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Computer Science, BS

Computer science will challenge you to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity and to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences.

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Computer Science program

Quick facts

Courses

36-40 courses total (120 credit hours)
Math Intensity: Substantial

Important dates

Next start date: 3/16/2026 (Online)
5/18/2026 (Online and In-Person)

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree overview

The Bachelor of Science program in computer science is anchored with core courses that provide a solid foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. These courses ensure that you have essential critical thinking knowledge along with effective programming and problem-solving skills in a variety of modern programming languages. The core courses give you the necessary knowledge for a career in computer science with an emphasis on understanding security and systems issues.

The program caters to a variety of interests in subfields of computer science and related disciplines. As part of your program of study, you have access to a flexible set of electives that enable you to develop in-depth knowledge and skills. The electives are in the areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, database systems, informatics, or other engineering and science disciplines. You can also pursue concentrations in software engineering or cybersecurity as part of your degree program.

Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org/, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science Program Criteria.

Plan code: ESCSEBS

Sample courses

This is a sample course sequence. General education courses can be taken in a different order.

You'll complete 36-40 courses total (120 credit hours) to earn this degree.

The ASU Experience ASU 101 | 1 credit hour
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First-Year Composition | 6 credit hours
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Humanities, Arts and Design (HUAD) | 3 credit hours
Description:
Choose a course in the general studies category of "Humanities, Arts and Design (HUAD)" to fulfill this requirement.
Introduction to Engineering FSE 100 | 2 credit hours
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Calculus for Engineers I OR Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 3 credit hours
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Principles of Programming CSE 110 | 3 credit hours
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Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures CSE 205 | 3 credit hours
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Calculus for Engineers II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 3 credit hours
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Lab Science | 3 credit hours
Description:
For information on what courses you may take to meet this requirement, please see the checksheet.
Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOBE) | 3 credit hours
Description:
Choose a course in the general studies category of "Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOBE)" to fulfill this requirement.
Digital Design Fundamentals EEE 120 | 3 credit hours
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Introduction to Programming Languages CSE 240 | 3 credit hours
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Discrete Mathematical Structures MAT 243 | 3 credit hours
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Calculus for Engineers III OR Logic in Computer Science | 3 credit hours
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Lab Science | 8 credit hours
Description:
For information on what courses you may take to meet this requirement, please see the checksheet.
Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming CSE 230 | 3 credit hours
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Data Structures and Algorithms CSE 310 | 3 credit hours
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Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving IEE 380 | 3 credit hours
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Humanities, Arts and Design (HUAD) | 3 credit hours
Description:
Choose a course in the general studies category of "Humanities, Arts and Design (HUAD)" to fulfill this requirement.
Minimum grade: C
Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science CSE 355 | 3 credit hours
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Ethics for the Information Age CSE 300 | 3 credit hours
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Introduction to Software Engineering CSE 360 | 3 credit hours
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Information Assurance CSE 365 | 3 credit hours
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Applied Linear Algebra MAT 343 | 3 credit hours
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Operating Systems CSE 330 | 3 credit hours
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Principles of Programming Languages CSE 340 | 3 credit hours
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Database Management OR Computer Networks OR Distributed Software Development OR Introduction to Artificial Intelligence or Foundations of Machine Learning | 3 credit hours
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American Institutions (AMIT) | 3 credit hours
Description:
Choose a course in the general studies category of "American Institutions (AMIT)" to fulfill this requirement.
Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) | 3 credit hours
Description:
Choose a course in the general studies category of "Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI)" to fulfill this requirement.
Computer Science Capstone Project I CSE 485 | 3 credit hours
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Upper Division Technical Elective | 6 credit hours
Minimum grade: C
CSE 4** Electives | 12 credit hours
Sustainability (SUST) | 3 credit hours
Description:
Choose a course in the general studies category of "Sustainability (SUST)" to fulfill this requirement.
Computer Science Capstone Project II CSE 486 | 3 credit hours
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Elective: | 1 credit hour

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).


Develop the skills and confidence to make an impact in your field

Here is just some of what you'll learn:

  • Automation
  • Code review
  • Computing principles
  • Data organization
  • Debugging
  • Information systems
  • Language programming
  • Scalability
  • Software engineering and development
  • Solution design
  • Systems engineering

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Computer Programmer -6.0% $100,390
Computer Science Professor 5.3% $96,980
Computer Scientist 19.7% $140,300
Computer Software Quality Engineer 10.0% $104,300
Corporate Web Developer 8.2% $116,580
Database Administrator (DBA) -0.7% $104,620
Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician) 8.2% $116,580
Information Security Analyst 28.5% $129,180
Software Developer 15.8% $135,980
Telecommunications Engineering Specialist 11.9% $134,050

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Computer science professionals design, analyze and improve the quality of computer software and systems. Graduates of this program secure employment in a variety of capacities, such as computer and software design, and development of information technologies. Their jobs are often distinguished by the high level of theoretical expertise applied to solving complex problems and to the creation and application of new computing technologies.

Computer science graduates work in a variety of areas, including:

  • artificial intelligence
  • computer vision
  • cybersecurity
  • graphics
  • information management
  • multimedia
  • networking

Computer science-related jobs include:

  • creating computer games and graphics systems
  • designing artificial intelligence systems
  • developing mobile computing applications
  • developing network security applications
  • discovering data management and mining solutions for large-scale data analytics
  • inventing and implementing more efficient computing systems for managing data and information, including information retrieval and search on the Internet

With the theoretical foundation built into the program, computer science graduates can excel in system and software development, as well as in designing effective computing solutions for emerging and challenging problems in modern society. Skills in system development and research can lead to entrepreneurial activity that produces innovative computing products and services.

Graduates are able to embark on further studies in graduate degree programs.

Admission details

Requirements and contact information

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

The admission standards for majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, shown below, are higher than minimum university admission standards. International students must meet the same admission standards, with the possible additional requirement of a minimum English language proficiency test score. If the university requires an English proficiency test score from the applicant, then admission to engineering requires requires a minimum total TOEFL iBT® score of 4 with a minimum section score of 3.5 (Reading: 3.5, Writing: 3.5, Listening: 3.5, Speaking: 3.5), or a score of 79 if taken before Jan. 21, 2026; or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5; a minimum PTE score of 58; a minimum Duolingo English score of 105; or a minimum Cambridge English exam score of 176.

First-year admission:

  1. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies

Transfer admission requirements:

Transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours:

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for fewer than 24 transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies, and
  3. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score (or 1140 if taken prior to March 5, 2016) or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class

Transfer students with 24 or more transferable college credit hours must meet either the primary or the secondary criteria (not both):

Primary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies (if ASU Admission Services requires submission of a high school transcript)

Secondary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 2.75 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. minimum GPA of 2.75 in CSE 110 Principles of Programming, CSE 205 Object-oriented Programming and Data Structures, MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I, and MAT 266 Calculus for Engineers II

Admission requirements for many majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are higher than university admission standards.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
SCAI.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
SCAI.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
SCAI.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
SCAI.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program

Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Students learn to thrive in a global environment through the rich educational and interpersonal experiences inherent in study abroad. A resume enhanced by the valuable study abroad experience impresses prospective employers, and it also helps the student stand out should they decide to pursue advanced study.

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Estimate tuition and fees

Study at the largest and most comprehensive engineering school in the nation

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering faculty are world-class engineers, teachers, scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Many of our 350+ faculty members have been honored with the highest awards in their fields and more than $265 million in research expenditures.

#2

in the U.S. for bachelor's degrees awarded for computer science, preparing graduates to accelerate the pace of technological evolution in growing opportunities across industries.

#2

in the U.S. for employability among public universities, ahead of UCLA, Michigan and Purdue (Global Employability University Ranking and Survey).

Top 25

nationally for undergraduate computer science specialties (U.S. News & World Report)

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