Computer Science major
Computer Science: courses, careers, and where to study
Computer Science combines the mathematical foundations of computation with practical software engineering, preparing graduates for careers in software, AI/ML, security, data, and research.
A Computer Science (CS) major covers algorithms, data structures, operating systems, computer architecture, programming languages, databases, and the mathematics behind them, discrete math, linear algebra, and probability. Most CS programs require 3–4 semesters of math and physics in addition to the major.
By the time graduates leave, they can write production code in multiple languages, reason about algorithmic complexity, design and reason about distributed systems, and have at least one specialization (AI/ML, security, systems, theory, or applications). Many CS programs offer concentrations or BS-vs-BA tracks; the BS typically requires more math and engineering coursework.
Academic classification (CIP)
In the federal Classification of Instructional Programs, Computer Science maps to CIP 11.0701, Computer Science, within the COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES family. The official definition:
A program that focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2020. View on nces.ed.gov
What you'll study
- Programming foundations in languages like Python, Java, C/C++, and JavaScript
- Algorithm design and analysis (Big-O, dynamic programming, graph algorithms)
- Data structures (arrays, trees, hash tables, heaps, graphs)
- Operating systems, networks, and computer architecture
- Databases and distributed systems
- Discrete mathematics, linear algebra, probability, and statistics
- Software engineering practices: version control, testing, code review, agile workflows
- A specialization track such as AI/ML, security, theory, systems, or HCI
Typical careers
- Software Engineer
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Site Reliability Engineer
- Security Engineer
- Research Scientist (CS PhD)
Typical salary range: $78,000–$135,000 early-career (BLS, 2024 software developers median $133,080)Ranges are early-career estimates. Any BLS figure shown is the occupation-wide median across all experience levels, not a starting wage, and is informational only.
Related occupations
Occupations the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk associates with Computer Science. Linked titles open a CampusPin career page with BLS pay and outlook data; others are listed for reference.
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Information Security Analysts
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Database Architects
- Computer Programmers
- Software Developers
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
- Web Developers
- Web and Digital Interface Designers
- Computer Occupations, All Other
- Data Scientists
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Crosswalk: CIP 2020 to SOC 2018. A program of study does not guarantee any specific occupation.
Before you commit to a Computer Science major
CampusPin does not rank programs. Use these prompts to pressure-test whether a specific Computer Science program fits your goals, they are decision questions, not claims about any school.
Ask the Computer Science department
- Which concentrations or specializations are offered, and which faculty lead them?
- What does the typical course sequence look like, and how much is required vs. elective?
- What labs, studios, clinical placements, or research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
- Is there a capstone, thesis, internship, or co-op requirement?
Ask current students & check the curriculum
- How heavy is the workload, and how accessible is the faculty?
- What internships or co-ops did you do, and where do recent graduates end up?
- Does the required curriculum actually match the careers listed above?
- How easy is it to add a minor, double major, or switch tracks later?
Find a Computer Science program
CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer Computer Science programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting, no account required.
Computer Science by state
Related majors
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity prepares graduates to defend networks, systems, and data, combining computing fundamentals with offensive and defensive security techniques and the policy frameworks that govern them.
Data Science
Data Science combines statistics, programming, and domain expertise to turn raw data into decisions, drawing on machine learning, visualization, and data engineering.
Information Technology
Information Technology (IT) focuses on applying computing systems to organizational needs, administering networks, supporting users, building business systems, and managing IT operations.
Mathematics
Mathematics develops formal proof, abstraction, and quantitative analysis, feeding into research, finance, computing, actuarial science, and graduate programs across STEM.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering applies physics and math to circuits, power, and electronics, suiting students who want to design the hardware and systems behind modern technology.
How this guide is sourced
This is an editorial guide from the CampusPin Editorial Team. Career and wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages, and link to each career page. Program availability comes from CampusPin's free institution search; CampusPin does not assert that any specific school offers this exact major until that program data is verified. Last reviewed 2026-06-15. How CampusPin sources data · Report a correction.