What is the Brown University computer science major like for undergraduates?
I’m a high school senior trying to understand whether Brown’s computer science major is a good fit for me. I’ve heard the program can be pretty flexible, and I’m trying to get a sense of what the major is actually like once you’re there.
I’m especially interested in the overall structure of the major and what kind of academic experience a student can expect.
I’m especially interested in the overall structure of the major and what kind of academic experience a student can expect.
3 weeks ago
•
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Sundial Team
3 weeks ago
Brown’s computer science major is known for being both strong and unusually flexible for undergraduates. Brown offers two AB tracks in computer science, a ScB option, and a joint concentration in Computer Science and Economics, so students can choose a lighter, broader path or a more mathematically intensive one.
In practice, the major starts with foundational courses in programming and systems, then opens into a wide range of upper-level electives such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, graphics, security, databases, programming languages, and theory. Students are not locked into one rigid sequence beyond the core requirements, so it is easier than at many schools to explore different parts of CS before settling on a focus.
The academic experience tends to be rigorous but student-directed. Brown CS has a reputation for strong teaching and for making room for collaboration, research, and interdisciplinary study, especially with math, economics, cognitive science, linguistics, and entrepreneurship. The ScB is generally the more intensive option, while the AB offers more room to double concentrating or studying outside STEM.
In practice, the major starts with foundational courses in programming and systems, then opens into a wide range of upper-level electives such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, graphics, security, databases, programming languages, and theory. Students are not locked into one rigid sequence beyond the core requirements, so it is easier than at many schools to explore different parts of CS before settling on a focus.
The academic experience tends to be rigorous but student-directed. Brown CS has a reputation for strong teaching and for making room for collaboration, research, and interdisciplinary study, especially with math, economics, cognitive science, linguistics, and entrepreneurship. The ScB is generally the more intensive option, while the AB offers more room to double concentrating or studying outside STEM.
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