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Join the B.A. in Computer Science: An Interdisciplinary Path

The College of Connected Computing’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science program prepares undergraduate students to apply computational methods across diverse domains.

Join the Computing for All interdisciplinary movement—learn more and enroll in the B.A. in Computer Science!

CCC

About the Program

Through flexible open electives, the B.A. in Computer Science program encourages interdisciplinary exploration that allows students to blend technical expertise with the intellectual breadth necessary for lifelong learning and adaptation as new fields emerge. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to understand the broader contexts in which they can apply their capabilities in their chosen field.

Registrations for current Vanderbilt University undergraduate students opens March 2026. Program begins Fall 2026.

What Makes This Program Different?

The B.A. in Computer Science program invites students to explore an interdisciplinary academic path that reflects their interests and career goals—placing career aspirations at the center of the academic experience rather than the constraints of a single discipline. 

Program Outcomes

  • The program offers greater flexibility to pursue double majors and minors, enabling deeper academic customization.
  • The foundational layer of this program provides a strong base that can open doors to research across disciplines, by combining the best technical and liberal arts education.
  • The CCC ensures focused mentorship and guidance from faculty, emphasizing real-world applicability and long-term value.
  • Broad exposure to CCC course themes such as Perspectives of Technology, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Communications enhances adaptability and expands career opportunities across multiple fields.

Required Coursework

  • Computer Science Courses
    • Computer Science Core (25 hours)
      • Software/Problem Solving: CS 1101/1105, CS 2201/2205, 3251, 3270
      • Hardware/Systems: CS 2281, CS 2281L
      • Foundations: CS 2212, 3250
      • Machine Learning: One of CS 3262, CS 4260, or CS 4262
    • Computer Science Depth (12 hours)
      • To be selected from computer science courses numbered 3000 or higher (except CS 3262); and no more than two from MATH 3320, 3620, 3859, 4600, 4620. A maximum of 6 hours may come from CS 3860, 3861
    • Computer Science Project (3 hours)
      • To be selected from CS 3862, 3892, 4239, 4249, 4269, 4279, 4287, 4289, 4359
    • Computers and Ethics (3 hours) CS 1151
      • May count towards 3 hours of the General Education Perspectives on Technology requirement
  • Directed Electives required by the CS major
    • Freshmen seminar (3 hours): ES1400 or CORE 1010 or an additional course from Perspectives on Technology
    • Mathematics (11 hours). Required components:
      • Calculus (8 hours): MATH 1300, 1301
      • Statistics/Probability (3 hours): MATH 2810
    • Science (4 hours)
      • To be selected from the following list and include at least one laboratory course: BSCI 1100, 1100L, 1510, 1510L, 1511, 1511L, 2218, 2218L; CHEM 1601, 1601L, 1602, 1602L; EES 1510, 1510L; MSE 1500, 1500L; PHYS 1601, 1601L, 1602, 1602L.
    • Computational Electives (6 hours)
      • To be selected from the courses labeled Computational Electives; courses like DS3100 Data Science Fundamentals, PSY-PC 2180 - Experimental Research Methods in Cognitive and Language Sciences, NSC 3270 Computational Neuroscience, or an additional math course
  • Additional General Education hours for the CCC not already covered by the major requirements
    • Humanities and Fine Arts (3 hours)
      • use attribute LE-HFA in YES to find courses
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 hours)
      • LE-SBS
    • Perspectives on Technology*
      • (CS1151 + an additional 3 hours); courses like ART 1202 Photography and Digital Culture, CMA 1400 Intro to Video Games, HIST 1590 AI and Society, MHS 2970 Politics of AI and Healthcare
    • Business and Entrepreneurship (3 hours)*
      • courses like BUS 2330 Launching the Venture, ENGM 2210 Tech Strategy, SOC 3206 Creativity and Innovation
    • Communications (6 hours)*
      • courses like BUS 2220 Digital Marketing Strategy, CSET 2220 Data Visualization for Science Communication, CMST 2950 Media and Visual Culture; Students must include at least one 3-credit W course in this requirement

     

    *learn more about these courses by scheduling an Exploration Appointment

Note: If any discrepancy exists between the website and the official catalog, the catalog shall take precedence.

Schedule an Exploration Appointment

Do you need assistance understanding the degree requirements for the B.A. in Computer Science program? We’re here to help!

  • If you are currently a Computer Science major in the Bachelor of Science program, please contact your current advisor for an exploration appointment.
  • If you are not currently a Computer Science major, please contact ComputerScienceDUS@vanderbilt.edu 
    to book an exploration appointment. 

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