What Courses Does a CS Undergraduate at Stanford University Need to Take?

Stanford University, renowned for its rigorous and innovative curriculum, provides a comprehensive and structured Computer Science (CS) undergraduate program. This article will outline the core courses, electives, and requirements for a CS undergraduate degree at Stanford. It is important to note that specific requirements can change, so for the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should visit the official Stanford University Computer Science Department website or the current course catalog.

Core Requirements

The core curriculum at Stanford CS undergraduate program is designed to provide a solid foundation in various areas of computer science. Here are the core courses required by students:

Introduction to Computer Science: CS106A: Programming Methodology CS106B: Programming Abstractions Mathematics: Math 51: Linear Algebra and Differential Calculus of Several Variables Math 52: Integral Calculus of Several Variables Math 21: Calculus or equivalent Computer Systems: CS107: Computer Organization and Systems Data Structures and Algorithms: CS161: Design and Analysis of Algorithms Software Engineering: CS210: Software Project Experience or similar Theory of Computation: CS103: Mathematical Foundations of Computing Operating Systems: CS140: Operating Systems and Systems Programming Databases: CS145: Introduction to Databases

Electives

In addition to the core courses, students are required to take electives in various areas within computer science. These electives can include but are not limited to:

Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Computer Graphics Cybersecurity Human-Computer Interaction Computer Networks Compilers and Languages Software Engineering Data Science and Big Data

This selection provides students with the flexibility to explore different areas of interest within computer science, allowing them to specialize in topics that most interest them.

Capstone Requirement

The capstone project is a significant component of the Stanford CS undergraduate program. Students are expected to complete a capstone project, which can take various forms such as a thesis, a significant software project, or active participation in a group project course. This project allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to real-world problems.

Additional Requirements

Along with the core courses and electives, students must also meet the general education requirements at Stanford. These requirements include courses in humanities, social sciences, and other areas outside of computer science. This ensures a well-rounded education.

For detailed information on specific courses and specializations, students should refer to the Program Sheets on the Stanford University Computer Science Department website. Some courses are not accessible to the public, so exploring MIT's offerings through MIT OCW (OpenCourseWare) could provide additional insight into the types of courses available.

Additional Resources

For those interested in gaining a similar education through MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), resources such as Coursera or edX offer courses from Stanford instructors, which can serve as a precursor to a formal degree program at Stanford.