For best results, print using Chrome.
 Jump to Transfer Major Map
 Jump to recommended courses
Major map compass icon
2024-2025

Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts

VCU

Community college:
Associate of Science (Richard Bland College of William and Mary)
Richard Bland College
Richard Bland College
Associate degree

Associate of Science

Completing the associate degree will waive VCU's general education requirements.

Program description

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BA in CS) is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with both a strong foundation in computer science and the flexibility to explore diverse fields of study. This program balances rigorous technical training with a broad foundational education, fostering well-rounded graduates capable of innovative thinking and problem-solving in various technological contexts.


Students will delve into core computer science subjects such as algorithms, data structures, software development, and computer systems. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to explore specialized areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and web development. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students to tackle complex challenges in technology and beyond.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for diverse career paths in technology, including software engineering, data analysis, and IT consulting, as well as roles in non-tech industries that increasingly rely on digital expertise. With a blend of technical skills and a broad educational background, the degree opens doors to innovative and impactful career opportunities and produces versatile professionals equipped with a unique blend of technical prowess and interdisciplinary insight. This combination is particularly valuable in today's rapidly evolving job market, where the ability to apply computer science principles across various domains is increasingly sought after. In addition to traditional roles in software engineering, data analysis, and IT consulting,  graduates find opportunities in industries such as finance, healthcare, education, and media, where their ability to leverage technology for innovative solutions sets them apart.


Moreover, the program's emphasis on foundational education enhances graduates' communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, making them effective collaborators and leaders in diverse team environments. Their broad educational background enables them to approach problems from multiple perspectives, fostering creativity and adaptability. This adaptability is crucial in roles such as product management, UX/UI design, digital marketing, and tech entrepreneurship, where understanding user needs and market dynamics is essential.


With their well-rounded education and strong technical foundation, graduates are not only prepared to excel in current tech roles but are also equipped to adapt to future technological advancements and emerging fields, ensuring long-term career growth and relevance.

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Computer Programmer
  • Cybersecurity Engineer
  • Data Engineer or Architect
  • Project Manager
  • Sales Engineer
  • Scrum Master
  • Software Engineer or Developer
  • Software Quality Assurance and Test Engineer
  • Web Developer
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • College Professor
  • Computer Architecture Engineer
  • Lead Machine Learning Engineer/Scientist
  • Lead Software Engineer
  • Project Leader
Contact information

 

VCU Transfer Center

Telephone: (804) 827-1349

Email: transferinfo@vcu.edu

Transfer Advising Request

VCCS Transfer Planning Checklist


Office of Admissions

Telephone: (804) 828-1222 or (800) 841-3638

Email: ugrad@vcu.edu
Apply Here.

Guaranteed transfer admission requirements

Completion of associate degree
Minimum GPA of 2.7
All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better

Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 310
Science required
  • No
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • A minimum of 12 earned VCU credit hours and a VCU GPA of 2.0 or greater is required to change into the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. Completion of MATH 151, CMSC 254 or CMSC 210, & CMSC 255, all with grades "C" or higher.
VCU Major Maps

View VCU Major Map for Computer Science (B.A.)

Transfer major map
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2024-2025

Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts

Richard Bland College of William and Mary (Associate of Science)

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Make friends with people with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Attend cultural events at RBC and/or VCU and celebrate diversity.
  • Attend VCU's annual Intercultural Festival or another community intercultural event.
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
  • Familiarize yourself with the career services offered at RBC and VCU and explore career pathways on the VCU Career Services website.
  • Take advantage of free Financial Aid counseling.
Experience Year 2
  • Research housing for next year.
  • Volunteer for service learning or community service projects.
  • Visit the VCU campus and attend a transfer admission session.
  • Apply to VCU.
  • Learn about short-term, semester and year-long study abroad options.
  • Attend VCU cultural events, including the monthly Global Café, VCU Diversity Scholars in Research week, or College of Engineering-related events.
  • Consider learning a foreign language or make a plan for undertaking that study at VCU.
  • Become familiar with OMSA at VCU.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs at RBC or VCU to explore your interests.
  • Plan to complete at least two job experiences, (e.g., internships) before your senior year of college.
  • Find out about VCU REAL and learn about REAL graduation requirement.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
  • Use the cost calculator to estimate your tuition/fees as an upperclassman at VCU.
  • Explore the types of aid available at VCU.
  • Take advantage of free Financial Aid counseling.

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Make friends with people with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Attend cultural events at RBC and/or VCU and celebrate diversity.
  • Attend VCU's annual Intercultural Festival or another community intercultural event.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
  • Familiarize yourself with the career services offered at RBC and VCU and explore career pathways on the VCU Career Services website.
  • Take advantage of free Financial Aid counseling.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Research housing for next year.
  • Volunteer for service learning or community service projects.
  • Visit the VCU campus and attend a transfer admission session.
  • Apply to VCU.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Learn about short-term, semester and year-long study abroad options.
  • Attend VCU cultural events, including the monthly Global Café, VCU Diversity Scholars in Research week, or College of Engineering-related events.
  • Consider learning a foreign language or make a plan for undertaking that study at VCU.
  • Become familiar with OMSA at VCU.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs at RBC or VCU to explore your interests.
  • Plan to complete at least two job experiences, (e.g., internships) before your senior year of college.
  • Find out about VCU REAL and learn about REAL graduation requirement.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
  • Use the cost calculator to estimate your tuition/fees as an upperclassman at VCU.
  • Explore the types of aid available at VCU.
  • Take advantage of free Financial Aid counseling.
Recommended courses
Major map compass icon
2024-2025

Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts

Richard Bland College of William and Mary (Associate of Science)

Richard Bland College of William and Mary courses
Course Title Equivalent course Credits Requirements
ENGL 101 Rhetoric and Research I Note: students with credit for AP English Language and Composition will only receive credit for UNIV 111 at VCU and should take ENGL 102 to fulfill the VCU composition requirement. UNIV 111-112 3 General education
ENGL 102 Rhetoric and Research II UNIV 200 3 General education
Language & Ideas Select 1: ENGL 203, 204, 205, 206, 210, 211, 214, 215, 216, PHIL 101, 201, 202, 203, 270, REL 201, 209, 210, 270, COMM 101, 102, 201. VCU equivalent 3 General education
Fine Arts Select 1: ART 201, 202, 231, MUS 103, MUS 123, THEA 201. VCU equivalent 3 General education
Human Experience Select 3: ANTH 103, PHIL 101, 121, 201, 202, 203, PSY 201-202, 217, 218, 240, 250, 292, 295, REL 201, 209, 210, SOC 201, 204, 208, 250, 253. VCU equivalent 9 General education
U.S. & World Cultures Select 3: ECON 201, 202, GEO 101, GEO 103, GOVT 201, GOVT 202, GOVT 203, HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 191, 192, HIST 201, HIST 202, HIST 240, REL 209, REL 210, REL 219, REL 220, REL 254 (at least one must be history). VCU equivalent 9 General education
MATH 151 Pre-calculus II MATH 151 4 General education
CSCI 221 Programming for Computer Science & Engineering Majors I CMSC 255 4 Major
Lab Science Select 2 with lab: BIOL 101/L, 151/L, 152/L, CHEM 101/L, 102/L, 110/L, PHYS 101/L, 201/L, SCIE 111/L. VCU equivalent 8 General education
Complete requirements for associate degree (consider taking classes that would apply to a VCU minor; see note below) VCU equivalent 14 Elective
Richard Bland credits transferred to VCU 60
VCU courses
Course Title Credits Requirements
CMSC 235 Computing and Data Ethics 3 Major
CMSC 254 Introduction to Problem-solving 4 Major
CMSC 256 Introduction to Data Structures 4 Major
CMSC 302 Introduction to Discrete Structures 3 Major
CMSC 311 Computer Organization 3 Major
CMSC 355 Fundamentals of Software Engineering 3 Major
CMSC 401 Algorithm Analysis with Advanced Data Structures 3 Major
CMSC Select four courses from CMSC upper-level electives 12 to 13 Major
IDST 301 Interdisciplinary Theory and Practice 3 Major (Ancillary)
MATH 211 Mathematical Structures 3 Major (Ancillary)
MATH 310 Linear Algebra 3 Major (Ancillary)
STAT 212 Concepts of Statistics 3 Major (Ancillary)
Select a minor (students must complete the requirements for a minor) 13 to 18 Major (Ancillary)
Credits completed at VCU 60 to 65
Minimum credits required for bachelor's degree 120