For UCSC, you are accepted into the “proposed major”. You need to take the following classes and with a specific GPA to declare the major.
Admission to the computer science majors is selective. Admission to the major is based on the grades received in all foundation courses (see below) attempted at UCSC and will be considered no sooner than the student’s second quarter. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.80 in these courses is required for declaration of computer science majors (Computer Science B.S. and Computer Science B.A.). At most one unsuccessful attempt (grade C-, D+, D, D-, F, or NP) for a foundation course is permitted. In addition to this GPA requirement, after the first three quarters, students must have completed all of the foundation courses (listed below) in order to be eligible to declare a computer science major. Denials of admission to the major may be appealed by submitting a letter to the School of Engineering Undergraduate Office, addressed to the Computer Science Undergraduate Director, describing why the prior performance is not an accurate reflection of the student’s potential. Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare the major may appeal this decision by submitting a letter to the department chair within 15 days from the date the notification was mailed. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the department will notify the student, college, and Office of the Registrar of the decision.
Foundation Courses
The foundation courses for all computer science majors are as follows:
CMPS 12A/L (or Computer Engineering 13, or both CMPS 5J and CMPS 11) and 12B/M; Computer Engineering 16; and Mathematics 19A and 19B, or 20A and 20B, or 11A and 11B. CMPS 13H/L may be used instead of both CMPS 12A/L and 12B/M.
UCSC students that have completed three or more quarters at UCSC must complete the foundation courses before they can declare a computer science major.