Computer Science

Overview

Computer scientists study the design, implementation, performance, and usability of computer systems. The program emphasizes software—the aspect of computation that makes computing the powerful and transforming technology it is.

The Computer Science (CS) degree program offers three majors in Computer Science, Data-Centric Computing, and Secure Computing. Students acquire a strong foundation in algorithms, problem-solving, and software development. A diverse set of elective courses provides experience with emerging technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data analytics, graphics, human-computer interaction, Internet programming, networking, cybersecurity, parallel computing, and software engineering. A computer science (CS) degree prepares students for a wide range of employment options. The degree also serves as good preparation for graduate study in computer science or other information technology fields, as well as business and law.

Curriculum

The Department of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS CS). Courses are focused on software design and development, algorithms, data structures, and computer organization. Review the University Catalog to see the required coursework. 

The BS CS degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. 

Majors

Computer Science (CS)
Our traditional CS major provides a comprehensive foundation preparing students for a wide variety of computing careers.

Data-Centric Computing (DCC)
The DCC major provides a more specialized path for those who are especially interested in data science, analytic, and computational problems involving large volumes of data.

Secure Computing (SC)
The SC major provides a more specialized path for those who are especially interested in secure computing and cybersecurity topics.

Interest Areas and Related Degrees/Minors

The undergraduate CS program provides courses and experiences related to the following areas within computer science: computational biology and bioinformatics; digital education; human-computer interaction; knowledge, information, and data; scientific computing; security; software engineering; systems and networking. A short description of each area and related degrees and minors are provided below to enhance your major exploration experience.

Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Encompasses the study of problems inspired by biology through computational means.
Related Engineering Degrees: Biological Systems Engineering | Biomedical Engineering
Related Degrees: Biochemistry | Biological Sciences | Environmental Data Science | Mathematics | Multimedia Journalism | Statistics
Related Minors: Biological Sciences | Biomedical Engineering | Physics

Digital Education
Understand and create new processes for improving computer science education, online courses, and deploying technology in the classroom.

Human-Computer Interaction
Addresses all aspects of the interplay between people and interactive technologies, with applications in every domain.
Related Engineering Degrees: Computer Engineering | Industrial and Systems Engineering
Related Degrees: Cinema | Communication Studies | Creative Technologies | Industrial Design | Multimedia Journalism | Psychology
Related Minors: Business | Communication | Human-Computer Interaction | Industrial Design | Psychology

Knowledge, Information, and Data
Understand not just the algorithmic aspects of converting data to knowledge but also the importance of human-in-the-loop analytics to arrive at insights.
Related Engineering Degrees: Electrical Engineering | Industrial and Systems Engineering
Related Degrees: Accounting and Information Systems | Business Information Technology | Computational Modeling and Data Analytics | Environmental Data Science | Geography | Mathematics | Multimedia Journalism | Neuroscience | Statistics
Related Minors: Business | Cybersecurity | Mathematics | Philosophy | Statistics

Scientific Computing
Topics include the use of supercomputer and computer clusters are used to solve advanced computational problems in engineering, science, and business.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Materials Science and Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Computational Modeling and Data Analytics | Creative Technologies | Environmental Data Science | Mathematics | Neuroscience | Physics | Statistics
Related Minors: Human-Computer Interaction | Mathematics | Statistics

Security
Encompasses cybersecurity, cryptography, and privacy aimed at characterizing and detecting vulnerabilities and creating innovative defenses to protect computing systems, networks, and data.
Related Engineering Degrees: Computer Engineering
Related Degrees: Computational Modeling and Data Analytics
Related Minors: Cybersecurity

Software Engineering
Debugging, testing, refactoring, transformation, and optimization of different kinds of software applications (e.g., enterprise applications, mobile apps, big data analytics, web applications, desktop applications), security hardening, and build management.
Related Engineering Degrees: Computer Engineering
Related Degrees: Accounting and Information Systems | Business Information Technology
Related Minors: Cybersecurity | Entrepreneurship

Systems
Understanding systems allow for the creation of new designs for all aspects of computer system stacks from architecture, compiler, operating system, parallel processing, and cloud in the greater context of software engineering, security, and high-performance computing.
Related Engineering Degrees: Computer Engineering
Related Degrees: Business Information Technology | Neuroscience
Related Minors: Cybersecurity

Getting Involved

Ambassadors
Professional Society – Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Undergraduate Research
Student Organizations
Study Abroad

Additional Opportunities:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Club
Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
Blockchain at Virginia Tech
Linux and Unix Users Group (VTLUUG)
TechHackers at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech Game Development Group
Web Mobile Application Development (WMAD)

Career Resources

Our Engineering Career Resource provides you with all of the most frequently used career information websites in one place for ease of access. This list includes links to VT First Destination Post Grad Report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Defense, and many more.