Computer Science Frequently Asked Questions

Starting in Fall 2025 whether a student can major (or minor) in computer science depends solely on whether or not they are able to enroll in CSCI 051 in one of their first three semesters. Every student who enrolls in CSCI 051 in one of their first three semesters is guaranteed to be able to complete the major (or minor) as long as they enroll in appropriate CS courses in subsequent semesters.

Starting in Fall 2025, students who are able to enroll in CSCI 051 in one of their first three semesters will be guaranteed access to classes to complete a minor as long as they enroll in appropriate CS courses in subsequent semesters.

Possibly. You may be able to place out of CSCI 050 if you have prior programming experience; please reach out to the CS department chair for guidance. Placing out of CSCI 050 has to be completed before the end of first week of classes.

No. For students entering Pomona in Fall 2025 or later, the CS major and minor require CSCI 051. There is additionally a separate course CSCI 050, a half-semester introduction to programing, that must be taken either before taking CSCI 051 or concurrently with CSCI 051. If you have prior programming experience, you may qualify to place out of CSCI 050; please reach out to the CS department chair for guidance.

We reserve some seats in our upper-division classes for off-campus students who have declared a CS major through Harvey Mudd College. For our introductory classes, we prioritize Pomona students but welcome off-campus students if there are open seats available.