Please note! Information provided in these web pages is for your convenience and is not meant to be the final authority. The College Catalog is the final authority on all matters dealing with curriculum, grades, and tuition. A printed paper copy of the catalog is available for free from the Registrar's office and is available on-line by clicking here.

The focus in these web pages is on the Computer Science curriculum at Canisius College. Currently, we offer two bachelor's degrees (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science), two Computer Science minors, and a Certificate in Computer Science. Which one is right for you? Here are some rough guidelines:

• Bachelor's (BS): if you want to be a professional in the field of Computer Science, especially if you will be working with other scientists, mathematicians, and if you are likely to go on to do a Masters or Ph.D.
• Bachelor's (BA): if you want to be a professional in the field of Computer Science but do not fit the BS profile above. This is particularly useful for those who will be working with professionals in another area.
• Minor: if you are interested in programming or computers but do not want to major in it and are not going to seek full-time employment in the field.
• Certificate: if you want to be a professional in the field of Computer Science or in some other (non-science) field that heavily uses computers, or want to combine computers and another field in unique ways.

While you may be able to find answers to many of your questions in these web pages or in the College Catalog, we invite you to stop by and converse with us in person. To make an appointment, call (716) 888-2430 or send email to mfoster@canisius.edu. A professor would be happy to chat with you and give you advice and suggestions.

From time to time, changes are made in the curriculum of any major. While most of these are minor, a few are major and represent a growth process whereby the department keeps up with trends in the field and other educational institutions. The Computer Science Department at Canisius College has always strived to provide top quality and up to date courses, emphasizing topics and skills that are currently needed by industry.

The most recent change was made in 2005: adding CSC 365 ("Intelligent Systems") to both BS and BA, removing MAT 112 from the BA degree, removing PHY 226 from the BS degree, and allowing BIO 101-102 or CHM 111-112 to replace PHY 223-224 of the BS degree. The curriculum in these web pages reflects this change. If you entered Canisius as a transfer or first-year student (freshman) in the Fall of 2005, this curriculum applies to you.

If you have attended another college before coming to Canisius, you are considered a transfer student and should consult with Dr. Meyer, temporary chair of the Department, for an evaluation of your transcript and an outline of what courses you still need to take. Generally, you are governed by the curriculum and regulations of the catalog that is in effect during the semester you enter Canisius, regardless of whether you were a sophomore, junior, or senior at your other college. You may still receive credit for many of the classes you took at your other college, but you will have to satisfy the requirements that are in effect at Canisius during the semester you enter. This applies both to the specific Computer Science curriculum as well as the general core curriculum of the college.

Finally, we would like to emphasize that we are here to help and guide you as you plan your career at Canisius College. Though the curriculum may seem quite complicated, we are able to guide you through the maze and enable you to meet your educational objectives. Give us a call or send email, and better yet, set up an appointment to see us in person. Call (716) 888-2430 or send email to mfoster@canisius.edu.