• What is Computer Science at Western Washington University?
• What classes do I need to take to become a Computer Science major?
• What facilities does Western have to offer the computer science students?
• What if my interests change after I come to Western?
• Is Computer Science or Computer Science/Accounting a degree for me?
• What are the differences in the Computer Science Major and the Computer Science/Accounting Major?

Computer Science at Western is organized around the study of design and analysis techniques used to write software or programs in various application areas, along with details about the internal workings of computers (known as computer architecture and operating systems).  The design and analysis techniques encompass many areas of study such as (1) algorithms and data structures (ways to organize instructions and information efficiently), (2) programming languages (specific methods of delivering instructions to computers), (3) software methodology and engineering (processes to develop software and ways to organize groups of instructions), (4) databases and information retrieval, and (5) artificial intelligence.

Faculty interests represent many diverse areas of computer science, including distributed and parallel computing, object-oriented development, graphics, computer networks, image processing, cryptography, and formal methods.  Members of the department are also involved in collaborative projects with local industry and other academic units.

In addition to your GUR's (general university requirements--see general catalog), take at least four CS major classes. At this point you may apply to become a major using Application for Major Form.

Go to Major-Computer Science

The Computer Science department operates several student laboratories devoted exclusively to computer science course support.

•   Communications Facility CF162, CF164 and CF 405 are general-purpose laboratories, each containing 25 personal computers, running Gentoo Linux and Windows XP.         
• Communications Facility CF 404 provides PCs for robotics research.         
• Communications Facility CF 406 provides PCs for research in parallel and distributed computing.         
• Communications Facility CF 408 provides dual-processor PCs for computer animation and visualization.         
• Communications Facility CF 414 supports computer architecture classes and low-level "on the bare metal" programming.         
•  Communications Facility CF 416 is the Laboratory for Distributed Computing (LDC), with 40 computers running NetBSD.         
• Communications Facility CF 418 is the undergraduate robotics laboratory.

The department maintains its own network infrastructure, with Windows, Linux, Solaris and Netware servers.

The department runs a tutorial center in Communications Facility CF 163, where teaching assistants can advise students on coursework and their use of the computing facilities.

Don't be afraid to change your course of study if your interests change...that is one of the benefits of your university experience. The classes needed for a computer science major can be an enhancement to most academic backgrounds.

To answer this question, ask yourself these questions: Do I do well in math and science? Do I like to solve problems using a computer? Can I adapt to a challenge? Am I a quick, sharp learner who can accurately establish priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet demands on short notice? Am I detail oriented? Do I like to bring my ideas to life?

The Accounting/CS major is administered by the Accounting Department.

Major--Computer Science: 96credits plus 6-8 credits of science beyond the GUR science requirements

• CS 141, 145, 211, 227, 241, 311, 341, 344, 347, 351, 352, 367, 401, 405, 410, 420, 460, 495, 496
• Math 124, 125, 204, 226, 341
• Math/CS 375 or CS 397
• 12 credits chosen from CS 400, 402, 415, 4439, 442, 450, 467, 480, Math/CS 335, 435, 475, 476, of which a maximum of 4 credits may be from CS 400 or 494 projects
• A supporting sequence chosen from Biol. 201, 202, 203; Chem 121, 122, 123; Geol 211, 212, and one of Geol 310, 314, 318, 352; Physics 121/131, 122/132, 123/133, ETec 271, 272, 371.  
• Two additional courses of a supporting nature, each chosen by one of the two methods: (1) A course in the same discipline as the supporting sequence chosen above, but of a higher level; or (2) a course from a different discipline than the supporting sequence chosen above, but restricted to the list above.

Combined Major--Accounting/Computer Science:  109 credits 

• Acct 240, 245, 321, 331, 341, 342, 461
• Comp Sci 141, 145, 211, 241, 311, 341, 344, 430 plus CS 351 or CS 352 (or Acct 421 equivalent)
• FMDS 205, Fin 341, Mktg 380
• FMDS 495
• Mgmt 271, 311, 360, 482
• Econ 206, 207, 309
• Math 157
• One communication focus course and one writing proficiency course must be taken, both within the College of Business and Economics

 For more information on the combined Accounting/CS major, go to  www.cbe.wwu.edu/acct