Computer Science Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Computer Science major studies how computers and software work and how to design programs that solve problems. Computer science majors learn programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems and theory, with electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, security and software engineering.

A Computer Science major includes coursework in programming in languages such as Python, Java or C++, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, and databases and more. You build skills such as programming, algorithmic problem solving, debugging, and version control. Typical degrees: associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Typical courses include programming in languages such as Python, Java or C++, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, discrete mathematics, and software engineering. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Computer Science is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. In the latest federal data, 281 colleges reported certificate awards, 468 colleges reported associate awards, 1,119 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 414 colleges reported master’s awards, and 184 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to computer science include software developer, web developer, data scientist, software qa tester, computer systems analyst, database administrator, and IT manager. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include software developer (typical training: 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio), web developer (typical training: 6 months to 4 years), data scientist (typical training: 4–6 years), software qa tester (typical training: 6 months–4 years), computer systems analyst (typical training: 4 years), and database administrator (typical training: 4 years plus experience).

Computer Science majors build skills such as programming, algorithmic problem solving, debugging, version control, mathematical reasoning, and technical communication.

Good pairings include Mathematics (strengthens the math behind algorithms, graphics and AI), Business (helps you understand the problems software is built to solve and prepares you for tech leadership), Cybersecurity (adds secure coding and defense skills employers value), and Artificial Intelligence (focuses your electives on machine learning and AI).

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as software developer, web developer, and data scientist, and enjoy subjects like programming in languages such as Python, Java or C++ and data structures and algorithms. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes programming in languages such as Python, Java or C++, data structures and algorithms, and computer architecture; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

1,583 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

California (151), New York (102), Texas (97), Pennsylvania (94), and Massachusetts (60), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

1,339 of the colleges that offer computer science also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Computer Science studies how computers and software work and how to design programs that solve problems. Information Technology focuses on setting up, running and supporting the computer systems organizations depend on. Computer Science leads to careers such as software developer and web developer, while Information Technology leads to careers such as IT support specialist and network administrator.

Computer Science studies how computers and software work and how to design programs that solve problems. Cybersecurity teaches you to protect computer systems, networks and data from attacks. Computer Science leads to careers such as software developer and web developer, while Cybersecurity leads to careers such as cybersecurity analyst and network administrator.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to computer science, such as Software Developer Training.