The goals of departmental honors in Mathematics and Computer Science are:

1. to encourage students to explore independently topics in mathematics or computer science outside the scope of our formal curriculum, and
2. to enhance students’ abilities to communicate ideas in mathematics and computing.

Honors in Computer Science is awarded on the basis of the following criteria.

1. Academic achievement. The candidate must demonstrate high academic achievement across the College (cumulative GPA of at least 3.2) and in Computer Science (GPA of at least 3.2 in the major).
2. Intention to apply: The candidate must submit an intention to apply for honors (in writing), including the list of courses that satisfy the requirements for the major, to the chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department no later than the last day to add one-unit courses for the last on-campus term as a regular full-time student.
3. Project: An honors student in Computer Science engages in original research that demonstrates thorough knowledge of Computer Science. The project may be completed through
   • A summer research experience
   • An internship
   • An off campus study course
   • A Special Project (CSCI 390) of at least 0.5 unit, or a 0.25 unit Special Project that expands on one in CSCI 175 or higher.
4. Presentation: An honors student in Computer Science must present their work to an external audience (on or off campus).
5. Professional engagement: The candidate should demonstrate active engagement in the department or in the broader discipline of computer science and serve as a role model for respectful and professional behavior.
6. The award of Honors in Computer Science requires designation by the faculty of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science that the candidate’s project and presentation is of honors merit (one that demonstrates independence of thought, intellectual maturity, and an in-depth understanding of the research problem).