BS Computer Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at UIUC is internationally recognized for its academic excellence, innovative curriculum, and vibrant research ecosystem. Designed to blend solid theoretical foundations with real-world application, this program prepares students for leadership roles in software development, research, and interdisciplinary innovation.

UIUC consistently ranks among the world’s top computer science programs, offering students access to cutting-edge labs, entrepreneurial opportunities, and close connections with industry leaders.

 

Curriculum Overview

Students must complete approximately 128 credit hours, encompassing core computer science, mathematics and science, technical electives, and general education requirements.

Core Computer Science Courses
Students gain in-depth exposure to foundational topics through courses such as:

  • Introduction to Computer Science I & II

  • Data Structures and Discrete Structures

  • Computer Architecture and System Programming

  • Algorithms and Models of Computation

  • Programming Languages and Compilers

  • Database Systems and Computer Systems Organization

  • Applied Machine Learning or other senior-level electives

  • Senior Project or approved Capstone experience

 

Mathematics and Science Foundation
A robust mathematical background supports computational problem-solving, with required courses in:

  • Calculus I, II, and III

  • Linear Algebra or Differential Equations

  • Statistics

  • University Physics I & II with labs

  • An additional approved lab-based science course

 

Technical Electives and Specializations
Students have the flexibility to pursue advanced electives in areas such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Computer Vision

  • Data Science

  • Robotics

  • Human-Computer Interaction

  • Cybersecurity

  • Software Engineering

 

General Education
The program also includes UIUC’s general education curriculum, which ensures a well-rounded academic experience through coursework in composition, humanities, social sciences, and advanced writing.

 

Capstone Project
In their final year, students complete a Senior Capstone Project (CS 499). Working in teams—often in collaboration with industry partners—they design and build a substantial software or research project, showcasing their ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UIUC strongly encourages real-world, hands-on learning across several platforms:

Internships and Co-ops:

Through the Engineering Career Services, students have access to internships and co-op opportunities with major tech companies, startups, and research labs. UIUC is a top-recruiting school for employers like Google, Meta, Amazon, and NVIDIA.

Undergraduate Research:

The Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research Program (ISUR) and PURE (Promoting Undergraduate Research in Engineering) allow students to engage in research alongside faculty in areas such as quantum computing, bioinformatics, and machine learning.

HackIllinois and Hackathons:

UIUC hosts HackIllinois, one of the largest student-run hackathons in the Midwest, along with numerous other project-based competitions.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

With resources like Research Park and the Siebel Center for Design, students can collaborate across disciplines and work on entrepreneurial ventures supported by mentors, workshops, and seed funding.

Student Organizations:

A wide variety of active clubs, including ACMReflections | Projections ConferenceWCS (Women in Computer Science), and SIGs (Special Interest Groups), offer networking, skill-building, and community engagement.

Progression & Future Opportunities

UIUC Computer Science graduates are among the most sought-after in the world and enjoy exceptional career outcomes.

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates are employed in roles such as:

  • Software Engineer

  • Data Scientist

  • Systems Analyst

  • Machine Learning Engineer

  • UX Developer

  • Cybersecurity Analyst

UIUC alumni can be found at top-tier companies like Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Tesla, as well as within academia, national labs, and startups.

 

Graduate Studies:

Many students go on to pursue graduate degrees at UIUC or other elite institutions, supported by the program’s research-oriented curriculum and faculty mentorship.

With its blend of theoretical depth, practical training, and expansive resources, the Computer Science program at UIUC cultivates innovative, career-ready graduates capable of making a global impact.

Program Key Stats

$49,742
$ 75
Aug Intake : RD 5th Jan EA/ED 1st Nov


60 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

AAA - A*A*A
3.5 - 4.0
38 - 42
90 - 95

1340 - 1530
28 - 34
6.5
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Developer
  • Full-Stack Engineer
  • Mobile App Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • AI Researcher
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Ethical Hacker
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Fintech Developer
  • Blockchain Specialist
  • Product Manager
  • Technical Program Manager
  • Startups and innovation
  •  

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