At Occidental, the study of Computer Science emphasizes an understanding not only of the process of computing but also of the promise and limitations of computers within an intellectual, societal, and ethical framework. A minor in Computer Science can help prepare students for a variety of opportunities for subsequent employment or graduate work. Moreover, the minor can provide students with models of problem solving and theoretical constructs that can shed light on human intelligence and the workings of the mind.

Occidental College offers courses leading to a minor in computer science. Additionally, Occidental and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) share a unique Exchange Program which makes it possible for our students to supplement their study by taking courses at Caltech (without additional tuition).

Occidental's Computer Science courses cover approximately the first two years of a Computer Science major. For a stronger preparation in Computer Science, students are encouraged to begin taking CS courses early, in their first or second year, to allow time for taking CS courses at Caltech later on. Many upper-division Mathematics courses can also be valuable in a computer science career, depending on area of interest. If you have any questions about studying computer science at Occidental and the Exchange Program with Caltech, please feel free to contact Professor Jeffrey Miller at the Department of Mathematics.

Computer Science Placement

Advanced placement is available to students with qualifying scores on the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations in Computer Science. Those scoring 4 or 5 on the A Examination may enroll in Computer Science 211 without the Computer Science 161 prerequisite.