Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science at the College of Arts and Sciences compared to a Bachelor of Science at the Tandon School of Engineering?

  • A BA from CAS, requires fewer classes than a BS in the engineering school. Also, the required CAS core classes are from the humanities, whereas in Tandon there are many required science classes. There are more electives in CAS. Click here for more details.

What class can I register for if I have AP credit?

  • If you have scored 4 or 5 on the Computer Science Principles AP exam and the credit is on your NYU transcript, you may register for CSCI-UA. 101, Introduction to Computer Science. You will have to email undergrad@cs.nyu.edu for registration assistance.
  • If you have scored a 1 or 2 on the Computer Science AP exam and the credit is on your NYU transcript, you may register for CSCI-UA 0003, Introduction to Computer Programming (limited experience).
  • If you have scored 3 on the Computer Science AP exam and the credit is on your NYU transcript, you may register for CSCI-UA 101, Introduction to Computer Science. You will have to email undergrad@cs.nyu.edu for registration assistance.
  • If you have scored 4 or 5 on the Computer Science AP exam and the credit is on your NYU transcript, you may register for CSCI-UA. 102, Data Structures. You will have to email undergrad@cs.nyu.edu for registration assistance.
  • If you have scored 4 or 5 on the Calculus AB exam and the credit is on your NYU transcript, you are exempt from taking MATH-UA. 121, Calculus I and will receive credit ] for the MATH-UA.121 requirement for the CS major.
  • If you have scored 5 on the Calculus BC exam and the credit is on your NYU transcript, you are exempt from taking MATH-UA. 122, Calculus II and will receive credit for the MATH-UA.121 requirement for the CS major. You may also receive credit for MATH-UA.122 Calculus II to be counted as a CS 400-level elective toward the major.

What class can I register for if I am self-taught, but no formal courses or AP credit?

  • We offer a placement exam in 4 languages (Python, Java, C++ and Javascript). If you pass the placement exam, you can skip 0002 and go directly to 101. If you have a lot of background you can take a placement exam for 101 and go directly to 102.

If I take and pass a placement exam, do I earn academic credit towards that requirement?

  • Students have only one opportunity to take and pass the exam. If you pass the placement exam, you do NOT earn credit, the required credit/course must be substituted with a 400 level elective in our department with the "CSCI-UA" designation.

What class can I register for if I have IB Credit?

  • If you have scored 6 or higher and the exam score is on your NYU transcript, you may register for CSCI-UA. 201, Computer Systems Organization.

May I take courses at Tandon or Tisch for my CS Major?

  • Yes, with permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, a maximum of two courses outside of CAS can be applied towards the CS Major. A minimum of three(3) computer science 400 level electives have to be completed in our department with the CSCI-UA designation to satisfy the major. Please reach out to undergrad@cs.nyu.edu to check for equivalency before registering for any courses outside of the CS department.

I am a transfer student, how many credits do I need to complete my major in CS?

  • A minimum of 6 courses/24 credits must be completed in the Computer Science Department to satisfy the CS Major.

I am not a College of Arts and Sciences student, may I pursue a second major in Computer Science or a minor?

  • Yes, you may pursue a second major. Please speak to your "Home School" to find out if you are eligible (enough elective credits to pursue a second major or minor) and the procedure on how to declare.

Where can I study abroad?

  • The NYU campuses in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai and Paris offer computer science classes that are equivalent to ours. Some study abroad sites offer math classes, which can substitute for a CS elective.

Does an Independent Study or Internship count towards the CS Major?

  • No, an Independent Study or an Internship will not count towards the CS Major. However, the credit will count towards your overall degree.

How many courses can I double/triple count towards my degree requirements?

  • The Registrar's Office will allow students to double count a maximum of two courses towards their major(s) and/or minor(s).
  • Please review the requirements for each department.
  • A request to triple count a course, for example Calculus I, towards the CS major, Math minor and Business Studies minor would be denied. The student has two options, A: replace the required course with a higher level elective, that would be applied exclusively towards the major or minor, or B: drop one on the minors.

How many courses have to be completed in the Computer Science Department here at the College of Arts and Sciences to satisfy the Major?

  • Students must complete a minimum of six(6) approved courses in our department with the "CSCI-UA" designation to satisfy the major.

How many courses have to be completed in the Computer Science Department here at the College of Arts and Sciences to satisfy the Minor?

  • Students must complete a minimum of two(2) approved courses in our department with the "CSCI-UA" designation to satisfy the minor.

How many credits are needed to complete the Major in Computer Science?

  • 48 credits are required for the Major in Computer Science.
  • A minimum of 32 credits must have the "CSCI-UA" designation.
  • Anything less 48 credits and the Registrar's Office will not approve the major.

How many credits are needed to complete the Joint Major in Computer and Data Science?

  • 72 credits are required for the Joint Major in Computer and Data Science : 32 CS, 20 DS & 20 Math.
  • A minimum of 32 credits must have the "CSCI-UA" designation.
  • Anything less 72 credits and the Registrar's Office will not approve the joint major in Computer and Data Science.

How many credits are needed to complete the Joint Major in Computer and Mathematics?

  • 72 credits are required for the Joint Major in Computer and Data Science : 32 CS & 40 Math.
  • A minimum of 32 credits must have the "CSCI-UA" designation. Anything less and the Registrar's Office will not approve the major.

How many online credits can I count toward my degree?

  • Each CAS student may count up to 16 online credits toward the baccalaureate degree. If you are not a CAS student, please contact your Home School advisor for information.

General advisement for students interested in Study abroad

College Board AP Credits, A Levels, International Baccalaureate HL Exam Scores, internal NYU Study Abroad courses are equivalent to our courses, however, they do not satisfy the residency requirement for the College of Arts & Sciences at the New York City, Washington Square campus.
New York University’s College of Arts and Science (NYU CAS) offers robust study abroad programs, enabling students to immerse themselves in global cultures and gain diverse academic perspectives. However, CAS students must meet a 50% residency requirement for their majors, which means at least half of the courses required for their declared major must be completed at NYU CAS. This policy ensures that students benefit from the college's unique academic resources and maintain a strong connection to the NYU faculty and curriculum while pursuing their degree.