Information for Prospective Students

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science has improved aspects of society including communication, accessibility, social media, entertainment, and even applications in the medical and business networks. These changes have come about because computer science is the study of problems and teaches students how to provide solutions to any problem in the world. Computing knowledge has become valued by most employers due to its applications in any field. However, computing jobs are widely available and offer high pay and satisfaction ratings. There are several fields in computer science that allow for specialization and intense creativity and innovation as new fields are being developed.

Reasons why you should study Computer Science!

• Computers are a part of everything we do.
• Foster Innovation and imagination to solve challenging problems
• Allows you make a positive difference in the world.
• Offers many opportunities in the computer science job force.
• Can support your career even if it isn’t directly in the computer science field.
• Skills are valued by prospective employers.
• Allows for collaboration
• Prepares for the future as society becomes more technology dependent

“The ability to logically analyze and work towards an answer is applicable in every field.” – Jesse Akes, a UNC student

The Department of Computer Science offers instruction and performs research in the essential areas of computer science including software, web and internet computing, networking, hardware systems, operating systems, compilers, parallel and distributed computing, theory of computing, and computer graphics

What Can You Do with a Degree in Computer Science?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Science occupations are projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026. This is due to many factors such as the population’s increased consumption and reliance on technology. Computer science is applicable to a wide range of jobs, resulting in the student’s ability to specialize or pick their own track they would like to follow. UNC Computer Science majors receive rigorous training in the foundations of computer science and the relevant mathematics, then have ample opportunity to specialize in their self-guided tracks. This ability to tailor your own studies allows you to get involved with both technical and other industries with applications of computer science. Our current students have ample opportunity to get involved in the computer science field, even before graduating through internships, entrepreneurship, and volunteering. 

A few companies that our students have interned at include:

To learn what other opportunities our UNC students have obtained, visit our Summer Opportunites page

How Students get involved on and off Campus

UNC Computer Science is composed of a diverse group of students with different interests. These are clubs and organized events that are available to all students with interest in Computer Science. Many clubs foster a beginners friendly environment so that they may include people of all majors to get involved.

How to Major in Computer Science?

UNC Computer Science offers 3 different programs of study.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.) is the preferred degree both for graduate study in computer science and for technical careers in software development, computational science, networking, information systems, and electronic commerce.

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (B.A.) is the preferred degree for those whose interests in computing spans the boundaries of multiple disciplines and wish to integrate their study of computing with study in a related discipline. The bachelor of arts degree will prepare the undergraduate student for a career in either a traditional computing field, or a career in a field where computing is a significant enabling technology.

The department also offers a B.S./M.S. combined program that allows students to graduate with both a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science in as few as five years.

There is no further application process to decide to major in Computer Science. If you are a prospective undergraduate student then you must apply through UNC’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are a current student who wishes to change or add a major then you must schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor. Your Academic Advisor will also give you additional advice to guide you in which courses to take.

To get a preview of what the computer science major courseload consist of, visit our Undergraduate Suggested Program of Study Page.

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Links for Prospective Students

Links for Prospective Undergraduate Students

The following content may be useful to undergraduate students in the Department of Computer Science.

Links for Prospective Graduate Students

The following content may be useful for graduate students in the Department of Computer Science.