BS Computer Science and Education, Secondary Education (Grades 5-12)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Program Overview

This interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science program is offered jointly by the Department of Computer Science (Grainger College of Engineering) and the Department of Curriculum & Instruction (College of Education). It prepares students to become licensed secondary education teachers in computer science for grades 5-12 in Illinois.

The curriculum combines rigorous foundational computer science courses — including programming, data structures, algorithms, and systems with professional education coursework and extensive field experience in real classrooms. Graduates develop strong pedagogical skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, and strategies to support diverse learners, alongside expertise in designing and delivering computer science curricula.

Course overview by year:

  • Year 1: Intro to CS, Education Orientation, Composition, Calculus I, Language/Gen Ed

  • Year 2: Intermediate CS, Education & Psychology, Calculus II & Linear Algebra

  • Year 3: Advanced CS, Education Courses, Gen Eds, Electives

  • Year 4: Professional Education, Student Teaching, Electives

Students must complete 39 hours of professional education coursework, including student teaching, alongside the computer science core. 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

  • Extensive field experiences and student teaching in local classrooms

  • Development of pedagogical skills and curriculum design expertise

  • Collaboration with Illinois schools through the College of Education

  • Integration of computer science theory and practice with education theory

Progression & Future Opportunities

  • Licensure eligibility for teaching computer science at the secondary level in Illinois

  • First program data on retention and graduation currently unavailable (new program)

  • Program designed to meet state licensure requirements with evolving mandates

  • Graduates are positioned to address growing demand for qualified computer science teachers at the secondary level

Program Key Stats

$44,688
$ 75
Aug Intake : 5th Jan


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

  • Secondary Computer Science Teacher (Grades 5–12)
  • Middle School Computer Science Teacher
  • Postsecondary Instructor (with further graduate study)

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