fbpx

ÈÕ±¾avƬ

Computer Science and Business Combine at UT Austin

Table of Contents

Share This Post

Many of the students and parents who come to us at ÈÕ±¾avƬ are torn between studying business and computer science. Both are growing and dynamic fields, with incredible potential for success. While some students choose to double major, or major in one and minor in the other, this merely gives an overview of both, without discussing or delving into the connections between the fields.

A at UT Austin combines the best of both worlds, offering an honors program which merges the explorations of business and technology. As computer science and the internet of things continue to grow in prominence, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs rival Wall Street, in-roads into the junction between business and technology are a great place to begin building a path to future success.

So What is This Program?

The creatively-named Texas Honors Computer Science and Business (Texas CSB) program is exactly what it says it is. Formed via collaboration between UT’s and the , the program seeks to bridge the gap between the two fields.

It’s an integrated degree program, meaning that students will specialize in the fields of both business and computer science, and be granted a single degree with honors. This avoids the pitfall of some dual degree programs which require five years to complete. Students are required to complete courses in both programs, and the UT Austin core, although there is some leeway for electives.

As both of the parent programs at UT Austin are recognized as top ten in their fields nationally, their union bodes only positives. The program is very selective, and the number of students admitted quite small, so each class forms close bonds and connections, allowing for networking and partnerships to form, both in college and after.

How do you get in?

Students must complete the regular application for UT Austin, using ApplyTexas or the Coalition App. You should indicate Unspecified Business and Computer Science as your choices for first and second major. These will enable you to apply to both this honors program, and the separate honors programs for business and CS separately.

There is an additional you must complete to be considered for the program: 

Texas CSB is an innovative dual degree program looking for students who are dedicated to both computer science and business. Why do you see this as a powerful combination of skills for your career goals? What have you done in high school to prepare you for computer science and business course work? Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.

This prompt may seem daunting, so we’ll break it down a little. This prompt is asking for two things: Why do you want to study both computer science and business, and how have you prepared for these? 

For the first part of the question, discuss your motivations. This is explicitly about career goals, so discuss what you want to accomplish after college with the skills and tools you pick up from completing the program. 

For the second part of the question, discuss what classes you have taken, and what extracurriculars you’ve participated in, which give you a background in each of these fields. Have you learned to code, either in a class or self-taught? Have you interned at a business, or tried to start your own? How prepared are you for this very challenging program is what they’re trying to understand. 

Finally, you must include an expanded resume as part of your application. While there are no strict requirements for grades and test scores in order to be accepted, the program does look for academic excellence, and students who want to be competitive applicants for the program should excel both in and out of the classroom.

It is possible for students to be accepted into UT Austin generally without being accepted into the CSB program.

Final Thoughts

Business has long been a pillar of American society, while computer science is a newcomer on the stage, a field growing and changing every day. For students who wish to merge the fields, and learn to excel and thrive in both, look no further than the Honors Program at UT Austin.

If you are looking for advice on other programs to pursue your niche interests in, or want additional help tackling the honors prompt, feel free to reach out to us here at ÈÕ±¾avƬ, as we’re always happy to help new students.

Need help with college admissions?

Download our "Guide to Everything," a 90-page PDF that covers everything you need to know about the college admission process.

More To Explore

College admissions office sign on campus with green bushes in the background
College Applications

When are Early Decision Results Released?

You sent out your ED applications a month (or more) ago, and have been waiting patiently (or perhaps not so patiently) ever since for the

5/5
Wendy Y.
Parent
Below is my son's review. He was accepted to his dream Ivy League school!

From an admitted student's perspective, I am incredibly grateful to have met Sasha - he has been instrumental in helping me achieve my educational dreams (Ivy League), all while being an absolute joy (he's a walking encyclopedia, only funnier!) to work with.

Many people are dissuaded from seeking a college counselor because they think they can get into their desired college(s) either way. Honestly, going that route is a bit short-sighted and can jeopardize your odds of acceptances after years of hard work. The sad truth is, the American education system (even if you attend a fancy private school and ESPECIALLY if you go to a public school) doesn't really tell students how to write a compelling and authentic application. Going into the admissions process alone, without speaking with an advisor, is like going to court without a lawyer - you put yourself at a significant disadvantage because you don't have all the facts in front of you, or the help you need to negotiate the system.

That said, you need a good lawyer just like you need a good college counselor. And that's where Sasha distinguishes himself from the crowd of people claiming they'll get you into Harvard. I came to Sasha worried about and frankly dumbfounded by the college admissions process. I was unsure what to write about and how to go about drafting the essay that perfectly captured my passion, interests, and self. And I was highly skeptical that anyone could really help me. But, damn, did Sasha prove me wrong. From the beginning, Sasha amazed me with his understanding of the process, and ability to lend clarity and direction to me when I desperate needed it. After interviewing me about my background, experiences, activities, outlook, and vision, he helped me see qualities about myself I had not previously considered 'unique' or 'stand-out.' This process of understanding myself was so incredibly important in laying the groundwork for the essays I eventually wrote, and I'm certain I would've drafted boring, inauthentic essays without it.

Looking back, Sasha's talent is that he can see where your strengths lie, even when you don't see them. The truth is, although we don't always realize it, everyone has a unique story to tell. Sasha helped me see mine, and with his big-picture insight I was able to write the application that truly encapsulated my life and vision. He inspired me to dig deeper and write better, challenging me to revise and revise until my essays were the most passionate and authentic work I had ever written. As clichéd as that sounds, that's really what universities are looking for. In retrospect, it makes sense - in the real world passionate (not simply intelligent) individuals are the ones who make a difference in the world, and those are the individuals colleges would like to have associated with their brand.

In the end, I was accepted to the college of my dreams, a feat I could not have achieved without the direction Sasha lent to me. Essays (and the personal narrative you develop through your application) matter so much, and can literally make or break your application. I have seen so many of my 'qualified' friends receive rejections because they wrote contrived essays that didn't truly represent who they were; conversely, I have also seen so many friends with shorter resumes accepted because they were able to articulate their story in a genuinely passionate and authentic way - I fall into the latter category.

As a former admissions officer at Johns Hopkins, Sasha knows what types of essays jibe well with universities, an invaluable asset to have in the admissions process. He is responsive, flexible, creative, positive, and witty. For anyone who is serious about going into the college admissions process informed and prepared, I highly recommend Sasha.
5/5
Arda E.
Student
I used ÈÕ±¾avƬ to mainly help me with college applications. Within weeks of using this service, Sasha was able to simplify the already complex process. When it came to writing the Common App essay, Sasha didn’t just help with grammar and syntax, he brought my essays to life. Sasha also worked tirelessly to help solidify my extracurricular activities, including research and internship opportunities. Without his help, I would have never had an impressive resume.

Sasha is not only an extremely knowledgeable tutor, but also a genuine brother figure. His guidance, throughout my last two years of high school, was everything I needed to get me an acceptance letter from my dream schools (UC Berkeley, Tufts, Emory).

When it came to testing, ÈÕ±¾avƬ worked like a charm. Sasha offered a very comprehensive plan when it came to completely acing my standardized tests. Without his test taking strategies I would have never gotten straight 5s on my AP tests and a 35 on the ACT.

Working with Sasha, I didn’t just become a good student, I became a genuine scholar.
5/5
Samson S.
Parent
We worked with ÈÕ±¾avƬ during my son's senior year. I was concerned that we may be too late to take advantage of college advising but the ÈÕ±¾avƬ team quickly and confidently directed us through the steps to ensure no deadlines were missed. Sasha's knowledge about schools, what they looked for in candidates, and how to maneuver the application process was invaluable. Mateo and Ryan worked with my son to help him create an essay that would get noticed and I am so appreciative he had their guidance.

Prior to securing ÈÕ±¾avƬ, we tried using a less-expensive online service which was a terrible experience. As a parent, ÈÕ±¾avƬ brought peace of mind to an area that was frankly overwhelming. This service was invaluable in the knowledge that we gained throughout the process. He has also met with my freshman daughter to provide guidance for her high school courses, career paths, extracurricular activities, and more.

Prior to signing with ÈÕ±¾avƬ, I tried a less expensive online service and was very disappointed.

As a result of our work with ÈÕ±¾avƬ, I am pleased to say that my son will be attending Stern Business School at New York University this fall! I highly recommend ÈÕ±¾avƬ. Highly recommend!