Computer Science

Computer science is a discipline of study that focuses on computation, information and automation. A background in computer science can be used across various industries. Build a strong foundation in computing technology and the critical thinking and communication abilities you need to quickly climb the corporate ladder or shape policy.

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 2024)
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.

Hear from a Student

"Computer science can be used anywhere. Whether I want to go into a big tech company or help my friend build a website for their business, CS opens a lot of doors into many realms. Plus, at W&M, there's little competition, instead, everyone is so supportive in making sure we all succeed." — Heather Acuña '25, computer science major and data science minor from Long Grove, Illinois

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.

School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

The School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics expands the university's ability to prepare students to thrive in a data-rich world. It brings together four of the university's units: Applied Science, Computer Science, Data Science and Physics.

Learn More about the School

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

Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Computer Science