Undergraduate

The Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, , under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs.

Program Overview

Computer science (CS) stresses the design, analysis, implementation, management and application of large software systems, as well as systems combining both hardware and software. The Watson School offers a rich set of courses in software design, programming, hardware design and everything in between.

Students begin taking computer science courses in their first semester at Binghamton, and the department welcomes incoming freshmen with or without prior CS experience. In their first year, students with limited programming experience begin the year with Programming Concepts and Applications; otherwise, they start with hardware and software systems. During the first two years, students study multiple programming languages and computer systems principles. Required courses build a strong foundation across the core areas of CS, such as computer systems design, programming languages, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems and formal methods. 

A wide variety of elective classes allows students to pursue the areas that interest them most, while applying and building on their foundation. We offer electives in software systems, networking (including mobile and wireless networks), web-based systems, machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence (AI), computer graphics, computer vision, cybersecurity, embedded systems, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, robotics and game design. 

To maximize scheduling flexibility, every required CS course is taught every semester. This enables different paths through the program and allows students to minor — or even earn a dual degree — in the arts, business, math, music, languages, the sciences and more. Students can also study abroad, pursue a semester-long co-op for credit, or both.  

Internships, research opportunities and more

It is extremely common for students in their junior and senior years to have paid summer internships at companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, NASA, AFRL Rome Labs, Microsoft, Bloomberg, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Fidessa, Citigroup, Lockheed, BAE, GE, as well as paid research positions at Binghamton or other universities.

Research conducted in the School of Computing includes:

  • computer architecture
  • cloud high-performance computing
  • mobile and wireless computing
  • data mining, machine learning and artificial intelligence
  • graphics, image processing, computer vision
  • information systems
  • operating systems, networking and distributed systems
  • cyber security
  • Embedded systems and IoT

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

Requirements are based on Bulletin year of enrollment. Please refer to your Bulletin year to see your requirements. These requirements are for those who start in fall 2023 and onward.

A printable version of the degree requirements for a bachelor of science in computer science. Students can also check the for degree requirements. 

Course Sequence

After You Graduate

The School of Computing has maintained a high professional placement rate for our graduates. Recent alumni have become software engineers at various IT companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple as well as many financial institutes such as Bloomberg, CitiGroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase. CS students can also pursue advanced degrees (MS or PhD) in computer science or related disciplines. Some of our recent graduates have become graduate students at ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ, Harvard University and Stanford University.

Admissions

Information on admissions, financial aid, housing, program costs and visiting Binghamton University's campus is presented on the .

Complete instructions for applying to ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ are available on the Admissions how to apply webpage. 

Unlike most other majors on campus, students need to apply directly to the computer science major instead of applying directly to Watson College.

Educational Mission and Goals

We strive to provide our CS graduates with a firm grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, elements of practical application and an appreciation for liberal learning.

Our degree programs aim for graduates to understand the theory and practice of automating the representation, storage and processing of information. Our goal is to also provide our students the opportunity to pursue individual interests within computer science and/or other disciplines.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of our program will be:

  • Successful in their profession in leadership or supporting positions, in which they exercise and apply their technical computer science background. These positions will utilize their skills in problem-solving and software or systems development.

  • Successful in working well in teams, communicating effectively, and meeting the social and ethical responsibilities of their profession.  

  • Engaged in life-long learning relevant to their profession, including earning advanced degrees based on their computer science background or completing professional training.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem, and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.