Computing Exploration
Exploring majors in our computing exploration program allows you to experience the different fields of computer science before choosing a major.
Overview for Computing Exploration
With eight undergraduate computing majors, the computing exploration option is a great way for you to gain an overview of the computing field while you take the time to decide which major best meets your personal and professional aspirations.
The computing exploration option provides students with the opportunity to explore seven of the college’s undergraduate computing majors—computer science, computing and information technologies, cybersecurity, human-centered computing, new media interactive development, software engineering, and web and mobile computing. Students complete courses in computer science, cybersecurity, and web development. They may also take additional courses in other computing majors as they decide on which major best fits their career goals and aspirations.
Plan of study
Students may stay in the exploration option for up to two semesters (one academic year). Each student has an assigned academic advisor who provides guidance on the requirements of each major, course selection, minors, and career options. All courses taken in the exploration option are accepted by the seven computing majors; all credits earned are applicable to a student’s chosen major and maintain the student’s track toward graduation.
The computing exploration option offers students the opportunity to explore the field of computing before declaring a specific major. All students in this undeclared major take a one-credit course, Computing Exploration Seminar, which provides an overview of the seven computing majors. Students learn about the course of study in each program and career opportunities in each field. Through the seminar and courses, they are introduced to the faculty, students, and laboratory facilities in each program.
While in the computing exploration option, each student will take a two-course sequence in both programming and mathematics, appropriate for all degrees. An academic advisor will consult one-on-one to ensure that each student stays on track. Students may choose a major at the end of the fall or spring semester while in the exploration program – all course work taken while in the computing exploration option will be applied to the new program of study.
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#64 Best Computer Science Undergraduate Programs, 2025
RIT’s computing majors are ranked among the Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs nationally.
Featured Work and Profiles
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Finding Passion Through Exploration: Student Embraces Cross- Disciplinary Collaboration in NMID
Nick Will ‘25 credits hands-on opportunities to explore computing disciplines and support from the RIT community for his personal and professional growth
Read More about Finding Passion Through Exploration: Student Embraces Cross- Disciplinary Collaboration in NMID -
From Computing Exploration to Microsoft
Quincy Myles Jr. ’25 Meet Quincy Myles Jr., a fifth-year software engineering student pursuing a plus-one MBA.
Read More about From Computing Exploration to Microsoft
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Computing Exploration
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Admissions and Financial Aid
First-Year Admission
A strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. This includes:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of social studies and/or history
- 4 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, algebra 2/trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Calculus is preferred.
- 2-3 years of science is required and must include chemistry or physics; both are preferred.
- Computing electives are preferred.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
