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Current Students

UCF Department of Computer Science

Already enrolled in a degree program at the UCF Department of Computer Science? You’ll find important documents and information under the tabs below. 

Undergraduate

Students Enrolled 2023-Present

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Flowchart 2024-2025
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Flowchart 2023-2024 
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Four-Year Plan 2025
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Four-Year Plan 2024
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Flowchart 2024-2025
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Flowchart 2023-2024
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Four-Year Plan
  • Computer Science Technical Electives
  • Information Technology Technical Electives

Students Enrolled 2013-2023

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Four-Year Plan 2017-2023
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Four-Year Plan 2013-2016

Who Should Take the Exam?

Students interested in learning how to program should complete the course COP2500: Concepts in Computer Science. This is the introductory course for learning the basics of computer programming. Students can register for COP2500 directly and do not need to complete the Computer Science Placement Test (CSPT).

Students who believe they possess a general understanding of programming, regardless of the language they know, and wish to go directly into COP3223: Introduction to Programming with C, can successfully complete the CSPT to skip COP2500. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that students entering COP3223 have a minimum level of background knowledge about computer programming needed to help them pass the course. Those without background knowledge of programming are still encouraged to take COP3223 and further courses in computer science or information technology after completing COP 2500, which provides foundational knowledge about computing and computer programming.

Students entering UCF with an AP Computer Science A score of three or higher, or prior COP3223 credit do not need to take the CSPT. Recognized programming courses from other  Florida institutions will automatically be reviewed for equivalency or requisite knowledge and if approved, will substitute for the COP3223 prerequisite. Students can always take the CSPT if their completed course is not equivalent or if transcripts are delayed in reaching UCF.

When Should I Take the Exam?

Students interested in majors that require COP3223 or subsequent computer science courses are recommended to take the CSPT at their earliest convenience, but no later than the semester before enrollment at UCF. Students who have their CSPT results available at orientation will be able to receive assistance from their academic advisor to select the most appropriate beginning course. Students who have not taken the CSPT by their scheduled orientation date should expect a delay in registering for a computing course at UCF.

How to Register:

To register for the CSPT, log in to myUCF and access the Student Center. In the menu, find a link for Placement Test Self Enrollment. Select the Computer Science Placement Test and follow the directions to enroll.

Once registered for the CSPT, it will appear in your Webcourses dashboard. This course contains the exam as the only assignment. The homepage of the CSPT course includes a description of the exam and the score required to move directly into COP3223. Please make sure to read the instructions carefully before entering the exam.

Note: Scores will post to myUCF within 24 hours. You will not be able to take this test and register for COP3223 in the same day. Please plan to complete the CSPT in a timely manner to allow for this delay in registration.

If you are unsure of whether or not your major requires COP3223, consult the undergraduate catalog. If you have questions about the test, reach out to the Department of Computer Science. 

Who Should Take the Exam?

Students interested in the computer science major must take the CS Foundation Exam before they can take the following required courses: COT4210, COP4331, COP4934, and COP4935. The goal of the exam is to ensure that every computer science student has the appropriate level of proficiency in fundamental topics.

When Can I Take the Exam?

You may take the exam within one year of passing COP3502: Computer Science I with a ‘C’ or higher. The exam is offered once per semester and you make take it up to three times per year.  If you elect not to take the exam when it is offered, you will not be allowed to take the exam beyond one year of passing COP3502. 

The exam is typically given on the first Saturday of each semester. The only exception to this rule will be on Saturdays when there is a home football game or when classroom space can not be reserved for students to take the exam. Check the secure sign-up page for exact dates.

Notes About the Exam

  • The material covered in COP3502 should prepare you well for the exam.
  • The exam will not affect your GPA.
  • You cannot earn credit for taking the exam; however, if you are transferring from an out-of-state or a private school into UCF and have already completed a course similar to COP3502 with a grade ‘C’ or better, you can check with your advisor about course substitutions.
  • The passing mark is 60%. The exam coordinator reserves the right to move this passing line for any reason however.
  • You will be allowed to use the formula sheet during the exam. 

How to Register

Sign up for the exam using the online form. 

Important Documents

Academic Advising

Need to speak with an advisor? Schedule an appointment through myKnight Star or scan the QR code below.

qr code

Or, reach out to an academic advisor directly:

Jenny Shen 
Undergraduate advisor
jenny.shen@ucf.edu

Mark Heinrich
Undergraduate program coordinator for CS and IT
heinrich@ucf.edu

Career Advising

Looking for career advice? Visit the website of UCF Career Services to schedule a career advising appointment, prep for the job search or to set up a Handshake account.

Graduate

Handbooks

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science Handbook
  • Ph.D. in Big Data Analytics Handbook
  • Master of Science in Computer Science Handbook
  • Master of Science in Computer Vision Handbook
  • Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy Handbook
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics Handbook
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics Handbook
  • Master of Science in FinTech Handbook

Course Transfer

  • Course Transfer Request Form

Ph.D. Candidacy

  • Academic Integrity Training
  • Dissertation and Thesis Advisory Committee Form
  • Department Admission to Candidacy Form
  • Thesis and Dissertation Proposal and Defense
  • Ph.D. Program Assessment Form

2024-25

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science – Post-Master’s Track

2022-23

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy (Technical Track – Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy (Interdisciplinary Track – Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2021-22

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy (Technical Track – Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy (Technical Track – Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy (Interdisciplinary Track – Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Cyber Security and Privacy (Interdisciplinary Track – Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2019-20

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2018-19

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2017-18

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2016-17

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2015-16

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2014-15

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2013-14

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2012-13

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2011-12

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2010-11

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

2009-10

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Non-Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Thesis)
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science

To better ensure that doctoral students have acquired the requisite background and are prepared to make a successful transition into the research phase of their academic career, the graduate committee requires the students to pass through a qualifying review process.

The qualifying review is offered once in spring and once in fall. Each student must apply for the qualifier before completing their 37th credit hour in the computer science doctoral program, typically before completing their fifth semester of the doctoral program. To pass the qualifier, the student must demonstrate satisfactory progress in their coursework, secure an advisor and show acceptable progress on a mutually agreed-upon research topic with the advisor.

All students applying for the qualifier must submit:

  • A portfolio containing the complete record of coursework
  • A manuscript endorsed by the advisor summarizing the student’s research progress made since the student started in the doctoral program OR a citation of an accepted or published work with the advisor, along with the advisor’s endorsement.

If a student fails the qualifying review, they may appeal to the graduate committee. After passing, the student should assemble a dissertation advisory committee that includes the student’s faculty advisor, two computer science faculty members and one faculty member from outside of the department. 

Access the Qualifying Review System

Academic Advising

Need to speak with an advisor? Contact graduate advisor Jeanine Clements to schedule an appointment. If you have a more complex issue, please contact Wei Zhang.

Career Advising

Looking for career advice? Visit the website of UCF Career Services to schedule a career advising appointment, prep for the job search or to set up a Handshake account. 

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