Coding Tomorrow: Understanding the Computer Science Major

From programming and engineering medical devices to developing best-selling video games or protecting the technological security of our nation, there’s no limit to what you can do with a degree in Computer Science. Delve into the technological world of tomorrow, working in a field of continual growth in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and human-computer interactions. 

If you decide to pursue CS in college, you’ll learn necessary skills to be able to work with or on computers and machines. Students can study programming and even computer engineering, working on not just the software, but hardware aspects of technology. With its versatility, computer scientists can work in almost any field from a technological standpoint, while utilizing the basic skills of CS: coding and problem solving.

Degrees and Requirements

At the college level, students studying CS can obtain a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science and Arts (B.S.A.), combined Bachelor's and Master's (B.S./M.S.), or even an interdisciplinary degree, such as CMU’s Computer Science and Arts or Music and Technology majors. For even more options, schools like UIUC and UT Austin have created CS + X integrated degree programs where students can earn a degree in CS and another field—like neuroscience, economics, linguistics, or history.

In addition, there are CS programs that focus more on the engineering side of computational science, like Computer Science and Engineering at UC Irvine, Computer Science (B.S.E) at Penn, or Computer Science and Engineering (Course 6-3) at MIT.

Although each college will have specific requirements and opportunities for CS students, there is a typical set of courses students will take during their undergraduate study:

• Programming (e.g. Java, Python, C# etc.)

• Mathematics (e.g. statistics, algebra, and calculus for computer or data sciences)

• Computer and Data Structure

• Algorithms

• Physics

• Machine Learning

• Graphic Design/Visualization

It's very important to understand how the schools you are interested in structure their major offerings. For example, take a look at UT Austin's CS curriculum, where students take Java, principles of computer systems, data structures, and algorithms & complexity. Meanwhile, at MIT, students learn Python, interconnected embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking and data science. 

Computer Science Specializations

When it comes to computing, there are several fields of specialization for those who know exactly what they want to do with their degree. This can be accomplished in upper division and advanced coursework, by completing a minor, or pursuing a concentration or track dependent on the university’s program offerings. 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)

  • In this concentration, students will help computers learn information and complete tasks that are typically performed with human intelligence. 

• Computer Engineering

  • Once completed, students will be able to create, construct, and test the hardware of computer and operating systems as a whole and through the hardware components individually.

• Data Science

  • Students will learn to analyze data and draw conclusions using statistics and computer processes to design and produce projects.

• Cybersecurity

  • This includes computer privacy, cryptography, and the security of devices and networks.

• Game Development

  • Here, students will delve into the world of online, cross platform, and mobile gaming.

Careers in Computer Science

Once you’ve earned a CS degree, there are many professional paths you can take.

• Software Engineers design and produce software for their customers, collaborating with developers and working post-projects through updates.

• Application Developers produce applications to be used on devices such as laptops and cellphones. Developers will also write code for these apps.

• Information System/Technology Managers oversee the projects developed by their team and security for their computers and networks to protect their work, as well as discuss and negotiate prices for projects.

• Computer Engineers create and test computer parts, making sure the machines work together and update previous devices that have been designed.

• User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) Designers work on software and websites to implement feedback and help improve the user experience. 

• Video Game Designers develop video games for different platforms (such as computers, consoles, and phones) by writing code and conceptualizing and producing storylines, characters, game rules and physics, player objectives, and more.

• Data Scientists work with the government, corporations, hospitals, and other organizations or companies to collect and analyze data and organize it to solve problems, forecast outcomes, and improve previous projects.

Prepare Yourself to be a Competitive CS Applicant

Computer Science is currently the most competitive major in college admissions, with acceptance rates below 10% for many schools, including UIUC (6.7%) and the University of Washington (2% for non-residents). To ensure you are a competitive CS applicant, you'll need to build a well-rounded profile with:

• Programming skills and experience (knowing 2+ computer languages is a plus)

• Internships and/or independent projects that contain real-world applications

• Active presence in school activities and extracurriculars (such as coding clubs, research, and hackathons) along with community-oriented service

• Strong SAT or ACT scores (especially in math) and high scores for AP/IB exams, especially those relevant to CS

• Advanced coursework in CS, math, and science (e.g. AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Physics, AP Statistics etc.) with a strong GPA and class ranking

Are you interested in computer science, but aren’t sure where to begin? B2A’s Steps Program for grades 7-11 will provide 1:1 mentoring—from major and career exploration to course selection, internship and research opportunities, and building an extracurricular profile to showcase your abilities outside of the classroom. 

Applying for a degree in Computer Science this fall? Our College Admissions Services hours or our Gateway Program can assist you! You will receive help every step of the way on your applications, from organizing activities and experiences on your resume, to writing out compelling essays and even choosing the right programs and colleges for you.