Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Brandeis University

Program Overview

Brandeis University’s Computer Science undergraduate programs develop students’ programming, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them to apply computing to challenges across technology, business, science and other fields. Students can choose the Bachelor of Arts (BA), a nine-course pathway designed to complement another major or academic interest, or the Bachelor of Science (BS), a more in-depth fourteen-course pathway suited to students seeking advanced technical study, research or high-tech development.

Curriculum Structure

The university specifies required courses and electives rather than a fixed year-by-year sequence. The following is an illustrative progression; students should confirm prerequisites and course availability with their academic adviser.

Year 1: Programming Foundations

Students can begin with Introduction to Problem Solving in Python and progress to Advanced Programming Techniques in Java, depending on their prior programming experience and placement. These courses establish programming fundamentals and prepare students for more advanced computing topics.

Year 2: Core Computer Science

Students typically build on their programming knowledge through Data Structures and the Fundamentals of Computing and Discrete Structures. These subjects strengthen their understanding of algorithms, computational reasoning and the mathematical concepts used to solve computing problems.

Year 3: Systems and Advanced Computing

Students continue with courses such as Operating Systems and, for the BS pathway, Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs and Introduction to Theory of Computation. Electives allow students to explore areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, databases, human-computer interaction or computational linguistics, subject to course availability.

Year 4: Electives, Projects and Research

Students complete the remaining degree requirements and select electives aligned with their interests and future goals. They may also pursue faculty-guided research or a senior honors thesis, which requires completing and defending the thesis; the BS pathway offers a particularly strong foundation for deeper technical study and research.

Focus areas: Programming, data structures, algorithms, discrete structures, computer systems, operating systems, theory of computation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, database systems, human-computer interaction, computational linguistics, software development, computer science research

Learning outcomes: Develop programming skills, design and analyze computational solutions, apply data structures and algorithms, understand core computer systems, use mathematical reasoning to address computing problems, explore specialist areas through electives, and conduct independent research or collaborative technical projects.

Professional alignment: The curriculum provides a foundation for software development, computing research and other technical careers. The official undergraduate program pages do not identify a specific professional accreditation for these BA and BS degrees.

Reputation: Brandeis highlights its research-active faculty, opportunities for undergraduate research, industry engagement and proximity to the Boston and Cambridge technology sector. The department also reports that representatives from more than 30 companies attend its annual computer science internship and job fair.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Brandeis combines computer science coursework with opportunities to build software, explore emerging technologies and participate in faculty-led research. Students can apply their knowledge through independent research, collaborative projects, internships and technology-focused extracurricular activities. The university’s location near Boston and Cambridge also gives students access to a major technology and innovation hub.

Students can develop practical experience through:

Faculty-guided research: Work with computer science faculty on projects involving computer graphics, image retrieval, educational games, mobile applications and other computing challenges.
Programming and software development: Apply programming concepts to computational problems and develop software solutions through coursework. Courses such as Fundamentals of Software Engineering introduce software design, object-oriented development, test-driven development and project management.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Explore intelligent systems, natural-language processing, computer vision, data mining and machine learning through relevant electives.
Research labs and independent study: Explore opportunities to work with faculty in computer science research labs or undertake an independent project. Students pursuing departmental honors complete and defend a senior honors thesis.
Industry internships: Seek placements that provide workplace experience and opportunities to learn from technology professionals. The department reports hosting an annual computer science internship and job fair with representatives from more than 30 companies.
Hackathons and student organizations: Participate in DeisHacks, a social-good hackathon, or technology-focused student activities that encourage teamwork, experimentation and project development.
Professional networking: Engage with visiting scholars, alumni and technology-industry speakers through departmental events and colloquia.

Facilities and resources: Computer science research laboratories, advanced computing servers, the Vertica Lounge for study and collaboration, faculty research opportunities and university-supported career and internship resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Brandeis University’s Computer Science BA and BS programs can pursue careers in software development, technology, data-focused roles and computing-related business functions. The BA provides a foundation that can complement another academic discipline, while the BS offers more extensive computer science and mathematics study for students interested in deeper technical work, research or high-tech development. Graduates may also continue to postgraduate study in computer science and related disciplines.

Typical career opportunities include:

Software Engineer, Software Developer, Application Programmer, Systems Analyst, Business Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, Database Developer, Web Developer, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Research Assistant, Software Entrepreneur

Career development and progression opportunities:

Career services: Brandeis’s Hiatt Career Center offers individual career advising, career fairs, networking and alumni programmes, job and internship listings, and assistance with resumes, cover letters and interview preparation.
Employment outcomes: Brandeis reports that 98% of its Class of 2025 was employed, attending graduate school or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. This is a university-wide figure, not a computer-science-specific employment rate.
Internship and employer connections: Students can pursue internship opportunities through the department’s industry-facing events and the university’s broader employer network. The computer science department has identified organisations such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle and PayPal among companies represented at past internship and job fairs.
Professional recognition: The degree develops technical and analytical capabilities valued across computing-related industries. The official programme pages do not specify a particular professional accreditation for either undergraduate degree.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science or related postgraduate degrees in areas such as computer engineering, computational linguistics, data science, neuroscience or cognitive science, depending on their interests and admission requirements. Eligible Brandeis undergraduates may also apply for the university’s five-year BA/MS or BS/MS pathway, which allows qualified students to complete graduate-level study after their undergraduate degree.