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Computer Science

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August 28, 2019

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Major Intro

Computer Science

College of Engineering

Computer science is the study of computers and computer systems including the design and development of software. From smart phone apps to artificial intelligence technology, computer scientists are at the forefront of innovation and key to the advancement of fields such as medicine, economics, finance and more.

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Degree Requirements

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The computer science curriculum involves an in-depth study of computer science fundamentals and practice, including programming concepts and languages, software engineering, operating systems and computer architecture.

Computer Science Curriculum

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Concentrations

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Interactive Entertainment Concentration

The Interactive Entertainment concentration prepares you for technical-oriented careers relating to computer graphics, digital animation, video games and interactive experiences.

More about Interactive Entertainment Concentration

Other Areas of Concentration

While not formal concentrations, the major offers a wide choice of technical electives that allow you to focus on particular areas of computer science including databases, distributed computing, software engineering, programming languages, graphical user interfaces, operating systems, computer networks, computer graphics and artificial intelligence.

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Related Minors

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Computer Science Minor

With a computer science minor, you will learn the fundamentals of computer science, including data structures, programming and design, and computer architecture as well a variety of elective areas.

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Computing for Interactive Arts Minor

The computing for interactive arts (CIA) minor is offered jointly by the Art and Design and Computer Science Departments. This cross-disciplinary minor allows the integration of coding and algorithmic thinking to the principles and methodology of visual design.

More about the Computing for Interactive Arts Minor

Cross Disciplinary Studies Minor in Data Science

The Computer Science and Statistics Departments offer a cross‐disciplinary minor in data science — a rapidly evolving field that uses elements of statistics and computer science to gather, organize, summarize and communicate information from a variety of data sources and data types.

More about the Cross Disciplinary Studies Minor in Data Science

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Blended Programs

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Computer Science majors are able to participate in a blended program where you can earn your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time.

To be eligible for the program, you must have completed 20 units of CSC courses past CPE 203. Participation in the program is based on prior academic performance and other measures of professional promise, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

BS Computer Science and MS Computer Science

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About the Program

Computer Science students working together

A degree in computer science prepares you to design and develop computer technologies such as operating systems, websites and mobile apps, artificial intelligence suites, software for robotics, search engines and more.

Modern labs help you gain a practical understanding of computer science – from learning algorithmic problem solving to the high-level programming languages. Individual and team projects, as well as internships and co-ops throughout California's technology hubs, reinforce the concepts learned and provide you the opportunity to apply and communicate your knowledge. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

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Learn by Doing

From programming artificial intelligence problems to designing and developing your own software, you will learn to apply your knowledge to create innovative solutions to real-world problems. You could explore robotics by building underwater autonomous vehicles or make systems more secure by engaging in ethical hacking practices. With a wide-range of electives, clubs and industry projects, you are able to focus on the areas that interest you the most.

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Participate in a Hackathon

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Spend a weekend creating and coding your own app or website in a student-run hackathon.

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Learn More

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Our Graduates

Computer science graduates are highly recruited by industry, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, IBM, SUN, Intel, Intuit, Amgen, Adobe, Salesforce, DreamWorks, Disney, Electronic Arts-EA (and other game companies), Raytheon, Boeing, Cisco, HP, JPL, Saint Jude Medical, Lawrence Livermore National Labs and many more. Graduates work as developers, software engineers, computer programmers, database administrators, systems analysts and more.