How do the computer science degrees awarded through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and through the College of Engineering differ?
The computer science (CS) program requires students to have a solid foundation in computer software, hardware, and theory, but also gives each student ample opportunity to take advanced electives in areas of computer science such as databases, architecture, networks, artificial intelligence, and graphics, or in emerging interdisciplinary areas such as electronic commerce, web information systems, and computer game design. Students can earn a computer science degree through either the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) or the College of Engineering. Specific program requirements can be found in the guides below:
The program requirements are almost exactly the same for both majors (Computer Science – LSA and Computer Science – Engineering).
Computer Science Requirements (both programs):
- Identical Core Computer Science requirements
- Similar Senior Design experiences
- Identical Upper Level Elective requirement
- Slight difference in Flexible Technical Elective hours and list
Declares of both Computer Science – LSA and Computer Science – Engineering have availability to the following resources:
- Engineering Resource Center (assists with all aspects of internships and job placement)
- CAEN computer account
The differences are in the general requirements required of all LSA or College of Engineering students in order to get a degree from their respective college.
Differences
- To earn a bachelor's degree, Engineering requires 128 credits and LSA requires 120 credits.
- The LSA degree is a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) and the Engineering degree is a Bachelor of Science Engineering (Computer Science).
- LSA students can more easily double-major with other LSA departments, whereas Engineering students can more easily dual with other Engineering programs.
If you still have questions about which program is best for you, please feel free to contact the CSE Undergraduate Advising Office and set up an appointment with an advisor.
Note: Due to capacity constraints, students who are admitted to the University of Michigan must first be selected for the CS major before they can declare the major. This selection policy is the same for students in both the College of Engineering and LSA. View the "How do I apply for a computer science major?" knowledge base answer for more information.