Computer Science BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Oregon

Program Overview

The University of Oregon’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science develops students’ ability to design, analyze, and implement algorithms, software, computer systems, and programming languages while building a strong foundation in mathematics and science. The program suits students who want a rigorous computing education and the flexibility to explore areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer networks, high-performance computing, security, and software development.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students establish their programming and mathematical foundations through courses such as CS 122: Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving, CS 210: Computer Science I, and CS 211: Computer Science II. Alongside programming, they begin Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus, while completing composition and general education coursework.

Year 2:
The second year strengthens core computer science knowledge through CS 212: Computer Science III, CS 314: Computer Organization, and MATH 231–232: Elements of Discrete Mathematics I–II. Students also complete a science sequence and can take CS 322: Introduction to Software Engineering, connecting their programming knowledge with software-development practices.

Year 3:
Students move into more advanced computing through CS 313: Intermediate Data Structures, CS 315: Intermediate Algorithms, and CS 330: C/C++ and Unix. They also study CS 415: Operating Systems, complete upper-division mathematics, and take PHIL 223: Data Ethics, while beginning to use electives to develop a specialized area of interest.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on advanced computer science through CS 425: Principles of Programming Languages and CS 422: Software Methodology I, supported by several upper-division Computer Science electives. These electives allow students to develop greater depth in areas such as AI and machine learning, computer networks, security, high-performance computing, or software development.

Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Networks, High Performance Computing and Computational Science, Security, Software Development

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate technical competency in computer science theory, computer systems, programming languages, and software development; design, implement, and test software solutions to significant problems; apply computer science knowledge to new problem domains and emerging technologies; communicate and collaborate effectively as part of project teams; and recognize professional responsibilities and ethical principles in computing practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of Oregon's official Computer Science B.S. catalog does not list a specialized programmatic accreditation such as ABET for the degree. The University of Oregon is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Oregon does not publish a current Computer Science B.S.-specific QS, Guardian, or graduate salary ranking on the official program pages reviewed. As an institutional indicator of career preparation and engagement, the University reports that 73% of its students engage in research, while the School of Computer and Data Sciences emphasizes internships, capstones, industry partnerships, and other real-world experiences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

2. Experiential Learning

Computer Science B.S. students at the University of Oregon can gain practical experience through internships, industry-connected capstones, undergraduate research, programming competitions, hackathons, and student organizations. The School of Computer and Data Sciences emphasizes learning by doing, giving students opportunities to apply their technical knowledge to real-world problems, work with teams and industry mentors, and develop portfolios before graduation.

Students can build this practical experience through:

Technology internships: The School of Computer and Data Sciences maintains a dedicated internship database covering opportunities in computer science, data science, and cybersecurity.
Career and Internships Seminar (CS 407): Students receive practical guidance on résumé building, portfolio preparation, interviewing, networking, and searching for internships and early-career positions.
Industry-connected capstones: Computer Science capstone projects allow students to work in teams on real-world problems and receive feedback from industry partners and mentors.
Industry projects: SCDS has highlighted Computer Science capstone collaborations with organizations including Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Pipeworks, giving students experience with projects connected to professional environments.
Software engineering: CS 322: Introduction to Software Engineering and CS 422: Software Methodology I provide dedicated study of software-development methods and practices.
Systems and programming: Students work with C/C++ and Unix in CS 330 and study computer systems through CS 314: Computer Organization and CS 415: Operating Systems.
AI and machine learning: Students can select the AI and Machine Learning concentration, which focuses on computational approaches involving inference, neural and statistical methods, and search.
Cybersecurity and networks: The Computer Science curriculum provides concentration options in Security and Computer Networks, allowing students to develop specialized technical knowledge in systems, networks, and security.
Undergraduate research: Students can work alongside faculty, graduate students, and other researchers on active scientific problems and can earn academic credit for faculty-led research.
Honors research: Computer Science students pursuing departmental honors complete research and thesis work under faculty supervision through CS 401 Research and CS 403 Thesis.
Programming competitions and hackathons: SCDS supports student participation in programming competitions and hackathons, providing additional opportunities to test technical skills in collaborative settings.
Student organizations: Technology-focused student groups provide opportunities for students to collaborate, develop technical skills, participate in workshops, and connect with peers and industry mentors.
Research environment: The Computer Science department is located in Deschutes Hall, while SCDS research spans areas including AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, networks, distributed systems, high-performance computing, programming languages, software engineering, and theoretical computer science.

Facilities and Experiential Learning Information: University of Oregon School of Computer and Data Sciences

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Computer Science B.S. prepares graduates for careers across software development, artificial intelligence, systems, networking, security, and other computing-intensive fields. Its combination of programming, algorithms, computer organization, operating systems, software methodology, mathematics, ethics, and specialized concentrations gives students a foundation for both professional technology roles and further academic study.

Typical career roles include:

Software Engineer, Software Developer, Systems Analyst, Security Analyst

Students can strengthen their transition from university to employment through:

University Career Center: Students can receive career coaching for résumé and cover-letter development, job and internship searches, interviews, LinkedIn profiles, and broader career planning.
Handshake: Students can use Handshake to search for jobs and internships, connect with employers, and build professional networks; graduates retain access to Handshake after graduation.
Career and Internships Seminar: CS 407 provides targeted preparation for internships and early-career positions through résumé, portfolio, interview, networking, and job-search guidance.
Career fairs and employer engagement: UO provides employer recruiting, career fairs, interview opportunities, workshops, and networking activities through the University Career Center.
Industry-connected capstones: Students can work with industry mentors on real-world projects, producing portfolio work that demonstrates their technical abilities to future employers.
Industry partnerships: SCDS works with organizations through capstones, internships, advisory activities, speakers, workshops, and other forms of industry engagement. Computer Science capstone examples have included projects with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Pipeworks.
Employment outcomes: The University of Oregon provides a First Destination Survey and alumni-outcomes resources, but a current Computer Science B.S.-specific employment percentage and average starting salary were not identified in the official sources reviewed. No unsupported salary figure is therefore included.
Professional preparation: The program's learning outcomes emphasize technical competency, software design and testing, adaptability to emerging technologies, teamwork, communication, and ethical responsibility.
Research opportunities: Students can participate in faculty-led research in areas including AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, networks, distributed systems, high-performance computing, programming languages, software engineering, and theoretical computer science.
Long-term value: While the official program page does not list a specialized accreditation such as ABET, the curriculum provides broad preparation across core computing disciplines and specialized concentrations that can support both technology careers and graduate-level study.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue into the University of Oregon's M.S. in Computer Science or Ph.D. in Computer Science. Particularly strong undergraduate students can also pursue the Computer Science Accelerated Master's Program, a five-year pathway designed to allow students to earn both the B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science, while students interested in research can pursue honors-level thesis work under faculty supervision.