Computer Science

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Undergraduates Receive Honorable Mention in CRA Research Awards

The nationwide award program recognizes undergraduate students who show outstanding research potential in computing.Read more

Humans Have the Power to Decode Bias in AI

During a post-screening Q&A with Coded Bias filmmaker Shalini Kantayya, faculty, students, and the community examined the bias in the algorithms that impact us all.Read more

Novel System Improves AI Testing

G-DAUGc is a method for generating additional training data for commonsense models that learns and becomes more accurate as it is used.Read more

Hester Among Investigators to Collaborate with Ojibwe

The project investigates challenges faced by Indigenous communities by bringing together scientific and traditional ecological knowledge with support from NSF, DOE, and Homeland Security.Read more

About the Department

Transforming the way we work, play, think, and live

Watch our video:The Power of Computer Science

Computers and computational thinking are changing everything. At Northwestern University’s Department of Computer Science, we aim to lead that change.

Northwestern Computer Science intentionally positions itself as an ideal hub for interdisciplinary research by fostering a culture of inclusivity and promoting collaborations across a wide range of disciplines at our numerous top-ranked schools. In addition, the University continues to deepen its commitment to this field of study by radically expanding the faculty and developing state-of-the-art facilities to support our vision. This is a combination that offers our researchers and students an experience like no other.

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Department News

Eleanor O'Rourke

Eleanor O’Rourke Receives Google Systems Research Award

Professor Eleanor O’Rourke received $10,000 in grant funding from Google in recognition of her work related to technical leadership and achievements in systems research. The award was given to seven female assistant professors conducting systems research.

  • Novel System Improves AI Testing

    G-DAUGc is a method for generating additional training data for commonsense models that learns and becomes more accurate as it is used.

  • Racket 8.0 Marks Milestone in Programming Language

    Robby Findler, professor of computer science at Northwestern Engineering, and collaborators released Racket 8.0, a milestone implementation of one of the world’s leading environments for language-oriented programming.

  • Four Northwestern Engineering Investigators Collaborate with Ojibwe to Strengthen Resilience

    The project investigates challenges faced by Indigenous communities by bringing together scientific and traditional ecological knowledge with support from NSF, DOE, and Homeland Security.

  • Humans Have the Power to Decode Bias in AI

    During the Northwestern Computer Science event “Decoding Bias: A Conversation with Filmmaker Shalini Kantayya” on February 23, faculty, students, and the community talked with the filmmaker about the harmful ways artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technologies wield power, and how humans can intervene.

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Research Areas

Pushing the boundaries of computer science

CS+X Initiative

Exploding the possibilities of interdisciplinary research

We are working to actively discover and support relationships between computer science and diverse disciplines across the University. In doing so, we can drive transformational connections and potentially spark entirely new fields of study.


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Chicago Tech

Connecting with Chicago's growing technology sector

Situated along the lake, 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Northwestern’s unique location offers unsurpassed access to research partnerships and networking opportunities at neighboring tech organizations.


Programs

Learning on the cutting edge

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Combined BS/MS Degree Program

Minor in Computer Science

Note: The department offers a bachelor of science in computer science for students enrolled in the McCormick School of Engineering, as well as a bachelor of arts in computer science for students enrolled in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. The computer science-specific requirements of the two degrees are identical.

Introduction to Computer Science

Northwestern students who are interested in changing their major, or simply sampling the computer science field, can take individual introductory courses.

Learn more about introductory courses

Graduate

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

Master of Science in Computer Science

PhD in Computer Science

PhD students may earn a specialization in cognitive science by taking six cognitive science courses and may elect to participate in the Crown Family Graduate Internship Program.

Affiliated

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Master of Science in Information Technology

Master of Science in Robotics

PhD in Computer Engineering

PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences

PhD in Technology and Social Behavior

The MBAi Program

Department Events

Bringing relevant conversations to the forefront

Learn and engage with our community at one of our CS department events, including our Distinguished Lecture Series, Tech Talks Series, Colloquium Series, and CS+X Events. Past speakers include thought and industry leaders such as Jon Kleinberg (Cornell University), Christos Papadimitriou (Columbia University), Salim Chawro (Microsoft), and An Zhu (Google). 

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Discover Our Whole-Brain Engineering Philosophy

We augment the analytical core of engineering with design, entrepreneurship, leadership, personal development, and unusual collaborations to imagine what's next and take the world in a whole new direction.

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