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Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Computer Science, BSCS

Computer science is a discipline that involves the understanding and design of computational processes. The discipline ranges from a theoretical study of algorithms and information processing in general, to a practical design of efficient and reliable software that meets given specifications. This differs from most physical sciences, engineering included, that separate theoretical underpinnings of the science from applications within it.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Computer Science majors learn to program, but they also learn how to use computers to solve problems and develop the skills to pursue great careers in fields like data analytics, software development, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Cybersecurity

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Opportunities to work and learn system administration as part of the Department's IT staff.
  • Research opportunities in fields like machine learning and computer vision.
  • Capstone experience encourages entrepreneurial activities and partners with the WVU Hayhurst LaunchLab and ZinnStarter business plan competition.
  • The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
  • Department and University designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and Research through 2021 by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
  • Facilities include a Linux and Windows teaching laboratory and a cybersecurity laboratory co-located near campus with the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Our undergraduates have conducted research in human/computer interface, social media, biometrics data acquisition and algorithms for machine learning. This research has been sponsored in the summer by Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) undergraduate scholarships.

Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or "capstone") to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills. Projects in WVU's Computer Science major have included:

  • Development of Mobile Apps for iPhone and Android.
  • Development of Video Games for a Local Pre-school.
  • Machine Intelligence for Language Transcription for the Deaf.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $103,800

Possible job titles include: Business Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Systems Analyst.

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Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $120,360

Possible job titles include: Data Security Administrator, Information Security Analyst, Information Security Officer, Information Technology Specialist.

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Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Median Salary: $129,840

Possible job titles include: Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Analyst, Systems Engineer.

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Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $101,510

Possible job titles include: Database Administrator (DBA), Database Analyst, Database Coordinator, Information Systems Manager.

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Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise database systems and set standards for operations, programming, and security. Design and construct large relational databases. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $134,700

Possible job titles include: Data Architect, Database Architect, Information Architect, Technical Operations Vice President.

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Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $132,270

Possible job titles include: Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Application Developoer, Network Engineer, Application Integration Engineer.

Explore Career

Potential Employers

Graduates have worked for companies such as:

  • Leidos
  • KeyLogic
  • NASA IV&V
  • IBM
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Red Hat
  • National Security Agency
  • QolSys

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Computer Science major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. They also must meet one of the following admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Computer Science at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Computer Science major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Computer Science at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Request Info

Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit WVU

Apply

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.

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