BS or BA in Computer and Information Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Ohio State University Columbus

Program Overview

The Computer and Information Science (CIS) programs at The Ohio State University prepare students to design software, develop computing systems, and use technology to solve practical problems across fields such as business, healthcare, science, engineering, and public policy. Students can choose between the Bachelor of Science (BS), which provides more intensive computing, mathematics, and science study, and the Bachelor of Arts (BA), which offers greater flexibility to combine computer science with a related field of interest.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum combines programming, algorithms, software development, computer systems, and ethical considerations in computing. The BS and BA share several core subjects, but the BS includes additional advanced computing and science requirements, while the BA provides more flexibility for interdisciplinary study.

Year 1 – Programming and Mathematical Foundations

Students begin developing their programming and analytical skills through courses such as CSE 2221, Software I: Software Components, alongside introductory programming preparation and Calculus I. These subjects establish a foundation in software construction, mathematical reasoning, and computational problem-solving that supports more advanced study.

Year 2 – Software Design, Algorithms, and Systems

Students progress to CSE 2231, Software II: Software Development and Design, and CSE 2321, Foundations I: Discrete Structures, developing more structured approaches to programming and understanding the mathematical principles behind computing. They also study CSE 2421, Systems I: Introduction to Low-Level Programming and Computer Organization, which introduces low-level programming and the relationship between software and computer hardware.

Year 3 – Advanced Computing and Applied Projects

Students build on their core knowledge through courses such as CSE 2331, Foundations II: Data Structures and Algorithms, CSE 2431, Systems II: Introduction to Operating Systems, and CSE 2501, Social, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Computing, depending on their degree pathway and prerequisites. Students also undertake project-based coursework, with options such as CSE 3901, Project: Design, Development, and Documentation of Web Applications, CSE 3902, Project: Interactive Systems, or CSE 3903, Project: System Software.

Year 4 – Specialisation and Professional Preparation

In their final year, students complete advanced electives and remaining degree requirements, tailoring their studies to their professional interests. Depending on their chosen pathway, they can explore artificial intelligence, software engineering, databases, computer graphics, networking, computer systems, or information security, while strengthening their ability to design and evaluate practical computing solutions.

Focus Areas

Software development, algorithms and data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, computer graphics and game design, database systems, data analytics, information security, networking, interdisciplinary computing.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to design, implement, test, and evaluate software; analyse algorithms and data structures; understand computer systems and programming languages; and apply computing techniques to practical problems. They also learn to consider the ethical and professional implications of technology, collaborate on technical projects, and adapt their computing knowledge to applications in other disciplines.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BS and BA in Computer and Information Science are offered through Ohio State's College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Both provide an academic foundation in software development, computing theory, and practical problem-solving; the official program information does not identify a specific professional accreditation for either CIS degree.

Reputation (Employability Outcomes)

Ohio State's official CIS program information reports that beginning salaries for recent Computer and Information Science graduates have averaged approximately $75,000, although actual salaries vary according to experience, technical skills, industry, and location. The university also identifies computing careers as opportunities across software and hardware companies, financial institutions, healthcare organisations, manufacturing, and information security.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Ohio State's Computer and Information Science programs emphasise practical software development, systems programming, and collaborative computing projects. Students apply their knowledge through programming assignments, software design, and project-based courses that challenge them to build and evaluate working computing solutions. The department also encourages students to pursue internships and co-op experiences, helping them connect classroom learning with professional work.

Key practical learning opportunities and resources include:

Software Development Projects: CSE 2221, Software I: Software Components, and CSE 2231, Software II: Software Development and Design, help students develop structured programming and software design skills.
Web Application Development: CSE 3901, Project: Design, Development, and Documentation of Web Applications, allows students to apply their knowledge to developing and documenting web-based software.
Interactive Systems: Students can select CSE 3902, Project: Interactive Systems, to explore the design and development of interactive computing applications.
System Software: CSE 3903, Project: System Software, offers another project pathway focused on system-level software development.
Computer Systems and Operating Systems: CSE 2421 and CSE 2431 develop students' understanding of low-level programming, computer organisation, and operating systems.
Internships and Co-op Opportunities: Internships and co-op placements are encouraged but are not compulsory. Ohio State's College of Arts and Sciences Career Success resources help students identify opportunities, prepare résumés, and practise interview skills.
Computing Student Organisations: Students can participate in organisations such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), ACM-W, Buckeye Hackers, the Game Creation Club, and the Ohio State Open Source Club.
Specialisation and Technical Electives: Students can explore areas such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, databases, software engineering, networking, and information security through eligible electives.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Computer and Information Science degrees prepare students for technical careers in software development, computing systems, data-related fields, and technology consulting. The BS provides a more intensive computing, mathematics, and science pathway, while the BA is particularly suitable for students who want to combine computing with another academic discipline. Both degrees can support progression into professional employment or further study, depending on students' skills, coursework, and experience.

Potential career opportunities include:

Software engineer, software developer, systems analyst, database administrator, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, data analyst, IT consultant, quality assurance engineer, application developer.

Career Development and Graduate Opportunities

Career Support: Ohio State's College of Arts and Sciences Career Success provides career guidance, help identifying suitable positions, résumé development, and interview preparation.
Internship and Co-op Search: Students are encouraged to pursue relevant internships and co-op placements to gain professional experience and develop industry connections.
Professional Organisations: Computing-related student organisations offer opportunities to connect with peers, participate in technical activities, and explore areas such as open-source software, game development, and computing research.
Employment and Salary Information: Ohio State's official CIS program page reports average beginning salaries of approximately $75,000 for recent graduates. Actual compensation varies by position, experience, employer, and location.
Industry Applications: The program prepares students for computing roles in software and hardware development, healthcare, banking, insurance, manufacturing, information security, and other sectors.
Professional Development: Coursework in software development, systems, algorithms, and computing ethics helps students develop technical and professional skills relevant to long-term career growth.
Accreditation: The university's official CIS program information does not identify a specific professional accreditation for either the BA or BS degree.
Graduation Outcomes: Ohio State identifies software engineering, systems analysis, database administration, network administration, and related technical roles as potential career paths for CIS graduates. Individual outcomes depend on academic performance, experience, and employer requirements.

Further Academic Progression: After completing either degree, graduates may pursue master's programs in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related disciplines. Students interested in advanced research can consider a PhD in Computer Science after meeting the relevant admission requirements. The BS may be particularly suitable for students seeking a more intensive technical and scientific foundation, while BA graduates can use their related-field coursework to pursue interdisciplinary postgraduate study.