Computer Science + Education: Learning Sciences, BS
Overview
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Education, Learning Sciences concentration
The Computer Science + Education, BS is sponsored jointly by the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science and the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. The major in Computer Science and Education is a flexible program for undergraduate students who plan to pursue careers in either field and offers two foci of concentration.
The Learning Sciences concentration explores how technology can be intentionally designed to enhance and expand educational experiences. Innovations such as social media, virtual and augmented reality, data analytics, and mobile or wearable devices are transforming how people teach and learn in both formal and informal settings. This program equips students for success in a wide range of career paths—whether pursuing graduate study or entering the workforce in software development, educational publishing, school districts, game design, research organizations, and other education-focused industries.
Degree Requirements
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Education, Learning Sciences concentration
To graduate from the Computer Science and Education curriculum, a student must complete all courses with a traditional letter grade.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, one course must be a Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | 0-15 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| College of Education Requirement | ||
| EDUC 101 | Education Orientation Seminar | 1 |
| Education Core Requirement | ||
| EPSY 201 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Computer Science Core Requirements | ||
| CS 124 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 3 |
| CS 128 | Introduction to Computer Science II | 3 |
| CS 173 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CS 222 | Software Design Lab | 1 |
| CS 225 | Data Structures | 4 |
| CS 374 | Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation | 4 |
| Choose 1 from: | 8-9 | |
| Computer Architecture and System Programming | ||
| OR | ||
| Introduction to Computer Systems | ||
| Choose 1 from: | 3 | |
| Numerical Methods I | ||
| Programming Languages & Compilers | ||
| Mathematical Foundations | ||
| CS 361 | Probability & Statistics for Computer Science | 3 |
| MATH 220 | Calculus | 5 |
| or MATH 221 | Calculus I | |
| MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 |
| Choose 1 from: | 2-3 | |
| Introductory Matrix Theory | ||
| Linear Algebra for Data Science | ||
| Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Sciences Concentration Requirements | ||
| CI 210 | Introduction to Digital Learning Environments | 3 |
| CI 211 | Introduction to Learning | 3 |
| CI 380 | History (and Futures) of Educational Technology | 3 |
| CI 382 | Designing Interactive Learning Spaces | 3 |
| CI 489 | Educational Technology Capstone Course | 3 |
| EPOL 201 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| or EPOL 202 | Foundations of Education-ACP | |
| Concentration Electives | ||
| Select 15 hours of coursework within the College of Education in consultation with an academic advisor. | 15 | |
Sample Sequence
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Education, Learning Sciences concentration
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence. EPOL 202 will satisfy a College of Education Foundations requirement and the Campus General Education Advanced Composition requirement. If EPOL 202 is not selected, a separate Advanced Composition course must be taken.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
First Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| EDUC 101 - Education Orientation Seminar | 1 |
| CS 124 - Introduction to Computer Science I | 3 |
| Composition I or Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| CI 210 - Introduction to Digital Learning Environments | 3 |
| MATH 220 - Calculus or MATH 221 - Calculus I | 4 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Composition I or Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| CS 128 - Introduction to Computer Science II | 3 |
| CS 173 - Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CI 211 - Introduction to Learning | 3 |
| MATH 231 - Calculus II | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
Second Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 222 - Software Design Lab | 1 |
| CS 225 - Data Structures | 4 |
| EPSY 201 - Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EPOL 201 - Foundations of Education or EPOL 202 - Foundations of Education-ACP | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 233 - Computer Architecture or CS 340 - Introduction to Computer Systems | 4 |
| CS 361 - Probability & Statistics for Computer Science | 3 |
| MATH 257 - Linear Algebra with Computational Applications, MATH 227 - Linear Algebra for Data Science, or MATH 225 - Introductory Matrix Theory | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 13 |
Third Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 341 - System Programming (or 400-level CS course above CS 403, excluding CS 491) | 4 |
| CI 380 - History (and Futures) of Educational Technology | 3 |
| CI 382 - Designing Interactive Learning Spaces | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 374 - Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation | 4 |
| Concentration Elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Elective course or 400-level CS course above CS 403, excluding CS 491 | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
Fourth Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 357 - Numerical Methods I or CS 421 - Programming Languages & Compilers | 3 |
| Concentration Elective course | 3 |
| Concentration Elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CI 489 - Educational Technology Capstone Course | 3 |
| Concentration Elective course | 3 |
| Concentration Elective course | 3 |
| Elective course | 3 |
| Elective course | 2 |
| Semester Hours | 14 |
Total Hours: 120
Total hours for all requirements: 120
Learning Outcomes
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Education, Learning Sciences concentration
- Students will acquire deep knowledge of computer science as it relates to the field of Education.
- Students will display the expectations of professionalism related to success in the field of education and beyond (Fairness, commitment to collaboration, community, reflective practice, and attention to 21st-century skills and practices).
Contact Information
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Education, Learning Sciences concentration
College of Education
Education Building
1310 S. Sixth Street, Champaign, IL 61820
College of Education website
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
306 Education Building
Department of Curriculum & Instruction email: ci@education.illinois.edu
217-244-8286
Department of Curriculum & Instruction website
Department of Curriculum & Instruction faculty
Office of Undergraduate Programs
110 Education Building
Student Academic Affairs email: saao@education.illinois.edu
217-333-2800
Admissions & Academics website
Student Academic Affairs website
Siebel School of Computing and Data Science
Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science
201 N Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
Department of Computer Science website
Department of Computer Science faculty
Computer Science + Education website