BA or BS in Computer Science

BA or BS

Computer Science

On Campus

Visit the School of Computing & Engineering

On Campus

Visit the School of Computing & Engineering

Digital, mobile, big data, automotive and electronics companies alike all require the technical savvy and varied skillset of computer scientists. In fact, employers in virtually every field rely on them to solve complex network, database and optimization issues, and keep them connected, productive and safe from cyber threats.

Quinnipiac student during the Global Game Jam, an annual event where game developers around the world collaborate and build games within a 48-hour time period, in Quinnipiac's Game Design and Development Lab on the Mount Carmel Campus.

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Leader in digital exploration and discovery

As the world becomes more digital, the need for savvy and skilled computer science professionals is increasing in every industry. Depending on your professional goals, we offer two different computer science degree programs: a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts. You’ll determine which path is right for you with the guidance of our faculty.

If you’re interested in computer design, building and internal architecture, in addition to computer programming, our BS program will give you the tools for a successful career. Your coursework will cover a host of topics — from web development and data structures to cryptography, artificial intelligence and robotics. This knowledge paves the way for you to build a successful career as a software developer, systems analyst, or network administrator, among many other careers.

The BA program takes a more holistic, interprofessional approach to the application of computer science. You’ll learn the same fundamental concepts and techniques, but also how to apply them to other subject areas, such as business, biology, graphic design and game design. The bachelor of arts curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing you to complete an additional major or required minor.

Through either degree program, you’ll become proficient with leading industry hardware and software systems. Our on-campus computer science labs feature state-of-the-art equipment, hosting four unique internal networks. We will provide you with access to systems running Windows and Linux to acclimate you to different operating systems and working environments.

Program Statistics

84.6% Success Rate

Percentage of our 2022 program graduates who are either employed or pursuing graduate study six months after graduation.

+15% In Demand

The projected percentage change in employment from 2021 to 2031 for computer and information technology occupations. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

$79K Starting Salary

Mean starting salary for 2022 program graduates six months after graduation.

Our Reputation

Best Computer Science Programs

U.S. News & World Report

More than software and hardware

Students have the unique opportunity to not only gain valuable knowledge by working in the lab, but also to collaborate with peers enrolled in other engineering programs. This full-circle approach provides the hands-on experience you’ll need while gaining an understanding of how engineers from different disciplines work together for positive results.

Our students utilize programs in active, collaborative classrooms that support multiple teaching and learning styles, and feature the same powerful software and tools used by professionals. Our facilities enable our students to bring robots to life, explore in a sandbox-style space and better understand cybersecurity and security breaches.

Students in classroom with laptops — Our collaborative classrooms encourage team-based and active learning in our software engineering and computer science classes.

Professor lectures student in a classroom — Our collaborative classrooms encourage team-based and active learning in our software engineering and computer science classes.

Students in classroom with laptop and robot on desk — Our collaborative classrooms encourage team-based and active learning in our software engineering and computer science classes. Rather than purchasing text books, students in our robotics class order robots that they learn to program to complete desired tasks.

A robot on a desk in a classroom — Our collaborative classrooms encourage team-based and active learning in our software engineering and computer science classes. Rather than purchasing text books, students in our robotics class order robots that they learn to program to complete desired tasks.

Professor writes on board during class — Our collaborative classrooms encourage team-based and active learning in our software engineering and computer science classes.

Students and professor in a classroom — Our collaborative classrooms encourage team-based and active learning in our software engineering and computer science classes.

Student in classroom sitting in front of a laptop — Our collaborative classrooms encourage team-based and active learning in our software engineering and computer science classes.

A group of students sit around a table talking to one another — Our engineering facilities are purposefully designed to encourage opportunities for collaboration with peers and faculty inside and outside the classroom.

Faculty Spotlight

Professor earns a grant to bring AI to new heights

Chetan Jaiswal, associate professor of computer science, recently earned a grant to study “Let’s talk: Bridging the communication gap with A.I.”

Quinnipiac student named 2023 National Engineering Intern Student of the Year

Quinnipiac student Hephzibah Rajan ’23, a computer science major from Muscat, Oman, has been named the 2023 National Engineering Intern Student of the Year by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).

The award is presented by the Cooperative and Experiential Education Division of the ASEE. Rajan was recognized for her summer internship with CVS/Aetna.

“I interned with Aetna over the summer after my junior year,” Rajan said. “Initially, I worked on code maintenance which in simple terms is reading code and making sure that each line was being run. I was essentially increasing code coverage. Over time, I started picking up other tasks as well. I learned about their machine-learning models and was also able to propose an alternative method for one of their projects with the help of my mentor."

Read the Full Story on Quinnipiac Today

Student Emily Balboni sitting in her residential hall. — Are you interested in pursuing a computer science degree and want to know what to expect? Follow Emily Balboni '24, a computer science major, as she shows you what her day is like in this Quinnipiac Day in the Life video.

Career Paths

A degree in computer science positions you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities. Graduates gain valuable skills suited for a wide array of potential careers.

Avg. Salary $117,220

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks and routers.

Avg. Salary $110,000

Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.

Avg. Salary $112,690

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers.

Avg. Salary $83,510

Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

Avg. Salary $86,550

Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. In addition, programmers test newly created applications and programs to ensure that they produce the expected results. If they do not work correctly, computer programmers check the code for mistakes and fix them.

Career-Building Resources

A male student sitting at a table speaking with a male professor

Design your career path

With an abundance of career-focused information and resources, the career advisers within the School of Computing & Engineering support students as they expand their professional networks and attract the attention of prestigious employers.

Learn more about career development

BS in Computer Science - Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes

Within four to seven years of graduation, graduates of the Computer Science BS program are expected to:

Apply advanced computer science knowledge and skills.
Communicate complex ideas and problems to a professional audience.
Demonstrate ethical behavior and capacity for finding computing solutions that consider both the technical and social consequences of their work.
Demonstrate leadership and mentorship, and contribute to their profession and community.
Pursue intellectual, personal and professional development.

STEM-Designated Program

The Department of Homeland Security has determined that this program meets the requirements for STEM designation.

STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) graduates are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be over 1.12 million jobs in STEM occupations in the next 10 years. The Department of Defense also estimates that more than 80% of jobs will require STEM skills over the next decade.

In addition, STEM-designated programs allow certain international graduates to remain and work in the United States for an additional 24 months after graduation on top of the standard Optional Practical Training period (up to 12 months) in order to receive additional training through their work experience.

Learn more about STEM

Recognized among the best

ABET Accreditation

Learn more about ABET

The BS in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Graduates from an ABET-accredited program have a solid educational foundation and are capable of leading the way in innovation, emerging technologies and in anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.

BS in Computer Science - Enrollment and Graduation Data

Total number of students in the BS in Computer Science program during the 2021-2022 academic year: 74
Number of graduates from the BS in Computer Science program during the 2021-2022 academic year: 12

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BA or BS Computer Science

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Leader in digital exploration and discovery