Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science

Don’t just use technology Create with it

Technology and AI are changing every field, from art and music to health care, education, business, science, social justice, and design. AI can generate code, but people still decide what to build, why it matters, whether it works correctly, and whether it is ethical and responsible.

If you want to explore computer science, strengthen another major, or better understand the technology shaping your field, the Discover CS Cohort offers a structured, supportive place to begin.

No coding experience? No problem! In the Discover CS Cohort, you will move through the first three required computer science courses with the same instructor, mentors, schedule, and classmates. You will learn the programming languages Python and C++, develop strong problem-solving skills, and build a foundation for understanding code, evaluating what it does, and creating meaningful solutions.

The Discover CS Cohort is designed for students who are new to coding or who want more than a one-term experience. You will learn in a supportive environment, build community with other students who are beginning their CS journey, and connect with mentors who have completed the cohort and understand what it is like to begin.

Cohort Benefits

  • Building community through shared classes, labs, discussions, and collaborative problem-solving
  • Moving through CS 161, CS 162, and CS 163 with the same instructor, mentors, classmates, and consistent schedule
  • Developing confidence in programming, problem-solving, and learning from mistakes
  • Experiencing creative, hands-on approaches to learning computer science
  • Exploring whether a CS major, CS minor, AI major, AI minor, or another pathway is right for you
Students Group Photo


How do I enroll in this cohort?

To enroll, complete the Request Information form or email Stephanie Allen directly at steallen@pdx.edu. Once your spot is confirmed, you'll receive a registration code to use when enrolling in CS 161 through MyPSU.

The cohort begins every Fall term. Students commit to taking the three-course sequence together: CS 161 in Fall, CS 162 in Winter, and CS 163 in Spring.

Students working on a project.

Hear from past cohort students

“Joining the cohort nurtured a feeling of belonging in this field that I carried into my future courses.”

— Shadanny L.

“The cohort really helped me find community, and that gave me more confidence that I would (and did) do well in future CS classes.”

— McKenzie W.

“Joining the cohort was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my path as a computer scientist. It helped me build community, strengthen my programming fundamentals, and become a more capable programmer.”

— Giovanni G.

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need to be a computer science major to join? 
    No. The cohort is open to students who want to explore computer science, whether they are considering a CS major, CS minor, AI major, AI minor, or want to use computing in another field.
  • Can I join if I have never coded before? 
    Yes. The cohort is designed for students who are new to programming. You do not need prior coding experience.
  • Can I join if I am a transfer student or not a first-year student? 
    Yes. The cohort is a good fit for any student beginning the CS 161-163 sequence, including transfer students and students who are exploring a new academic path.
  • Do I need to register for all three courses at once? 
    No. You will register for each course during the appropriate term, but cohort students are expected to continue through CS 161 in Fall, CS 162 in Winter, and CS 163 in Spring.
  • When does the cohort start? 
    The Discover CS Cohort starts every Fall term. Classes will meet in person on the same days and times each term. During the first week of class, students will also select a required weekly lab time. Class and lab days and times will remain consistent throughout the three-term sequence.
  • What are the class sizes? 
    Each course will have a smaller class size than many introductory courses, with additional weekly lab sections in smaller groups. These smaller groups will be supported by mentors who have recently completed CS 161, CS 162, and CS 163.
  • How are students selected for the cohort? 
    Students are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. After you complete the Request Information form, the instructor will reach out to help determine whether the cohort is the right fit for you.
  • I have not completed the math prerequisite for CS 161. What can I do? 
    Email and meet with the instructor. In select cases, the MTH 111Z prerequisite may be waived for enrollment in the cohort. However, MTH 111Z must still be completed before continuing with further CS courses after the cohort ends.
  • Will I be taking all three courses with the same instructor? 
    Yes. That is one of the benefits of the cohort. You will build a relationship with your instructor over the full three-course sequence, which helps them get to know how to support your learning.
  • Will the courses be on the same day and time each term? 
    Yes. Monday and Wednesday from 11:00 am to 12:40 pm. The cohort is designed so that students can rely on a consistent schedule across Fall, Winter, and Spring terms.
  • I have no prior computer science experience. Is this class for me? 
    Yes. The cohort is designed for students who are new to coding. You do not need prior programming experience to join.
  • I am majoring in another discipline. Why should I consider computer science? 
    Every discipline uses software. Learning computer science can help you understand the technology shaping your field, work more effectively with AI tools, and create solutions connected to your own interests. Whether your field is art, music, design, science, education, health, business, social justice, or something else, computing can give you new ways to ask questions, solve problems, and build tools.
  • What if I enroll in the cohort but cannot continue? 
    We understand that life happens and plans change. If you need to leave the cohort, you will still be prepared to complete the remaining courses outside of the cohort.
  • What will I be learning in the three-course sequence? 
    You will learn programming, problem-solving, and core computer science concepts to understand code, evaluate what it does, and create meaningful solutions. Take a look at the list of Undergraduate Courses and the specific course descriptions for CS 161 , CS 162 , and CS 163 .
  • Will there be an annotation on my transcript showing that I completed the cohort? 
    No. The course numbers and objectives are the same as other sections of CS 161, CS 162, and CS 163. The difference is the cohort structure, built-in community, consistent schedule, and additional support.