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.
Encouraging Minorities in the field
- Women in Computer Science (WICS)
- Girls Who Code
- Blacks in Technology (BiT)
Video games
- eSports
- IGDA (Game Dev)
Serve our community
- Technology Without Borders
- Enabling Technology
Hackathons
- HackNC
- PearlHacks
- Carolina Data Challenge
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.
Be sure to connect with us via social media:
Links for Prospective Students
Show MoreAbout Us
Learn about and explore our department.
Schedule a Visit
Schedule to attend a UNC Department of Computer Science Information Session
Contact Us
Contact us If you have a question about a particular area of our department.
Summer Opportunities
Check out Summer Opportunities page for information about current students’ involvements over the summer.
Department Rankings
Check out what our Department and University rank nationally and internationally.
Events Calendar
Learn about what events are taking place. Events such as talks, meetings, hackathons and more.
News Headlines
Read about UNC Computer Science innovation and expertise.
Sitterson Hall & Brooks Computer Science Building
Learn about the two connected buildings that house the Computer Science department
Floor Plans for Sitterson Hall & Brooks Computer Science Building
Find and explore your way around the Computer Science Department.
Links for Prospective Undergraduate Students
The following content may be useful to undergraduate students in the Department of Computer Science.
Show MoreUndergraduate Academics
Check out the Academics page for program overviews
Student Clubs
Check out to learn about or get involved with the C.S. club
News & Publications
Read about the innovative work of our scholars
Our People
Discover our personnel and alumni’s and how our department facilitates contact.
Research
Check out our research mission and current research projects
Links for Prospective Graduate Students
The following content may be useful for graduate students in the Department of Computer Science.
Show MoreWhy Choose UNC for a Doctoral Degree?
Check out this page to foster your decision.
Graduate Academics
Check out the graduate programs we have to offer.
Overview of Graduate Degree Programs and Requirements
Check out this page for the Graduate program overviews
Categories of Courses
View what courses are required and offered at the Graduate level.
Graduate Admissions
Learn how to apply for our Computer Science Graduate program.
Eligibility for Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Assistance
Learn about the guidelines and policies concerning eligibility for Assistantships.
Graduate Computer Science Student Association
Learn about the representative graduate student group of Computer Science
Graduate Women in Computer Science Club
Get involved with the community for graduate women in Computer Science
Research
Check out our Research page to learn about our multidisciplinary and collaborative research.
PRP Registration System
Access our Prelimitary Research Proposal management system.
Faculty
Check out our Faculty page.
Graduate Instructor Information
Learn information for new graduate student instructors.
Student Progress Forms