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Williams College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science that blends technical depth with a liberal arts perspective. The program emphasizes not only the theoretical foundations and practical applications of computing, but also its societal implications. With a strong focus on small classes, close faculty-student interaction, and interdisciplinary thinking, Williams prepares students for impactful careers in technology, research, and public service, as well as for graduate study.
The Computer Science major at Williams consists of ten courses, including required core courses, advanced electives, and a capstone seminar or thesis option. The program is flexible and encourages integration with other disciplines.
Core Computer Science Courses:
CSCI 134: Introduction to Computer Science
CSCI 136: Data Structures and Advanced Programming
CSCI 237: Computer Organization
CSCI 256: Algorithm Design and Analysis
CSCI 334: Principles of Programming Languages
CSCI 361: Theory of Computation
Advanced Electives (Choose at least 3):
Examples include:
CSCI 339: Artificial Intelligence
CSCI 373: Computer Graphics
CSCI 374: Operating Systems
CSCI 377: Database Systems
CSCI 376: Computer Networks
CSCI 372: Computational Biology
CSCI 371: Machine Learning
Capstone Requirement:
All students complete either:
CSCI 402T: Senior Seminar, a topics-based course involving presentations and advanced reading, or
A Senior Thesis (CSCI 493–494) involving original research under close faculty supervision.
Mathematics Recommendations:
While not strictly required, students are strongly encouraged to take:
MATH 200-level: Linear Algebra or Discrete Mathematics
MATH 250/251: Probability or Statistics
These courses support deeper understanding of algorithms, data science, and machine learning.
Interdisciplinary Options:
Students frequently double major or integrate CS with fields like Mathematics, Physics, Philosophy, Biology, Economics, or Cognitive Science, enabling rich interdisciplinary projects and research.
Williams provides a range of hands-on and collaborative learning experiences that enhance the CS major:
Undergraduate Research:
Research is a cornerstone of the program. Students work closely with faculty on cutting-edge projects during the academic year or through the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). Research areas include machine learning, computer vision, theoretical computer science, digital privacy, and ethics in AI.
Internships and Career Support:
The '68 Center for Career Exploration supports students in obtaining tech internships and jobs. Williams CS students have interned at Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Palantir, and also at nonprofits and public sector tech organizations.
Hackathons and Tech Events:
Williams students organize and attend hackathons and tech meetups, both on-campus and regionally. Many participate in competitions like ICPC, HackMIT, and Grace Hopper Celebration.
Clubs and Community:
Williams College CS Club
WiCS (Women in Computer Science)
Data Science Club
Williams Students Online, which builds and maintains campus tech infrastructure
Ethics and Impact:
Courses and research often explore the ethical dimensions of computing, including bias in algorithms, surveillance, and the societal role of AI. This is enhanced by collaboration with Philosophy and Political Science departments.
Williams CS graduates are highly competitive in both the tech industry and academic pathways, thanks to their strong theoretical grounding and interdisciplinary mindset.
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates pursue roles in:
Software Development
Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Fintech
Public Interest Technology
Top employers include Google, Apple, Stripe, Microsoft, Palantir, IBM, and mission-driven orgs like Code for America and The U.S. Digital Service.
Graduate Studies:
Many graduates pursue advanced degrees (MS or PhD) at top universities such as MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard, and Berkeley, with strengths in both research and critical thinking.
Williams College’s Computer Science program offers a distinctive blend of intellectual rigor, humanistic insight, and technical expertise—preparing students to be ethical innovators and adaptive leaders in the digital age.
Other deadline details: Planning to apply for financial aid? Visit finaid.williams.edu for details and deadlines.SAT/ACT Update: Submitting SAT/ACT scores to Williams is optional. Your application will be reviewed holistically, whether or not you include them.SAT/ACT Scoring report: If you do choose to submit scores, you can: Enter them in your application, Email a screenshot to [email protected], Send them through the testing agency (SAT: 3965, ACT: 1936). Williams super scores—we’ll look at your highest subsection scores across test dates.English Language Proficiency: Williams doesn’t offer ESL courses, but English language support is available. While proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, or Duolingo aren’t required, you’re welcome to submit scores if you’d like us to review them.Recommendations: School Report- Required, Counselor Recommendation- Required, Mid Year Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): 2 Required, 1 Optional, Other Evaluation(s): 0 Required, 2 Optional.Financial Aid Update: Reminder: As of 2022, Williams offers the nation’s first all-grant financial aid program. If you receive aid, it’s entirely in grants—no loans or required work-study. That means more support, and nothing to pay back.Writing Requirements: Common App Essay: Required College Questions: None Writing Supplement: Optional Williams doesn’t require a supplement, but if you'd like, you can submit a 3–5 page academic paper written in the past year. It can be creative or analytical (no lab reports), and should include the assignment or prompt. This is completely optional.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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