EECS/CS Program Comparison Chart
*Please note this comparison chart will be updated as new information becomes available.
Last updated: April 19, 2024
| College of Engineering EECS Major |
College of Computing, Data Science, and Society CS Major |
|
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | Admitted directly to the major. (Students must apply directly to EECS at admission if interested) | Admitted directly to the major. (Students should apply directly to CS at admission if interested) |
| Degree earned | Bachelor of Science | Bachelor of Arts |
| Differences in major requirements | Ethics requirement; requires Physics, Multi-variable Calculus, and other science electives; requires 20 upper division units in EECS. | No ethics requirement; requires 20 upper division units in EE/CS + 4 technical elective units. |
| Differences in college requirements | 2-course R&C sequence; 4 Social Sciences/Humanities courses | 2-course R&C sequence; computational reasoning, statistical reasoning, and human and social dynamics of data and technology requirements; 7 breadth requirements (Arts & Lit, Biological Science, Historical Studies, International Studies, Philosophy & Values, Physical Science, Social & Behavioral Sciences) |
| Who should consider this major? | Students who prefer a traditional STEM curriculum; students who may wish to emphasize in EE; and students who are certain about their major choice at the time of admission. | Students who prefer breadth in courses outside their major; students who want to focus in CS and are not as interested in EE. |
| Accepts AP credit? | Yes. | Yes. |
Not Sure Which Program is Right for You?
There is no difference in the computer science course content between the EECS and CS Majors – the difference is what other subjects you’d like to study.
If you prefer greater flexibility in your coursework or are interested in exploring additional majors, then the CS Major might be a good choice. There is a greater opportunity to explore other departments, such as economics, statistics, business, and music.
If you have an interest in electrical engineering, or have an interest in double-majoring in another engineering major, the EECS Major may be better suited for you.