Undergraduate Education
Computer science embraces both the science and art of processing
information using computers. It combines the abstractions and
elegance of mathematics with the scientific and practical aspects
of engineering. Students in the undergraduate computer science
program at Duke build a strong foundation in complex systems and
algorithms used in a variety of specialties. They are prepared for
continuing study or work in such wide-ranging fields as the Internet
and Web-related services, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence,
algorithmic and theoretical aspects of computer science, and data
analysis in scientific and commercial applications.
Duke offers several courses of study for undergraduates interested
in computer science. Students pursuing a B.A. degree typically
take courses toward a double major, minor, or certificate in another
discipline. Students have combined the B.A. degree in computer science
with majors in Mathematics, Economics, English, Art, Biology, and
nearly every major, minor, and certificate program at Duke.
The B.S. degree combines a more in-depth and wide-ranging view of computer science with both mathematical foundations and applications. Students intending to continue the study of computer science, or who are interested in a more rigorous and disciplined approach to the major, often choose the B.S. degree.
The department also supports a cooperative B.S. double major with the
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students in both
majors have had great success pursuing technical careers related
to computer science including consulting, programming, financial,
scientific, and artistic jobs where an expertise in the area of
computer and information science is expected and appreciated.
Both majors and the minor require a solid background in programming and the basic theoretical and practical issues that are part of the relationship between programming and computer science. This foundation is strengthened with required 100-level courses in architecture, systems, algorithms, and software design. Electives and advanced courses are available in many areas of computer science including networks, databases, scientific computing, artificial intelligence, graphics, computational geometry, computational biology, distributed computing, theory of computation, and digital logic.
Several programs outside the classroom strengthen the undergraduate
course of study.
Undergraduates interested in participating in research are
encouraged to do so and are actively involved in nearly all
faculty research. Junior and senior undergraduates are encouraged
to pursue independent study courses in areas they find intriguing
and challenging. These courses are used to study an area in-depth,
to develop expertise in areas not covered in the standard curriculum,
and to pursue research projects during the academic year.
The department has several National Science Foundation projects specifically targeted at including undergraduates in sponsored research. Undergraduates have been coauthors on papers in major conferences in many areas.
The student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery
(ACM) has an active series of talks and helps organize the
regional student programming contest at Duke. Students interested in
participating in the contest are encouraged to take a problem-solving
seminar each fall that helps prepare for the contest. A Duke team
has advanced to the world finals in nine out of the last thirteen
years, placing as high as third in the world. Undergraduates also
participate in the UTA (undergraduate teaching assistant) program
which provides support for both major and non-major courses including
staffing labs and help sessions, developing assignments, grading,
and mentoring. Undergraduates also participate in several student
organizations including DULUG (Duke University Linux User’s
Group) and MUG (Microsoft User’s Group).
Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students may receive financial aid through need-based aid, merit scholarships, student employment, and loans. Duke University admits U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and a limited number of foreign students, without regard to financial circumstance or aid eligibility and meets 100% of each admitted student's demonstrated need throughout nine semesters of potential undergraduate enrollment. For more information on various aspects of the financial aid process, go the Duke Financial Aid site.