Academics

Undergraduate Programs

Degrees

The Department of Computer Science within the McCormick School of Engineering offers the following undergraduate degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science through the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering joint with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Minor in Computer Science

Minor in Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning and Data Science Minor joint with the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences

Combined BS/MS option through which students can earn both degrees simultaneously

Introductory Courses

We welcome undergraduate students across Northwestern University to explore computer science through our introductory courses — no experience required.

Faculty

Tackle today’s critical computer science problems with faculty members who are deeply committed to student empowerment and growth. As an undergraduate computer science student, you’ll work with award-winning researchers who have developed new ideas in all aspects of computer science. You’ll also broaden your definition of computer science by working with CS+X faculty who create interdisciplinary connections between computer science and fields ranging from economics to law to art.

Outside the Classroom

Make the most of your education with undergraduate research opportunities and co-curricular activities.

Peer Mentors

The CS department hires undergraduate peer mentors each quarter to support students in 100, 200, and 300 level courses. Learn from your peers through regular office hours or consider becoming a peer mentor yourself.

Student Groups and Organizations

Get involved and grow your leadership skills in student groups and organizations ranging from Women in Computing to Develop + Innovate for Social Change.

Undergraduate Research

Choose to specialize in research areas including artificial intelligence, security and privacy, human-computer interaction, robotics, and more.

Special Programs and Opportunities

Spend time studying abroad, challenge yourself in the Honors Program, or participate in annual computer science community events such as the Grace Hopper Celebration or Tapia Conference.

Chicago and Evanston Location

Northwestern’s unique location offers both the comforts of home and career opportunities. On the Evanston campus, you can explore beaches, the lakefront path, shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and theaters just down the street from classrooms, labs and lecture halls. You can visit Chicago via public transportation, car, or bike.

Post-Graduation Success

Careers in Computer Science

Northwestern computer science graduates are in demand by employers in nearly every industry, including software, information technology, manufacturing, energy, financial services, government, and nonprofits.

Wide Range of Career Options

• Academia
• Data analytics
• Database and systems analysis
• Financial risk analysis and trading
• Game development
• Industrial research
• Information technology consulting
• Product management
• Software development and engineering

Recent Graduate Placements

• Account Associate at Joele Frank
• Associate consultant at Slalom
• Associate product manager at Capital One and Paradox
• Cloud Consultant at Amazon Web Services
• Cybersecurity, Government of Singapore
• Global technology analyst at Bank of America
• Software developer at Ab Initio and Amazon
• Software engineer at Amazon, Blinkfire Analytics, Braze, Capital One, DoorDash, Google, Hive, Intuit Inc., McDonald's, Microsoft, Palantir, Ramp, Roblox, Stripe, Sunshine, Target, Twitch, and Voltus
• Software engineering intern at Egencia
• Technology consultant at Credera

Graduate Study

Recent graduates of our BS/BA programs are pursuing doctoral degrees in leading PhD programs.

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Columbia University
• Northwestern University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Chicago
• University of Toronto