Computer Science

Computer science is a discipline of study that focuses on computation, information and automation. The pervasiveness of computing and data in the modern world gives computer science a centrality akin to mathematics. While programming is an essential part of computer science, problem solving and algorithm development is central to the education of any computer scientists. The Department of Computer Science offers an array of classes that can lead to specializations in cybersecurity and machine learning in addition to the core computer science specialization.

Undergraduate students complete a structured program (B.A./B.S.) based on guidelines from the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM). Graduate students pursue a master’s or Ph.D. degree, which can be specialized in computational science or computational operations research. You can also complete a one-year M.S. degree that combines a B.S./B.A. degree with one year of intensive graduate study.

Paths of Study

What Makes Us Different

Women in Computer Science

1/3 of the computer science majors at W&M are women (much higher than the national average)!
Rankings

#16 Top Public Colleges for Tech Salaries (The Wall Street Journal 2023)
World-Renowned Researchers

W&M faculty are research-active experts committed to educating students on their rapidly changing field.

Applied Learning

Courses

Learn about Data Structures (CSCI 241), Software Development (CSCI 301), Computer Organization (CSCI 304) and Machine Learning (CSCI 416).*
Graduate Courses

Continue your education with Analysis of Algorithms (653), Ubiquitous and Mobile Computing (619) and Deep Learning (646).*
Outside the Classroom

Show off what you learned inside the classroom by participating in hackathons, contests and conferences.
Research

Research topics including AI/ML & data mining, computer architecture, graphics & visualization, high performance & scientific computing, human-computer interaction, security & privacy, software engineering, systems & networking and theory.
Student Activities

Meet fellow students through the Google Developers Club, the W&M Chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery or through the annual CS T-Shirt Design Contest.
W&M Society of Women in Computing

Bridge the gender gap in computing-related fields as part of the W&M chapter of ACM-W. This group helps women network and share their experiences in the field.

Outcomes

Computer science majors are successful due to their training in logical thinking, problem-solving and the use of abstract structures to represent and process information. Some choose to pursue graduate-level study in computer science or professional fields such as business, law and medicine. Alumni are in high demand by employers ranging in size from Fortune 500 companies to small start-up firms. Employers consistently mention the exceptional quality and well-rounded training of W&M graduates. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, in 2020 computer science remained one of the top-paid majors and had the highest job offer rate.

Clare Heinbaugh '23 was a computer science major who was a member of the W&M team who placed in the top four of the international Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Now, she is a Marshall Scholar studying machine learning, artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction at the University of Cambridge followed by the University College London.

Talk to Us

Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.

Department of Computer Science

Location

McGlothlin-Street Hall Room 126

Map & Directions

Contact Us

Get an inside look: Contact a current computer science major
Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Computer Science