Comp Sci Majors: A Guide to Choosing the Right Program

Choosing the right Comp Sci major can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available.

Most Comp Sci majors take around 4-5 years to complete, which is comparable to other undergraduate degrees.

Research suggests that the field of Comp Sci is expected to grow 13% by 2030, making it a stable and in-demand career choice.

If you're interested in specializing in a particular area, consider programs that offer concentrations or specializations, such as data science or artificial intelligence.

Choosing a CS Program can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the field. There are many factors to consider, including the type of program, online vs. in-person vs. hybrid, accreditation, prestige, faculty diversity and background, graduation rate, and career services.

To get started, consider your goals within the computer science field. Do you want to earn a double major with another College of Arts and Sciences program? Or do you want to specialize in a particular area, such as data science? The Computer Science major may be more appropriate for students who are primarily interested in the design of software systems and applications.

If you're looking for a program that offers flexibility, consider a bachelor's degree in computer science that's offered online, like the one mentioned in Example 4. This can be a great option for those who need to balance classes with other responsibilities.

For another approach, see: Comp Sci Major Requirements

Choosing the right computer science (CS) program can be overwhelming, but considering a few key factors can make the decision easier. Consider the format of the program: online, in-person, or hybrid. Some students prefer the flexibility of online learning, while others thrive in a traditional classroom setting.

Online programs can be either asynchronous or synchronous. Asynchronous programs allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule, while synchronous programs require students to log in at the same time each week. SNHU's online program, for example, offers a flexible schedule that allowed Paloma Rodriguez to balance her classes with three jobs.

Accreditation is another crucial factor to consider. Look for programs that are accredited by a reputable accrediting agency. This ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and will be recognized by employers.

Prestige is not the only factor to consider, but it can be an important one. Some programs have a stronger reputation than others, which can impact job prospects after graduation.

Consider reading: Best Comp Sci Masters Programs

Faculty diversity and background can also impact the learning experience. A diverse faculty can bring different perspectives and experiences to the classroom, enriching the learning experience.

Graduation rate is another important metric to consider. Look for programs with high graduation rates, as this indicates that students are able to complete the program and achieve their goals.

Career services are also an important consideration. Look for programs that offer career counseling, job placement services, and other resources to help students launch their careers.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a CS program:

By considering these factors, you can find a CS program that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals.

Choosing a CS program can be a daunting task, but understanding the different types of programs available can make the process easier. There are various undergraduate programs in computer science (CS), each with its unique focus and requirements.

Some programs, like the one at the University of Washington, offer a joint major in computer science—mathematics. This program is ideal for students who want to combine their interests in both fields.

The University of Washington's Computer Science (CSE) department offers two undergraduate degrees: Computer Science (through the College of Arts and Sciences) and Computer Engineering (through the College of Engineering). Students working toward either degree have the same broad opportunities to take the wide array of courses that CSE offers.

The CSE department at the University of Washington has a strong focus on the design of software systems and applications, making it a great option for students who want to earn a double major with another College of Arts and Sciences program.

Some programs, like the one at Southern New Hampshire University, offer an associate degree in computer science or a bachelor's degree in computer science. Employers may offer entry-level positions to candidates with just an associate degree, while others will require or prefer a bachelor's level education.

Here are some common undergraduate programs in CS:

Each program has its unique requirements and focus, so it's essential to research and understand what each program offers before making a decision.

To earn a computer science major, you'll need to complete a set of core requirements, which vary depending on the program. In some programs, you'll need to take courses like COMS W1001, Introduction to Information Science, and COMS W1004, Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java.

A computer science major typically requires around 20-21 points of coursework, broken down into three years. In the first year, you'll take courses like COMS W1004 and COMS W1007. By the sophomore year, you'll be taking more advanced courses like COMS W3134, Data Structures in Java, and COMS W3157, ADVANCED PROGRAMMING.

Here's a breakdown of the core requirements for a computer science major:

Note that some programs may have additional requirements or restrictions, so be sure to check with your department for specific details.

The core requirement for many computer science programs is a set of fundamental courses that provide a solid foundation in computer science and programming.

These courses typically include Introduction to Information Science, Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java, and Data Structures in Java.

In some programs, students can choose between COMS W1001 and COMS W1002 for the Introduction to Information Science course.

To fulfill the core requirement, students must also complete a course in linear algebra, which is a prerequisite for Computer Vision I: First Principles.

Here's a list of some common core requirement courses:

The specific courses required for the core requirement can vary depending on the program and institution.

To fulfill the mathematics requirement for your CS major, you'll need to take one of the following courses. You can choose from calculus, linear algebra, or probability/statistics.

You'll need to select one of the calculus courses, which are MATH UN1201, MATH UN1205, or APMA E2000. Note that MATH UN1201 does not require Calculus II as a prerequisite, but the other two courses do.

Expand your knowledge: Comp Sci Math

Here are the options for linear algebra:

For probability/statistics, you can choose from:

Keep in mind that MATH UN2015 can satisfy both the linear algebra and probability/statistics requirements, which can reduce the total number of points required.

When you're trying to fulfill your CS major requirements, it's essential to understand the restrictions on overlapping courses. You can only receive credit for one course from each pair of courses that overlap in content.

For example, you can't receive credit for both COMS W1004 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java and COMS W1005 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in MATLAB.

Some courses are even more restrictive, such as COMS W1005 and COMS W3136, which cannot be counted towards the Computer Science major, minor, and concentration.

Here are some specific course pairs that have restrictions:

It's also worth noting that no more than 6 points of project/thesis courses (COMS W3902, W3998, W4901) can count toward the major.

A computer science degree can help open doors to many dynamic careers, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that employment in computer and information technology will grow faster than average from 2022-2032.

Jobs in this field pay a median annual wage of $104,920, making it a lucrative option for those interested in the field.

As a computer science major, you can choose to specialize in a number of areas within computer and information technology, such as designing and building communication networks as a computer network engineer.

You might also analyze an organization's computer network and find ways to make it more efficient and productive as a computer systems analyst.

A computer science degree can be a game-changer for your career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology will grow faster than average from 2022-2032.

The median annual wage for jobs in this group is $104,920. This is a significant earning potential that can make a big difference in your financial stability.

You'll have the opportunity to work in a dynamic field with many career paths to choose from. A computer science degree can help you learn to analyze problems, work in a team, and understand the ethical and legal issues related to the computing field.

With a computer science degree, you'll gain a solid foundation in programming languages and software development. You'll be able to use design and development principles to build software programs and contribute to the overall body of knowledge in computer science.

Going back to school to earn a computer science degree may seem daunting, but it's not as hard as you think. As one student said, "Don't think (going back to school) is too hard to do. You have the resources. You have the support that you need to do it."

Here are some of the key skills you'll learn with a computer science degree:

As a computer science major, you can work in a variety of industries and choose from many specialized roles. Computer science majors can design and build communication networks as a computer network engineer or analyze an organization's computer network and make it more efficient as a computer systems analyst.

Software developers can create customized software for specific customers or commercial software to be sold to the public. They design and build the code and design for a program, and can learn a range of programming languages, including Python, Java, JavaScript, and C#.

Some software developers specialize in application software, designing the applications you're familiar with, such as spreadsheet programs, word processors, calendar apps, and mobile games. Others work on systems software, creating the underlying systems that allow computers to function, like operating systems.

Typical duties for software developers include analyzing user needs, developing, testing, and creating applications and programs, executing software maintenance and testing protocol, and identifying and recommending new software or software updates. Most software developers have a bachelor's degree and strong computer skills, and can earn a median income of $132,270 in 2023.

Computer systems analysts study a business or organization's computer systems, networks, and protocols and find ways to make them work more efficiently. They identify and solve problems with applications, operating systems, and integration of items with the overall enterprise computing environment.

Computer systems analysts also combine technical and business knowledge, find ways to increase computer system capabilities, and conduct cost/benefit analysis to help management evaluate investment in IT. They manage installation of new system configurations and perform quality control testing, and research new technology and evaluate its potential benefit.

Web developers create and maintain websites, ensuring they are visually appealing and easy to navigate for users. They work on the everyday use of the website, including updating and maintaining existing websites, running testing protocols to find broken links, and integrating multimedia assets into a website.

Some web developers specialize in front-end development, creating the look and feel of a website, while others work on back-end development, ensuring the technical aspects of the programs that allow the site to function are working correctly. Web developers need a good understanding of HTML programming and can earn a median salary of $92,750 in 2023.

Here are some examples of jobs you can pursue with a computer science degree:

These roles offer a wide range of opportunities for specialization and advancement, and can lead to high-paying careers with room for growth and development.

Information security analysts are crucial in protecting computer networks and data from cyber attacks and intrusions. They monitor networks for potential threats and plan for data recovery in case of a breach.

These professionals develop and recommend computer security protocols, document hacking attempts, and identify weak points in a network. They also deploy software and firewall programs to protect against cyber attacks.

A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or cybersecurity, is often required for this role. Many employers also look for candidates with previous experience in a related field.

Information security analysts can obtain certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional designation. This field is growing quickly, with a 32% increase in positions expected through 2032.

In the field of computer science, there are numerous career paths and opportunities to explore. A computer science degree can open doors to many dynamic careers, with the BLS projecting that employment in computer and information technology will grow faster than average from 2022-2032.

Computer and information research scientists study problems that organizations confront regarding computing, using data science, robotics, and computer programming principles to create or improve computer systems, software, and algorithms. They often work with electrical and computer hardware engineers on complex projects.

The median income for computer and information research scientists is $145,080 in 2023, with most working for the federal government, computer systems design services, or a research and development organization. A master's degree is usually a requirement for this position.

Software developers supply the creative inspiration behind the millions of software programs and applications, creating customized software for specific customers or commercial software to be sold to the public. They learn a range of programming languages, including Python, Java, JavaScript, and C#.

Here are some types of software developers:

Software developers have a bachelor's degree and strong computer skills, with a median income of $132,270 in 2023. The field is growing quickly, with the BLS projecting a 26% increase through 2032.

As a computer science major, you'll have access to a wide range of research opportunities that can help you gain hands-on experience and build your portfolio. The department has well-equipped lab areas for research in various areas, including computer graphics, computer vision, and natural language processing.

You can participate in research projects by reaching out to professors whose research areas interest you, and once you've completed the relevant coursework, you can register for the professor's section of COMS W3998 or W4901. This course involves independent project work, laboratory work, computer programming, analytical investigation, or engineering design.

The department offers several research classes that count toward fulfillment of the Research Option, including CS 2699, CS 4699, CS 4980, CS 2698, and CS 4698. These courses allow you to earn credit for your research work, with credit hours ranging from 1-21.

Undergraduate research is a fantastic way to dive deeper into your interests and gain hands-on experience in a field you love. The computer science department has well-equipped lab areas for research in various areas, including computer graphics, computer vision, and robotics.

Students can participate in research projects by reaching out to professors whose research areas align with their interests. Professors will typically require students to have completed the relevant coursework, covering the background knowledge and skills needed for the project.

The department offers several research classes that count toward fulfillment of the Research Option, including CS 2699 and CS 4699, which allow students to earn 1-12 credits for their research work. These classes are designed for students of different class levels, from freshmen and sophomores to juniors and seniors.

To get credit toward completion of the Research Option for research for pay, students must be registered for the appropriate audit-only, research for pay class, which is CS 2698 or 4698. This is a crucial step to ensure that their research experience is recognized and counted toward their degree.

Research for credit can be taken in various forms, including laboratory work, computer programming, analytical investigation, or engineering design. The department offers several courses that allow students to earn credits for their research work, including CS 2699, CS 4699, CS 4980, CS 2698, and CS 4698.

Here are the research courses offered by the department:

The department also offers a senior thesis course, CS 4980, which allows students to work on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. This course requires students to complete a formal written report and may also require an oral presentation.

The Department of Computer Science offers a range of academic prizes to recognize and reward outstanding students. These prizes are a testament to the department's commitment to excellence and innovation.

One of the notable prizes is the Jonathan L. Gross Award for Academic Excellence, which was established in 2017 in honor of Professor Emeritus Jonathan Gross. This award is given to one graduating master's student and one graduating senior from each of the four undergraduate schools served by the department.

The Theodore R. Bashkow Award is another prestigious prize that recognizes a computer science senior who has excelled in independent projects. This award is a tribute to Professor Theodore R. Bashkow's contributions as a researcher, teacher, and consultant.

The Andrew P. Kosoresow Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching and Service is awarded for outstanding contributions to teaching in the department and exemplary service to the department and its mission. This award is a great way to recognize the dedication and hard work of faculty members.

The Computer Science Scholarship Award is a cash prize given to two B.A. and two B.S. degree candidates for outstanding academic achievement in computer science. This award is a great way to support students who are excelling in their studies.

The Russell C. Mills Award is an annual award established by the computer science department in 1992 in memory of Russell C. Mills. This award is a cash prize given to a computer science major who has exhibited excellence in the area of computer science.

Here are some notable recipients of the Russell C. Mills Award:

If you're interested in biomedical engineering, you'll want to check out the course offerings. One such course, CBMF W4761, covers computational techniques for analyzing genomic data. This includes DNA, RNA, protein, and gene expression data, as well as basic concepts in molecular biology.

Students with a life sciences background who have a working knowledge of at least one programming language and some background in probability and statistics are encouraged to enroll. The course emphasizes techniques from artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Some of the specific topics covered in this course include string-matching algorithms, dynamic programming, hidden Markov models, expectation-maximization, neural networks, clustering algorithms, and support vector machines.