What is Computer Science?
Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. Most computer science degrees focus on robotics, machine learning, computational biology, and cybersecurity. Unlike electrical and computer engineers, computer scientists deal mostly with software and software systems including their theory, design, development, and application.
Computer science majors study areas like artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics, and theory of computing.
median salary for computer and research scientists (May 2024)
projected job growth by 2033
of computer and research scientists work in government sectors
Featured Universities
- University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TexasStarting Tuition$18,692Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment34,864RegionSouth
- Computer Science, BS*
- Engineering Studies: Computer Engineering, BS*
- Computer Engineering, BS
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- #198 U.S. News RankingAdelphi UniversityGarden City, New YorkStarting Tuition$49,252Location TypeMidsize cityTotal Enrollment7,520RegionNortheastCollege of Arts and Sciences
- Computer Science - STEM designated
Less - Computer Science - STEM designated
- Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown, TexasAverage Tuition$53,228Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment1,504RegionSouthGarey School of Natural Sciences
- Computer Science - STEM designated
Less - Computer Science - STEM designated
- #102 U.S. News RankingAuburn UniversityAuburn, AlabamaStarting Tuition$38,314Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment30,440RegionSouthSamuel Ginn College of Engineering
- Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- Computer Science (BS) - STEM designated
Less - Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- #127 U.S. News RankingUniversity of South CarolinaColumbia, South CarolinaStarting Tuition$37,292Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment34,795RegionSouthMolinaroli College of Engineering and Computing
- Computer Science - STEM designated
- Computer Engineering - STEM designated
Less - Computer Science - STEM designated
- University of CharlestonCharleston, West VirginiaAverage Tuition$33,490Location TypeSmall townTotal Enrollment3,051RegionSouthThe School of Arts and Sciences
- Applied Computer Science - STEM designated
Less - Applied Computer Science - STEM designated
- #169 U.S. News RankingLouisiana State UniversityBaton Rouge, LouisianaStarting Tuition$25,200Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment30,985RegionSouthCollege of Engineering
- Computer Engineering, BSCompE - STEM designated
- Computer Science, BS - STEM designated
Less - Computer Engineering, BSCompE - STEM designated
- Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomery, AlabamaStarting Tuition$20,400Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment5,211RegionSouthCollege of Sciences
- Computer Science & Computer Information Systems
Less - Computer Science & Computer Information Systems
- #117 U.S. News RankingUniversity of Central FloridaOrlando, FloridaAverage Tuition$17,000Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment68,571RegionSouthCollege of Engineering & Computer Science
- Computer Engineering (BSCpE) – STEM designated
- Computer Sciences – STEM designated
Less - Computer Engineering (BSCpE) – STEM designated
- Bridgewater CollegeBridgewater, VirginiaAverage Tuition$15,000Location TypeMidsize cityTotal Enrollment1,450RegionNortheastSchool of Natural Sciences
- Computer Science
Less - Computer Science
- Cleveland State UniversityCleveland, OhioStarting Tuition$20,472Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment16,327RegionMidwestWashkewicz College of Engineering
- Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- Computer Science - STEM designated
Less - Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- #143 U.S. News RankingUniversity of KansasLawrence, KansasAverage Tuition$26,960Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment27,690RegionMidwestSchool of Engineering
- Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- Computer Science (BS) - STEM designated
Less - Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, MissouriStarting Tuition$18,516Location TypeMidsize cityTotal Enrollment7,083RegionMidwestCollege of Engineering and Computing
- Computer Science BS – STEM designated
- Computer Engineering BS – STEM designated
Less - Computer Science BS – STEM designated
- #84 U.S. News RankingUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IllinoisStarting Tuition$31,996Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment33,390RegionMidwestEngineering
- Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- Computer Science - STEM designated
- Data Science
- – Computer Science
- Computer Science and Design
Liberal Arts & Sciences- Mathematics & Computer Science - STEM designated
Less - Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- #143 U.S. News RankingUniversity of DaytonDayton, OhioStarting Tuition$52,310Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment10,958RegionMidwestSchool of Engineering
- Engineering Programs - STEM designated
- – Computer Engineering
College of Arts and Sciences- Computer Science (BS) - STEM designated
Less - Engineering Programs - STEM designated
- #102 U.S. News RankingGonzaga UniversitySpokane, WashingtonStarting Tuition$56,140Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment7,500+RegionWestCollege of Arts & Sciences
- Computer Science & Computational Thinking - STEM designated
School of Engineering & Applied Sciences- Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- Computer Science - STEM designated
Less - Computer Science & Computational Thinking - STEM designated
- Whittier CollegeWhittier, CaliforniaAverage Tuition$48,924Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment1,100RegionWest
- Engineering 3-2
- – Engineering 3-2 Computer Science
- Integrated Computer Science
- – Integrated Computer Science/Mathematics track
- – Integrated Computer Science/Physics track
- – Integrated Computer Science/Economics track
Less - Engineering 3-2
- #42 U.S. News RankingRutgers University- New BrunswickNew Brunswick, New JerseyAverage Tuition$39,649Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment35,000RegionNortheastSchool of Arts and Sciences
- Computer Science, BA – STEM designated
- Computer Science, BS – STEM designated
School of Engineering- Electrical and Computer Engineering, BS – STEM designated
Less - Computer Science, BA – STEM designated
- #59 U.S. News RankingStony Brook UniversityStony Brook, New YorkAverage Tuition$28,874Location TypeMidsize cityTotal Enrollment26,000RegionNortheastCollege of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- Computer Science - STEM designated
Less - Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- #151 U.S. News RankingUniversity of UtahSalt Lake City, UtahStarting Tuition$33,670Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment32,994RegionWestCollege of Engineering
- Computer Engineering - STEM designated
- Computer Science - STEM designated
College of Architecture and Planning- Computer Science, Entertainment and Engineering Emphasis (B.S.)
Less - Computer Engineering - STEM designated

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Bachelor Degrees in Computer Science FAQs
What are the best computer science undergraduate colleges in the US?
There are many top computer science universities in the USA for international students. Shorelight works with leading universities like the University of Illinois Chicago, UMass Boston, the University of Utah, and The University of Texas at San Antonio.
What undergraduate computer science courses do colleges offer international students?
A bachelor of science degree in computer technology in the USA covers interdisciplinary subjects designed to serve tech careers in nearly every industry. Courses offered include:
Algorithms
Artificial intelligence
Computer hardware
Computer programming
Mathematics
Operating systems
Software engineering
International students applying for computer science courses in the US through Shorelight receive exclusive support services such as classes tailored to your academic level, English-language help, tutoring, and more. To learn more, please visit academic support for international students.
What requirements are needed to study undergraduate computer science in the US?
Typically, entry requirements to apply for a bachelor of computer science in the USA include a high school diploma or equivalent with a sufficient minimum GPA, and English language proficiency.
For a master’s in computer science, there is a requirement of a four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, English language proficiency, GRE score, and letters of recommendation. However, these requirements may vary depending on the university you hope to attend. When applying for a computer science degree program at a Shorelight university, you will receive dedicated application assistance from an advisor, English-language help, major and program assistance, and more. To learn more, please visit application assistance and international student services.
How many years does it take to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science in the US?
Typically, it takes four years to earn a bachelor of computer science in the USA. A master’s degree in computer science usually requires one or two years to complete. However, the duration may vary depending on the degree program and the university you attend. Discover different options for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs by visiting bachelor’s degree programs or master’s degree programs in computer science.
What can you do with a bachelor of science degree in computer technology?
With a bachelor of science degree in computer technology in the USA, international students have many career options. Job opportunities include:
Computer systems administrator
Database administrator
Data scientist
Network administrator
Network architect
Network engineer
Software engineer
Software developer
Software tester
Systems analyst
Web developer
Which undergraduate computer science degree is best for IT in the USA?
There are many outstanding bachelor in CS programs at universities and colleges in the US. To make the best choice for you and your goals, compare universities and programs based on rankings, lab facilities, course content, and clubs and societies alongside alumni stories and testimonials. Look at alumni job placement, internship opportunities, and specializations/concentrations. Computer science degrees cover in-depth theoretical foundations of information and computation, information processing, coding, hardware, and more. A Shorelight advisor can help you build career development plans and choose the best computer science undergraduate colleges in the US.
How much does it cost to get a bachelor of computer science degree?
Average tuition costs for a bachelor in CS can range from $30,780 to $43,350. Keep in mind that the tuition fee may vary depending on the university, program, and class formats (in person or online), among other factors. To learn more about tuition costs, scholarship programs, and other financial aid for a bachelor of science degree in computer technology in the USA, please visit the research and resources section.
Is computer science undergrad challenging?
Like any degree, a computer science degree can be challenging depending on your interests, skills, and academic background. However, undergraduate programs in computer science in the US are designed to help students gain a well-rounded foundation by learning fundamentals first, then exploring more complex topics. This can make it less challenging for students with no prior knowledge in the field, while still offering more experienced students a valuable learning experience.
A computer science degree can help students understand challenging concepts and principles related to the always-changing computer science field. Expert faculty at Shorelight universities provide a personalized learning environment that encourages students to work hard, stay focused, and excel in their studies. Students can also access exclusive academic support services over the course of their degree, including tutoring, English language support, additional learning resources, and more.