Computer Science, B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Clark University

Program Overview

Clark University’s Computer Science, B.S. gives students a strong foundation in both computer science theory and practical applications, preparing them to solve complex problems across technology, science, business and other fields. The program suits students who enjoy programming, analytical problem-solving and innovation, with opportunities to explore areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, algorithms and computer systems while gaining the broader perspective of a liberal arts education.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building their programming, mathematical and analytical foundations through courses such as CSCI 120 Computer Science I, CSCI 121 Computer Science II, and MATH 114 Discrete Mathematics. These courses introduce computational problem-solving and programming while developing the mathematical reasoning needed for more advanced computer science study.

Year 2: The curriculum progresses into core computing concepts through CSCI 140 Computer Language and Computer Organization and CSCI 160 Data Structures and Algorithms, while CSCI 210 Artificial Intelligence introduces students to knowledge representation, search techniques, pattern recognition and related AI concepts. Students also strengthen their mathematical foundation through courses such as Linear Algebra and Multivariate Calculus.

Year 3: Students move into more advanced theoretical and systems-based topics, including CSCI 170 Analysis of Programming Languages, CSCI 180 Automata Theory, and CSCI 230 Compiler Design. The program also includes CSCI 240 Computer Architecture and CSCI 201 Proseminar, helping students connect theoretical concepts with computer systems and professional-level study.

Year 4: Senior-level study provides opportunities to deepen knowledge through advanced electives, research and project-based work. Students can also pursue the department’s honors pathway, where qualified juniors work closely with a professor to develop a thesis on a topic of their choice.

Focus areas: Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Organization, Programming Languages, Automata Theory, Compiler Design, Computer Architecture, Computational Science, Research and Interdisciplinary Computing

Learning outcomes: Analyze complex problems, design algorithmic solutions, develop well-organized programs, test and optimize computational solutions, communicate technical information clearly, work collaboratively on computing problems, and apply computational thinking to interdisciplinary challenges

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Computer Science, B.S. closely follows Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)/IEEE program guidelines, providing a curriculum aligned with established computer science education standards. Clark also emphasizes both theoretical and applied computer science preparation for careers in industry, research and graduate study.

Reputation (employability rankings): Clark reports that its computer science alumni have progressed into roles including software engineering, systems and IT, research science and program management, with alumni working at organizations such as Amazon and Google. The university also reports that 98% of the Class of 2018 achieved a post-graduation goal within six months, including employment, further education or service; this is a university-wide historical outcome rather than a current Computer Science-specific placement rate.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Clark’s Computer Science, B.S. combines classroom learning with programming practice, collaborative projects, faculty research and career-focused experiences. Students have access to a dedicated computer science laboratory with Linux and Windows systems, while the department’s research laboratory connects computing work with mathematical and computational biology and the university’s high-powered computing cluster. Students can also gain hands-on experience through robotics, independent research, competitions, internships and faculty-mentored projects, allowing them to apply computing concepts to real problems:

Computer Science Laboratory: Students have access to 24 computers running Linux and Windows. The lab is also used for teaching-assistant hours and group projects, giving students a dedicated environment for practical computing work.
Research Laboratory: Mathematics and computer science students can work on mathematical and computational biology projects using iMacs, a Windows PC, an LED presentation screen and Ethernet connections to university computing resources and the university’s high-powered computing cluster.
Artificial Intelligence: CSCI 210 Artificial Intelligence gives students practical exposure to knowledge representation, search, analogy, pattern recognition, natural-language parsing and planning using Lisp.
Robotics: CSCI 265 Robotics and Intelligent Systems provides hands-on experience through computer simulations or physical experiments using robot project-component kits, alongside algorithmic and engineering concepts.
Faculty-led research: Students can undertake independent research with a computer science faculty mentor, including honors theses, interdisciplinary research, advanced-topic reading courses and self-designed projects.
Group projects and competitions: The department encourages collaborative work, programming competitions, hackathons and other activities where students develop their technical and teamwork skills.
Academic internships: Clark’s Academic Internship Program allows eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors to earn academic credit for career-related work. Official examples of Computer Science internships include Amazon, Alden Research Laboratory, Bamboo Rose, Bridgewater Associates, HAB Bank and other organizations.
Career technology: Clark’s Career Connections Center provides access to ClarkCONNECT for alumni and employer connections and Handshake for job and internship searches.
Career-integrated curriculum: Clark’s Curriculum & Careers initiative connects coursework with projects, internships, leadership opportunities and other experiential activities, helping students translate academic skills into professional experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Computer Science, B.S. from Clark can prepare graduates for technology careers as well as interdisciplinary roles where computational thinking is valuable. Clark’s computer science alumni have progressed into positions such as software engineers, systems and IT staff, research scientists and program managers, while others have continued into graduate education. The department specifically lists employers and alumni destinations including Google, Amazon, Wayfair, Oracle, Dell EMC, Goldman Sachs, HubSpot and PwC.

Typical job roles: Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Research Scientist, Network Administrator

Career development is integrated throughout the Clark experience, giving students multiple routes from academic study to employment:

Career Connections Center: Students receive career planning support, resume and interview assistance, employer connections and internship guidance. The center also provides career-development resources and introduces students to career services from their first year.
ClarkCONNECT and Handshake: Computer science students can connect with alumni mentors and employers through ClarkCONNECT, while Handshake provides an online platform for job and internship opportunities.
Employment and internship network: Clark lists computer science internship destinations including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, NetApp, Booz Allen Hamilton, Facebook and other organizations. Alumni have also gone on to work at Google, Wayfair, Oracle, Dell EMC, Goldman Sachs and HubSpot.
Employment outcomes: Clark’s official First Destination Report found that 98% of the Class of 2018 achieved a post-graduation goal within six months, covering employment, continuing education, military service and voluntary service. This is a historical university-wide figure and should not be interpreted as a current Computer Science-specific placement rate.
University–industry connections: Clark students have accessed professional opportunities through alumni and employer networks, internships and research collaborations. The university’s Computer Science department specifically highlights internships and employment with organizations including Amazon, NetApp and State Street.
Professional preparation: The program closely follows ACM/IEEE computer science program guidelines and develops algorithmic problem-solving, programming, testing, optimization, technical communication and collaborative skills that are applicable to professional computing environments.
Research and graduate preparation: Students can conduct faculty-mentored research, develop honors theses and undertake interdisciplinary projects, providing a strong foundation for research careers and graduate study.

Further Academic Progression: Clark offers a 4+1 Accelerated Master’s pathway for Computer Science, allowing eligible students to progress from the B.S. toward a master’s degree with one additional year of study and available tuition scholarships. Graduates can also pursue Clark’s Computer Science M.S. or apply to graduate programs at other universities; Clark reports computer science alumni attending institutions including Johns Hopkins, Brown, Yale, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and Georgia Tech.