Amherst College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science within a liberal arts framework, combining rigorous technical training with critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning. The program focuses on core principles such as algorithms, theory of computation, systems, and software design, while also encouraging interdisciplinary exploration. With small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, Amherst’s CS graduates are prepared for both cutting-edge careers and graduate study in computing and beyond.
The BA in Computer Science at Amherst requires the completion of 10 full CS courses, in addition to foundational mathematics and college-wide distribution requirements. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies while mastering essential computational concepts.
Core Computer Science Courses:
COSC 111: Introduction to Computer Science I
COSC 112: Introduction to Computer Science II
COSC 171: Computer Systems
COSC 211: Data Structures
COSC 311: Algorithms
COSC 401 or 402: Senior Seminar or Honors Thesis
Advanced Electives (Choose 4+):
Students select upper-level electives from a diverse set of offerings, such as:
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Databases
Computer Graphics
Software Design
Programming Languages
Theory of Computation
Human-Computer Interaction
Mathematics Requirements:
MATH 121: Intermediate Calculus
MATH 271 or 272: Linear Algebra or Discrete Mathematics
General Education:
Students complete Amherst’s open curriculum, allowing broad exploration in humanities, social sciences, and sciences. This flexibility encourages interdisciplinary learning and intellectual curiosity.
Capstone Project:
Students complete either a Senior Seminar (COSC 401/402) or a Senior Honors Thesis, conducting independent research or a major software project under faculty supervision. Many students present their work publicly or publish results with faculty co-authorship.
Amherst fosters real-world engagement, research, and collaboration beyond the classroom:
Undergraduate Research:
Amherst places strong emphasis on undergraduate research, with students frequently working on faculty-led projects in AI, robotics, theoretical CS, and ethics in computing. Funding is available for summer research through SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship).
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
Students can take advantage of cross-disciplinary opportunities in areas such as neuroscience, digital humanities, economics, and environmental studies, reflecting Amherst’s strong liberal arts ethos.
Five College Consortium:
Through the Five College Consortium (Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and UMass Amherst), students can take CS courses at other institutions, expanding their access to specialized electives and research labs.
Clubs and Competitions:
Clubs like the Amherst College Coding Club, WiCS (Women in Computer Science), and hackathons encourage community, innovation, and peer collaboration. Students also participate in national coding contests and academic conferences.
Amherst’s Computer Science graduates go on to excel in both industry and academia, benefiting from strong faculty mentorship and the college’s alumni network.
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates pursue careers in roles such as:
Software Developer
Data Analyst
Systems Engineer
Product Manager
Research Assistant
Alumni work at top-tier employers such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and national labs, as well as at NGOs and mission-driven startups.
Graduate Studies:
A significant number of CS graduates pursue advanced degrees at leading institutions (e.g., MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard), often supported by their undergraduate research and faculty recommendations.
Amherst College’s Computer Science program offers a rare combination of intellectual depth, hands-on experience, and interdisciplinary exploration—preparing students to think critically, code creatively, and lead ethically in an evolving digital world.
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