In this new program, you’ll have the opportunity to earn your Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science, the highest-ranked public school in Colorado and 16th among public engineering programs in the nation. You’ll be admitted as a Western student, and after your second year, you’ll transfer to University of Colorado Boulder to complete your degree—all while enjoying the personal attention, small class sizes, spectacular surroundings and adventurous community of Western Colorado University.
Program Overview
Earn an increasingly relevant and prestigious degree.
Computer science is concerned with how computers are constructed, how they store and process data, how they are used in problem-solving and how the quality of those solutions are assessed. It is about the science of creating software for a variety of users and understanding how that software interacts with the hardware on which it is run. Computer scientists work most often on the hardware and software aspects of system design. They develop new theories of computation and algorithms, design new hardware and sensors, develop large software systems, evaluate the utility and usability of software systems and study the impacts of computing technology on society. (Courtesy of University of Colorado Boulder)
In the program, you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity through Western’s unique partnership program. You’ll complete your initial two years as a Western student, then transfer to University of Colorado Boulder to finish the program—all while attending classes at Western’s campus in Gunnison. Through the program, you’ll benefit from the experience of renowned faculty with the latest knowledge in computing, while earning a prestigious degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. You’ll graduate with hot career prospects and be more than prepared to meet the demands of the field.
The Western-CU Partnership program in Computer Science is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). To learn more about Western’s accreditation, visit this page.
State-of-the-art facilities
The partnership program is housed in the new, state-of-the-art Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering at the heart of Western’s campus. The new school and partnership program were created with an astounding $80 million gift from an alumnus who as CEO of Antero Resources in Denver has recognized an ever-growing demand for seriously trained, well-rounded computer science and engineering professionals.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
Through a Western-University of Colorado (CU) Boulder partnership program, you can graduate with a B.S. degree from UC Boulder’s renowned College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS). During the first two years of the partnership program, you take Western courses with Western faculty. For the final two years, you take CU Boulder classes with CU Boulder faculty— remaining at Western the entire four years to complete a B.S. in Computer Science from the CU Boulder.
Students can learn more about the Western-CU Partnership Honors Program Certificate HERE.
Program Requirements
The Computer Science program requires 128 cumulative credits applied to the degree, which includes courses from Western Colorado University (Western) and the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder.
This program provides a seamless transfer of coursework from the Gunnison residential campus for a B.S. in Computer Science awarded by CU Boulder. A student must meet the admission requirements for the CU Boulder College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) and may apply for admission when they have established a successful collegiate record as a Western student. This is demonstrated through academic requirements outlined at https://western.edu/program/computer-science-university-colorado-partnership/transition-to-cu-boulder/
Students are expected to follow the Academic Policies of the respective University/Universities in at which they are registered.
- Western: https://catalog.western.edu/undergraduate/policies/
- CU Boulder College of Engineering & Applied Science: https://www.colorado.edu/engineering-advising/get-your-degree/academic-expectations-policies
Planned Western coursework is outlined below in red font and course numbers are all three digits, while CU Boulder coursework is outlined below in black font and course numbers are all four digits. Students must complete 45 credits of CU Boulder coursework.
Degree Requirements - Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Composition (total of 3 credit hours) | ||
| ENG 302 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| Mathematics (total of 17 credits) | ||
| MATH 151 | Calculus I (GT-MA1) | 4 |
| MATH 200 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 251 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 314 | Applied Probability | 3 |
| CSCI 2820: Linear Algebra with CS Applications | 3 | |
| Computer Science (minimum 58 credit hours) | ||
Computer Science Foundation | ||
| HWTR 100 | First Year Seminar (complete 1 approved section) | 1 |
| CS 191 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| CS 280 | Data Structures | 3 |
| CS 330 | Operating Systems and Architecture | 3 |
| CS 370 | Systems Programming in C | 3 |
| CS 412 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CSCI 3155: Principles of Programming Languages | 4 | |
| CSCI 3104: Algorithms | 4 | |
Computer Science Core | ||
Select six CU Boulder classes from approved list | ||
Computer Science Electives | ||
Select additional CU Boulder courses from approved list to bring total Computer Science credit hours to at least 58 | ||
Senior Capstone | ||
A two-semester Senior Capstone (beginning fall, ending spring) is required for 8 credit hours. This sequence must be taken contiguously and may not be taken before the senior year. Prerequisites for a senior capstone include the successful completion of the college writing requirement, as well as the Computer Science Foundation (24 credit hours) plus Computer Science Core and Elective courses to reach a minimum of 36 Computer Science credit hours. | ||
| Natural Science (total of 17 credit hours) | ||
| PHYS 200 | General Physics I (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) | 4 |
One additional Natural Science sequence from the following: | ||
| PHYS 201 | General Physics II (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) (preferred) | 4 |
| BIOL 150 | Biological Principles (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & CHEM 112 | General Chemistry I (GT-SC2) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry for Engineers | 3 |
Minimum 8 additional Natural Science credit hours from the following: | ||
| BIOL 130 | Environmental Biology (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 135 | Environmental Biology Laboratory (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| BIOL 150 | Biological Principles (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & CHEM 112 | General Chemistry I (GT-SC2) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| CHEM 113 & CHEM 114 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II | 4 |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry for Engineers | 3 |
| GEOL 101 | Physical Geology (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| GEOL 105 | Physical Geology Laboratory (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| GEOL 201 | Historical Geology (with laboratory) | 4 |
| PHYS 320 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| Numerous other courses available through CU Boulder | ||
| Logic and Ethics (total of 6 credit hours) | ||
| PHIL 135 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 100 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| or PHIL 200 | Symbolic Logic | |
| Humanities/Social Sciences | ||
| Complete 15 credits of approved humanities and social science coursework, 6 credits of which must be upper-division. | ||
| Free Elective Courses | ||
| Additional coursework is necessary to bring the cumulative total credit hours to at least 128. The number of credits needed may vary based on options selected to complete other requirements. | ||
The following plan lists all the specific course requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from the University of Colorado in partnership with Western Colorado University. The order in which these courses are taken may vary with course availability. Students are responsible for completing all course prerequisites. Please note that this is a suggested degree program; your program may vary.
Planned Western coursework is outlined below in red font and course numbers are all three digits, while CU Boulder coursework is outlined below in black font and course numbers are all four digits. Students must complete 45 credits at CU Boulder.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CS 190 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| MATH 151 | Calculus I (GT-MA1) | 4 |
| PHYS 200 | General Physics I (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| ENG 102 | Academic Writing (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| H&SS lower-division or Foreign Language | 3 | |
| HWTR 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 191 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| MATH 251 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Natural Science Sequence (PHYS 201 preferred) | 4 | |
| PHIL 100 or PHIL 200 | Critical Thinking or Symbolic Logic | 3 |
| H&SS lower-division or Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS 280 | Data Structures | 3 |
| CS 330 | Operating Systems and Architecture | 3 |
| MATH 314 | Applied Probability | 3 |
| Natural Science | 3 | |
| H&SS lower-division or Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 370 | Systems Programming in C | 3 |
| CS 412 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| MATH 200 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| PHIL 135 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSCI 3155 Principles of Programming Languages | 4 | |
| CSCI 2820 Linear Algebra with CS Applications | 3 | |
| CSCI Core/Elective | 3 | |
| CSCI Core/Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSCI 3104 Algorithms | 4 | |
| CSCI Core/Elective | 4 | |
| CSCI Core/Elective | 3 | |
| ENG 302 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSCI Senior Capstone 1 | 4 | |
| CSCI Core/Elective | 4 | |
| CSCI Core/Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 3 | |
| H&SS upper-division | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CSCI Senior Capstone 2 | 4 | |
| CSCI Core/Elective | 3 | |
| CSCI Core/Elective | 3 | |
| H&SS upper-division | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 128 | |
Careers
Career preparation starts your first year at Western and is the primary focus of every degree.
Visit Career Services in Library 120 or online to discover your interests, define your goals, and land the career of your dreams.
The data below is automatically collected by Burning Glass Technologies, a firm that sources job market data and provides analytics. The statistics illustrate general trends in U.S. careers, but do not precisely represent every job and salary.
Scholarships
Eligibility
- Declared a major in the Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering partnership programs
- Have a 3.5 GPA or higher
- Are eligible for Math 151 – Calculus 1 (via placement tests, credit transfer or a Math ACT/SAT score of 27/630)
To maintain their scholarship award, students must remain:
- In the partnership program
- Eligible for transfer to CU Boulder by earning a B average or better in transfer coursework
Description
This is a two-year, full-tuition Western scholarship. The number of scholarships awarded is based on fund availability.
Alumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.
Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.
- This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
- Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
- GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).
Due date has been extended to April 15 for 2021. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Board, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).
Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:
- This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
- Nominee must be an incoming freshman or new transfer.
- The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
- The admission application fee is waived (a $30 value).
- GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).
The applicant must fill out the application form found here (click). Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.
Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship
The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.
Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).
- Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
- The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
- The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.
The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.
For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.
Description
The Western Presidential Honors Scholarships, established by the Jack and Marilyn MacAllister Foundation shall be an elite class of scholarships awarded to Western’s highest achieving and most deserving students, celebrating the ideals of academic excellence and service to the campus and community. Recipients of the Scholarships will be members of the Western Colorado University Honors Program.
There are eight Presidential Honors Scholarships of $2500 each. Each year two new Presidential Honors Scholarships will be awarded to two incoming freshmen.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.
For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.
Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.
For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.
Get Involved
Where collaboration meets education.
A college education is so much more than just taking classes. Expand your community and network, while gaining hands-on experience in your field.
- Advising Night: Once a semester, the Academic Resource Center arranges a meeting between students and their Rady School Academic Advisor to plan classes for next semester and navigate the CU Boulder transfer process as a group.
- Annual CU Boulder STEM Career & Internship Fair: Students can connect with recruiters to learn about internships and job opportunities in the fields of computer science, robotics, math, statistics, technology and engineering. This is also an opportunity for Gunnison-based students to network with CU Boulder students, faculty and alumni.
- Peer Support and Community Exploration: All Rady School Computer Science freshmen are required to take HWTR 100: Let’s Get Physical (Computing) their first semester. This first-year seminar introduces students to the vibrant Gunnison Valley as a headwaters region, provides skills for success and connects students to resources in the campus community.
- Residence Hall Community-Building: Most Rady School students live in Robidoux Hall during their first year at Western, allowing them to strengthen bonds with fellow students outside of class. Robidoux Hall houses designated study spaces and a computer lab for students. Staff hosts educational and community-building initiatives throughout the academic year.
- Study Group: The “Nerd Corner” is located in Leslie J. Savage Library. Students can dive deeper into STEM-related coursework in an informal, collaborative environment.
Career-ready
The need for Computer Scientists is staggering. Last year, there were 10 times more computing jobs than graduates in the field—some 540,000 open computing jobs.
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering
Department Chair
Robert A. Cohen, Ph.D.Professor of Mathematics, Chair of the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science
Office Support Coordinator
Lainy SorensenOffice Support Coordinator
Campus Location
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231