How do the computer science degrees awarded through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and through the College of Engineering differ?
Students can earn a computer science (CS) degree through either the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) or the College of Engineering. The program requirements are almost exactly the same for both majors (Computer Science – LSA and Computer Science – Engineering); 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 as follows.
- 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.
Compare the two programs in more depth on the Computer Science and Engineering website.
These are general comparisons. For more information about the specific requirements in each college, please consult the LSA Academics & Requirements webpage and the LSA Newnan Academic Advising Center or the College of Engineering Bulletin and the Engineering Advising Center.
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. See How do I apply for a computer science major for more information.