Computer Science

Computer Science

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Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Concentrations Offered

Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science, Human and Visual Computing

Certificates / Endorsements

Automotive Engineering, Computational Biology, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Information Assurance (Cybersecurity), Materials

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Versatile Career Options: Work in tech, manufacturing, defense, or communications.

02

High Salaries and Flexibility: Strong earning potential and remote work options.

03

Creative Problem Solving: Build apps, software, and systems from scratch.

04

Fast-Growing Field: Technology continues to expand and evolve.

05

Strong Foundation for Innovation: Excellent preparation for startups or advanced study.

Core
Skills

  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Systems
  • Mathematics

Sample
Jobs

  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Full-Stack Developer
  • Network Engineer
  • UX/UI Engineer
  • AR/VR Developer

Successful Career Outcomes

89% of MSU computer science graduates reported a successful career outcome within six months after finishing their degree.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Technology and Software Development
  • Finance and Financial Technology
  • Healthcare and Health Technology
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Systems
  • Artificial Intelligence and Data and Analytics

Brag
Points

  • Our students tackle real-world problems from day one.
  • Strong industry and federal partnerships driving real impact
  • Nationally recognized strength in cybersecurity

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships allow you to alternate semesters of paid, full-time work with academic study, giving you extended, hands-on experience before you graduate. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real engineering projects, build professional skills, and often graduate with a stronger resume, industry connections, and a clearer sense of your career goals.

Spotlight

Thrive in Five

Academically talented juniors may apply for the Thrive in Five program, which allows you, as an undergraduate, to take classes at the graduate level for dual credit in both your undergraduate program and for graduate credit. A maximum of nine credit hours may be applied. 

Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Building Your Foundation

Your first year is all about learning how computer scientists think. You’ll build core skills through programming courses like introductory and intermediate computer programming, along with calculus and chemistry. These courses form the foundation for everything you’ll do later. You’ll also take an introduction to computer science and engineering (CSE) course that helps you understand the field and see the many directions computer science can take. By the end of the year, you’ll feel more confident writing code and solving problems step by step.

2nd Year

Expanding Your Knowledge

With the basics in place, this year is where things start to connect. You’ll complete your core programming sequence, wrap up science requirements, and begin choosing technical electives. This is your chance to explore areas that interest you, such as cybersecurity or artificial intelligence, and start shaping the direction you want to take within the major.

3rd Year

Craft Your Expertise

By your third year, computer science becomes more focused and more personal. You’ll complete remaining math requirements and concentrate almost entirely on computer science coursework. You’ll also take courses on ethical and legal issues in computing and professional communication, where you’ll sharpen your presentation skills, polish your resume, and learn how to write effective cover letters. This year can be challenging, but it’s also when many students feel truly confident in their path.

4th Year

Knowledge Meets Experience

Your final year brings everything together. You’ll take advanced programming courses, like operating systems and programming languages, where you learn how systems work from the ground up. You’ll finish your technical electives and complete labs that reinforce real-world problem solving. By graduation, you’ll have a strong portfolio of projects and the skills needed to enter the computer science workforce or pursue graduate school.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

The Journey Begins

This is your chance to start exploring computer science beyond the classroom. You can join clubs focused on areas like artificial intelligence or cybersecurity and connect with students who share your interests. Visiting labs like the Social, Therapeutic, and Robotic Systems (STaRS) Lab or the VR Lab helps you get hands-on experience with robotics, virtual reality, and emerging technologies—whether through projects or casual exploration.

2nd Year

Additional Experience

In your second year, you may decide to join a competition team, such as a cybersecurity or Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) team, where you’ll see how computing is applied in real scenarios. This is also a great time to seek out undergraduate research opportunities in labs focused on virtual reality, robotics, or artificial intelligence. Taking a course like AI Fundamentals can help you decide if a specialized area is right for you.

3rd Year

Lead

This is the year to step into leadership. You might lead a competition team, take on greater responsibility in a research lab, or dive deeper into areas like machine learning. Systems programming labs give you hands-on experience with complex software, helping you connect theory with practice.

4th Year

Master and Launch

As a senior, you’ll mentor newer students, possibly serve as a CSE Ambassador, and represent the department to prospective students. You’ll complete your final programming courses and wrap up major projects. By graduation, you’ll have hands-on lab experience and a portfolio that clearly shows employers what you can do.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Get Involved

Your first year is about finding your place. You can join student clubs, attend guest speaker events, and volunteer with K–12 STEM outreach or tutoring programs. These experiences help you build connections while giving back.

2nd Year

Grow and Lead

This is a great year to take on leadership roles in student organizations or join competitive teams like e-sports. You may also lead outreach workshops, give tours, or explore different areas of the tech industry to see what excites you most.

3rd Year

Mentor and Inspire

By now, you’re ready to mentor others. You might help younger students, attend professional conferences, connect with alumni, and meet recruiters on campus. These experiences help you build confidence and a strong professional network.

4th Year

Professional Pathways

Your final year focuses on strengthening your professional presence. You’ll connect with industry professionals, engage with the CSE advisory board, and build a network that supports your next step after graduation.

Explore the World

1st Year

Discover

If global experiences interest you, this is the time to start exploring options. You can talk with your advisor about study abroad opportunities, attend the International Fiesta, and learn how global experiences fit into a computer science degree.

2nd Year

Plan and Explore

This year is about planning. You’ll attend the Study Abroad Fair, meet with international program staff, and research faculty-led trips or exchange programs that align with your academic goals.

3rd Year

Experience and Lead

You may choose to study abroad or participate in an exchange program. If you’re pursuing the global engineering leadership minor, you’ll continue coursework and may serve as a study abroad or CSE Ambassador.

4th Year

Showcase and Expand

As you prepare to graduate, you’ll highlight global experiences in interviews and on LinkedIn, showing employers that you’re prepared to work in an increasingly connected world.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Chart Your Course

Career preparation starts early. In your first year, you’ll explore possibilities by attending Career Expos and Career Center workshops. You’ll begin building your resume and, if you’re still exploring your interests, work with advisors or the Career Center to learn about options like research or summer internships.

2nd Year

Gain Real Experience

This is the year to take action. You’ll create a Connections account to access internships and co-ops, continue attending Career Expos, and practice interviewing through mock interviews. Co-op and Internship Days allow you to connect directly with employers.

3rd Year

Target Your Path

By your third year, your goals become more focused. You’ll attend recruiting events with an updated resume, build your LinkedIn profile, and research employers or graduate programs. You’ll align electives and research opportunities with your career plans and explore options like Thrive in Five, which accelerates progress toward a master’s degree.

4th Year

Make Your Move

Your final year is about putting your plan into motion. You’ll apply for jobs or graduate programs with support from the Career Center, refine your resume and interview skills, and highlight your internships and project portfolio. You’ll graduate ready to launch into the computer science workforce or continue your education.

Major Maps are intended as general planning guides and may be updated as academic requirements, policies, and opportunities change. The MSU Academic Catalog in effect for the student’s catalog year is the official source for degree requirements and policies.

Learn More

CurriculumApply NowBagley College of EngineeringDepartment of Computer Science and Engineering