Computer Science

Take your technology skills to the next level with a Computer Science degree from CSUN. Develop the expertise to solve complex computing problems, individually and in teams.

Why Major in Computer Science?

Studying computer science trains you to solve complex, challenging problems. Today’s employers need graduates with a solid foundation in the principles of computer science along with specialized computing skills — and an expert’s eye for innovation and problem-solving.

Computer science jobs are well-paying and rewarding. A degree in computer science can lead to a career in almost any industry, including:

• Aerospace
• Manufacturing
• Banking
• Healthcare
• Research
• Entertainment
• Telecommunications
• Social media
• Education

Computer scientists often become essential members of design and research teams, working on problems from all technical domains.

Why Study Computer Science at CSUN?

Faculty Mentors

You'll enjoy the attention of experienced faculty who care about your success. Faculty advise students in senior design projects, year-long projects designed and implemented by teams. These projects are sometimes funded by research grants and/or are directly related to faculty research. Faculty also provide academic advisement to upper division computer science majors, checking planned coursework.

Freshman Scholarships

Entering Computer Science majors can apply for generous scholarships. These highly competitive scholarships may be renewed for three additional academic years.

Involved Students

You'll have opportunities to take part in friendly competitions with teams of other students on and off campus. Our Association for Computing Machinery will help to advance your technical skills while you socialize with like-minded students. Members of Layer 8, the cybersecurity club, engage in presentations and labs during weekly meetings and participate in competitive events throughout the year.

Honors Cooperative Internship Program

Highly qualified students have the chance to work in local industry throughout an entire calendar year. Students work full time during the summer and half time during the academic year, receiving six units of academic credit.

What You'll Learn

The B.S. in computer science gives you a broad knowledge of computing and prepares you to work on software projects in a range of specialized areas. The degree consists of a set of core courses and a senior electives package.

The core of the program covers programming languages, computer system organization, operating systems, data structures, software engineering, computation theory, and societal implications in computing. Senior electives allow you to specialize in fields such as artificial intelligence, embedded applications, networking, gaming, graphics, software engineering, and security.

Curriculum

Careers & Outcomes

Our graduates have numerous career opportunities in the private and public sectors. Jobs for computer scientists are projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Job Titles:

Employers

CSUN Pioneer Leaves a Legacy to Support Minority Students in Computer Science

The first African American dean of engineering in the California State University system left an endowment for annual scholarships to promising undergraduates, especially first-generation students, studying computer science.

Read the full story

Accreditation

The B.S. in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). With ABET accreditation, students and employers can be confident that a program meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.

Explore Related Programs

• Computer Information Technology (Major)
• Computer Engineering (Major)
• Information Systems (Major)