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Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science through the McKelvey School of Engineering, designed to develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical skills. The program blends rigorous theoretical foundations with hands-on experience in programming, systems design, and research. WashU’s interdisciplinary environment encourages students to connect computing with fields like medicine, economics, and the arts, cultivating innovative and socially responsible computing professionals.
The BS in Computer Science typically requires completion of 120 credit hours, with a focus on core CS topics, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, and electives.
Core Computer Science Courses:
CSE 131: Introduction to Computer Science
CSE 132: Introduction to Computer Engineering
CSE 240: Logic and Discrete Mathematics
CSE 247: Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330: Rapid Prototype Development and Creative Programming
CSE 347: Analysis of Algorithms
CSE 361S: Introduction to Systems Software
CSE 422S: Operating Systems Organization
CSE 400/Research: Capstone or Senior Project/Thesis
Mathematics and Natural Sciences:
Calculus I & II (Math 131 & 132)
Math 2200: Elementary Probability and Statistics
Math 310 or 3200: Linear Algebra
At least two courses in laboratory science (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, or Biology)
General Education Requirements:
WashU’s “IQ Curriculum” ensures students complete courses in Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Ethical Reasoning, supporting a well-rounded education.
Technical and Domain Electives:
Students choose from 300- and 400-level computer science electives in areas such as:
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Computer Graphics
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Robotics
Human-Computer Interaction
Capstone Experience:
Students complete a Capstone Project or Research Thesis, applying their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, often in collaboration with industry, faculty research labs, or interdisciplinary teams.
WashU emphasizes innovation and real-world experience through various learning pathways:
Internships and Co-ops:
The Career Center and Engineering Communications Center assist students in securing internships and full-time roles with top-tier employers. WashU students intern at companies like Microsoft, Google, Square, Bayer, and Boeing.
Undergraduate Research:
Students can participate in cutting-edge research through the Office of Undergraduate Research or join faculty-led projects within McKelvey Engineering Research Labs, working in areas like AI, computational biology, and computer vision.
WashU Tech & Innovation Ecosystem:
With access to facilities like the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship, students are supported in launching startups and exploring commercialization pathways for their tech solutions.
Hackathons and Student Groups:
Student-led groups such as Women in Computer Science (WiCS), ACM, HackWashU, and others offer opportunities for community engagement, coding competitions, and industry networking.
Graduates of WashU’s Computer Science program are well-prepared for both employment and advanced study, thanks to the program’s academic excellence and emphasis on practical skills.
Employment Opportunities:
Alumni have pursued roles such as:
Software Developer
Data Scientist
DevOps Engineer
Security Analyst
UX Designer
Machine Learning Engineer
Top employers include Google, Amazon, Meta, Deloitte, Epic Systems, and startups in St. Louis’s growing tech ecosystem.
Graduate Studies:
WashU’s program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing master’s or PhD programs in computer science or interdisciplinary fields such as bioinformatics, public policy, and computational social sciences.
With a dynamic, research-driven environment and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Washington University in St. Louis offers a Computer Science program that empowers students to make a meaningful impact through innovation, technology, and leadership.
Academic details: Academic Requirements (submit one of the following): SAT or ACT National exam results (e.g., Baccalauréat, Abitur, Maturita) Predicted or actual IB Diploma or A-Levels 3 AP exam scores 3 IB Higher-Level scores (if not pursuing the full IB Diploma) Applicants to STEM majors in Arts & Sciences, Engineering, or Business must include at least one math exam (AP or HL Math).SAT/ACT details: SAT or ACT accepted (writing not required) Scores from any high school year are valid Highest individual scores considered (superscored) Last accepted test: December (or October for Early Decision I) Self-reported scores allowed on the Common or Coalition App Official scores required only after enrollmentEnglish Proficiency Requirement- International students whose first language isn’t English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores. Tests taken as late as December 2024 (or October for Early Decision I) are accepted for Fall 2025 entry. Exemptions are available if you: Score 670+ on SAT ERW or 30+ on ACT English Complete 3+ years in an English-medium school in the U.S. with strong academic performance (Exemptions are reviewed case-by-case—email: [email protected]) Duolingo can be taken anytime online and results are available in 48 hours. Note: Undocumented or DACA-eligible students do not need to submit English test scores. You may still submit test scores even if you're exempt. College Codes: SAT: 6929 ACT: 2386 TOEFL: 6929Recommendations: School Report- Required, Counselor Recommendation- Required, Mid Year Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): 1 Required, 1 Optional, Other Evaluation(s): 0 Required, 2 Optional.Academic Scholarships: Each undergraduate division offers a limited number of scholarships (up to full tuition). No separate application is needed—students are considered through their admissions application. Note: A digital portfolio is required for Art (Conway/Proetz) and Architecture (Fitzgibbon) scholarships.Writing Requirements: Common App Essay: Required Writing Supplement: 1 required short response (max 200 words) on your academic interests Special Programs: Additional short essay required if applying to Beyond Boundaries or Joint Business & CS Optional: 200-word response about a community or life experience Supplement also includes: Applications for merit-based scholarships (Danforth, Ervin, Rodriguez, Nemerov)Career Pathway:
Software Engineering: DeveloperFull-Stack EngineerMobile App Developer
AI & Data Science: Machine Learning EngineerData ScientistAI Researcher
Cybersecurity & Cloud: Cybersecurity AnalystCloud EngineerEthical Hacker
Finance & Business Tech: Quantitative AnalystFintech DeveloperBlockchain Specialist
Product & Management: Product ManagerTechnical Program Manager
Entrepreneurship: Startups and innovation
Further Studies: MS or PhD in AIcybersecurityor data science for research rolesMBA for leadership and management positions
Long-Term Growth: Engineering: Software Engineer → Tech Lead → CTO
Data & AI: Data Scientist → Head of AIManagement: Product Manager → VP of Engineering
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Washington University in St Louis
