Bachelor's in Computer Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Amherst College

Program Overview

Amherst College's Computer Science major offers students a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, computer systems, and computational problem-solving, combining technical knowledge with the flexibility of a liberal arts education. It is well suited to students who enjoy logical reasoning, designing software, and exploring how computers work, preparing them for opportunities in software development, technology, research, and postgraduate study.

Curriculum Structure

The Computer Science major combines introductory programming, core theory, computer systems, and advanced electives. Amherst awards an A.B. (Bachelor of Arts) degree, rather than a Bachelor of Science, and students should plan their course sequence with departmental advisers.

Year 1 – Foundations of Computing

Students begin by learning programming and computational thinking through courses such as COSC 111: Introduction to Computer Science I and COSC 112: Introduction to Computer Science II. These courses develop programming skills, algorithmic reasoning, and structured problem-solving, with laboratory work that allows students to practise the techniques introduced in class.

Year 2 – Algorithms and Computer Systems

Students build on their introductory knowledge through courses such as COSC 201: Data Structures and Algorithms I and COSC 161: Computer Systems I, depending on course availability and prerequisites. They explore how data can be organised and processed efficiently while learning about digital circuits, computer architecture, machine instructions, operating systems, and network communication.

Year 3 – Advanced Computing and Specialisation

Students deepen their understanding through advanced computer science courses and electives that match their interests. Options may include subjects such as operating systems, computer networks, compiler design, and performance evaluation, allowing students to explore the relationship between software, hardware, and efficient computation.

Year 4 – Advanced Study and Independent Research

Students complete their remaining major requirements and advanced coursework while preparing for employment or graduate study. Those interested in research can apply to the departmental honours program, which involves independent research under faculty supervision and the preparation of a thesis.

Focus Areas

Programming, algorithms, data structures, computer systems, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks, compiler design, software development, computational problem-solving, independent research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to design and analyse algorithms, write and evaluate computer programs, understand computer systems and software, solve complex computational problems, and communicate technical ideas effectively. They also gain experience applying theoretical concepts to practical programming tasks and independent research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Computer Science major provides an academic foundation in programming, algorithms, computer systems, and software development through Amherst College's liberal arts curriculum. The official program information does not identify a specific professional accreditation for this major, so no separate accreditation claim is made.

Reputation (Employability Outcomes)

Amherst College's official graduate destination survey provides broader evidence of career and further-study opportunities:

75.5% of graduates from the Class of 2025 were employed full-time within six months of graduation.
15.2% continued their education.
The survey reported a 91% knowledge rate, meaning the college collected destination information for this proportion of the graduating class.
Amherst graduates entered a range of sectors, including research, finance, consulting, healthcare, education, and technology.
Microsoft and Amazon were among the employers listed in Amherst's recent graduate destination data.

These figures cover Amherst College graduates across all fields, not Computer Science majors alone. They should not be interpreted as a program-specific employment rate or salary estimate.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Amherst College's Computer Science department combines programming laboratories, practical assignments, advanced coursework, and opportunities for faculty-guided research. Students gain experience translating theoretical concepts into working programs and investigating how software and computer hardware operate. Those interested in deeper academic work can apply for the departmental honours program, which supports independent research and thesis writing under faculty supervision.

Key practical learning opportunities and resources include:

Programming Laboratories: Introductory courses include laboratory sessions where students practise programming techniques and apply concepts from lectures to computational problems.
Programming Projects: Introductory computer science coursework includes programming assignments and larger projects that help students develop, test, and refine their solutions.
Computer Systems Projects: COSC 161, Computer Systems I, covers digital circuits, computer hardware, machine instructions, and basic computer architecture. Its described projects include digital circuit design and simulations of operating system and network processes.
Algorithms and Data Structures: COSC 201, Data Structures and Algorithms I, develops practical programming experience through topics such as sorting, searching, heaps, hash tables, and algorithm analysis.
Independent Research: Students can explore research topics with computer science faculty and develop their analytical skills through supervised independent work.
Departmental Honours Program: Eligible senior students can undertake a research project and thesis with a faculty adviser. The program includes regular discussions of students' independent research.
Advanced Computing Courses: Depending on availability and prerequisites, students can explore computer networks, operating systems, compiler design, and performance evaluation to deepen their technical expertise.
Academic Computing Facilities: Amherst provides computing and laboratory environments to support coursework and research. Specific equipment, software packages, and facility access should be confirmed with the department.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Amherst College's Computer Science major prepares students for careers involving software, computing systems, technical analysis, and computational research. Graduates can apply their programming and problem-solving abilities in technology companies, financial services, consulting, research organisations, and other sectors that use computing to solve practical problems.

Potential career opportunities include:

Software developer, software engineer, systems analyst, computer systems engineer, research assistant, technology consultant, data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, database developer, IT specialist.

Career Development and Graduate Opportunities

Career Advising: Amherst's Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning supports students with career exploration, professional development, and preparation for employment or further education.
Job and Internship Search: Students can use the college's career resources and recruiting platform to explore job vacancies, internships, and employer opportunities.
Networking and Professional Development: Career events, alumni connections, and employer engagement can help students develop professional relationships and learn about different career paths.
Graduate Outcomes: Amherst's Class of 2025 destination survey reports that 75.5% of graduates were employed full-time within six months, while 15.2% continued their education. These are college-wide figures, not outcomes specific to Computer Science graduates.
Employer Opportunities: Amherst's published graduate destination information lists organisations such as Microsoft and Amazon among its employers. These examples demonstrate possible career destinations but do not guarantee employment for Computer Science graduates.
Industry-Relevant Skills: Programming, algorithm design, data structures, computer systems, and independent research provide a foundation for technical employment and further study.
Professional Accreditation: The major provides broad academic preparation in Computer Science, but the official program information does not identify a specific professional accreditation.
Research Experience: Students can pursue independent study and the departmental honours program to strengthen their research portfolios and prepare for research-oriented postgraduate programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the A.B. in Computer Science, graduates may pursue master's degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, or related fields. Students interested in advanced research can consider a Ph.D. in Computer Science, particularly after developing a strong foundation in algorithms, systems, mathematics, and independent research. Those considering postgraduate study should consult their academic advisers about advanced electives, research opportunities, and the prerequisites required by their intended graduate programs.