Computer Science Minor
Advisor: Ellen Hedrick
Email: hedricme@jmu.edu
Phone: (540) 568-7488
Computer Science Minor Website
Program Description
The Computer Science minor gives students the opportunity to learn coding, problem-solving and algorithmic thinking, which are skills that complement virtually any major and help make students prepared to engage with emerging technological demands. By completing the minor, students will understand programming fundamental and be able to effectively collaborate with tech teams, bridge communication gaps and contribute effectively on software-related projects.
Admission Requirements
Admission to JMU does not guarantee admission to the Computer Science minor. Admission is limited, but the department will strive to accommodate all interested students who have demonstrated the potential to succeed in CS.
The Computer Science minor begins with a required two-course introductory sequence (CS 149 and CS 159) that is open to any student who meets the course prerequisites. CS 101 and CS 227/MATH 227 are optional courses that are also open to any student who meets the course prerequisites. Students wishing to continue in the CS minor beyond CS 159 must apply for full admission. The application procedure and requirements are available on the CS department site.
Students may enroll in CS courses beyond CS 149, CS 159 and CS 227/MATH 227 only if they are fully admitted to the CS major or minor.
Students interested in the CS minor must complete the application process described below to request full admission.
Students who wish to apply for full admission to the CS minor must:
- Be enrolled at JMU
- Have declared the CS minor
- Have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours.
- Have completed or be currently enrolled in CS 159.
- Achieve a grade of "B-" or better in CS 159.
- Submit an official application that includes an essay of no more than 250 words to address a prompt that demonstrates students' commitment to the values of the Department of Computer Science.
Additional application and acceptance information:
- Students will be granted full admission to the CS minor as space permits; admission will be based on grades achieved in CS 159 and on faculty evaluation of the students' potential to succeed in the CS minor.
- There are two application cycles, once in the fall for spring admission, and once in the spring for fall admission.
- Students will be notified of their CS minor admission status no later than January 1st for admission for the spring semester, and no later than May 31st for admission for the fall semester.
- Students may apply to the CS major and/or minor two times, in total.
- Students who have attempted CS 149 at JMU may not attempt the course elsewhere (i.e. they must make any second attempt(s) at JMU).
- Non-transfer students must take CS 159 at JMU.
- An applicant's CS and calculus grades will be considered during the admission process, with a strong emphasis on CS grades. Final admission decisions will be made by a committee of CS faculty members.
Incoming transfer students will be placed into appropriate CS courses for their first semester after consultation with a transfer advisor based on placement test performance and other considerations. Students who are placed into CS 149 will be subject to the same eligibility requirements and application process as non-transfer students. Transfer students who are placed into courses other than CS 149 must apply for full admission at the end of their first semester. They will be evaluated by a committee of CS faculty members based on their performance in the first semester as well as the other elements of the admissions application. Transfer students must have credit for, or be taking, CS 159 the semester they apply for full admission to the minor. Transfer students who are denied admission on their first attempt may continue to take appropriate CS courses during a subsequent semester as determined through consultation with a transfer advisor. Admission decisions for the second attempt will be based on the full record of coursework at JMU.
Minor Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Courses | ||
| CS 149 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| CS 159 | Advanced Programming | 3 |
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Core Course | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Algorithms and Data Structures | ||
| Computer Systems I | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Electives | ||
| Choose three computer science courses numbered CS 101 or above, excluding CS 280. 1 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |