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Undergraduate

Advisor Leigh Anne Byrd

Computer science prepares students to solve problems, build useful technologies, and shape the future.

A Virginia Tech bachelor's degree in computer science teaches students to design intelligent systems, train machine learning models, use AI in their work ethically, build secure software, and solve complex real-world problems using data and algorithms.

Across health care, finance, e-commerce, manufacturing, aerospace, national security, education, and virtually every other discipline, the need for skilled computer scientists is only growing.

Why a CS degree matters

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    A framework for ensuring student AI proficiency
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    By Margaret Ellis, Professor of Practice, Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science | "The question is no longer whether students will use AI after graduation but to what extent. So, how can universities best ensure that students are workforce-ready?"

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    Stop Telling Students Computer Science Is Dying
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    By Christine Julien, Head and Professor, Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science | "The headlines say computer science is collapsing. The data shows something else. Students and their families need accurate information."

Getting technical: the Bachelor of Science

Our students enter a well-rounded degree program focused on the design, implementation, performance and usability of computer systems. 

We provide a strong foundation in algorithms, problem-solving, and software development. A diverse set of elective courses provides experience with emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data mining, graphics, human computer interaction, Internet programming, networking, parallel computing, and software engineering.

A Virginia Tech computer science degree prepares students for careers in a wide range of fields and is a good foundation for graduate study in computer science or other information technology.

Study pathways in CS

Undergraduate students can shape their computer science degree through electives that support their interests and career goals. The examples below illustrate several possible pathways through the bachelor's degree curriculum. They are not required tracks or formal degree requirements but are good starting points for exploring options in computer science.

    Image of Cybersecurity Engineer Flyer
    Cybersecurity Engineer
    Image of Social Impact Engineer Flyer
    Social Impact Engineer
    Image of AI/ML Engineer Flyer
    AI/ML Engineer
    Image of Full Stack Developer Flyer
    Full Stack Developer
    Image of HCI/UX Engineer Flyer
    HCI/UX Engineer
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    Freestyler

    Student life and belonging

    At Virginia Tech, computer science is more than a major. It’s a community. Department-affiliated student organizations help students meet people, explore their interests, build leadership and technical skills, and find their place from the moment they arrive on campus.

    Accreditation

    The Bachelor of Science program in computer science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs. More information is available about the department's accreditation, mission, and educational objectives.

    Undergraduate program contacts