively new program and I am wondering what the job prospects are with this program?
I have been admitted into straight CS programs, but am considering this due to the reputation of UIUC. Attending would cost me considerably more as I am OOS.
Thoughts?
From employment perspective no difference whatsoever. You will have same opportunities as CS major in COE. Employers don’t care, they think you have a double major. The difference is in non-core classes you will take- in COE you have have to take Mandatory Physics and Chem classes; as Stat major you will have more Statistics classes. Some may even argue that these statistics classes are more relevant if you plan to study/specialize in Big Data and Machine Learning. Also you have same prority as COE CS majors for classes in CS department. Reach out the department, they are super helpful.