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Computer Science
BS, BS/MS

Major in computer science

The emphasis of computer and information science is on software, the methodologies of computing, and the study of powerful programming.

The computer science curriculum is programming intensive, supported by substantial laboratory components, and directed toward modern software development. Your studies are supplemented by work in specialized labs and a network of state-of-the-art workstations.

You will be prepared to work in the computer industry and in business, in careers that have high growth and earning potential. You may work as a computer scientist, software engineer, software developer, database administrator, computer support specialist, or system administrator. You'll also be well-prepared to continue your studies at the graduate level.

For the BS in computer and information science, you will complete 65 credits in general engineering and computer science courses with 120 credits overall.

Courses include algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, computer graphics, computer languages, computer networks, databases, game design, graphics animation, human-computer interaction operating systems, parallel computing, program design, programming, robotics, and software engineering. 

During your senior year, you will complete a team-based capstone project that provides real-world experience defined by current industry needs.

Software Engineering concentration: The department offers a BS degree in computer science with a concentration in software engineering: the systematic approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software systems used in business, medicine, science, engineering, entertainment, and other fields. For this option, you will complete 63 credits in general engineering and computer science courses with 120 credits overall.

Artificial Intelligence concentration: The department offers a BS degree in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence: the study of computer applications and information science applicable to fields that require intelligent software systems.

Computer Game Design concentration: The department offers a BS degree in computer science with a concentration in Computer Game Design: the study of software technologies relevant to games, in preparation for a promising career in the gaming industry.

Cybersecurity concentration: The department offers a BS degree in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity: the study of cyber defense and secure software development. 

Artificial Intelligence: Prepares you with knowledge in AI and the ability to effectively provide technical diversity in fields that are shaping the world economically, socially, and culturally. For this minor, you’ll complete 18-20 credits in computer science courses.

Computer Science: Learn about the structure, methodologies, and trends in computer science. For the minor, you'll complete 21 credit hours in computer and information science courses.

Computer Game Design: Learn how to develop video games, independent of platform. For the minor, you'll complete 20 credits in computer science courses.

Mobile Applications Development: Prepares you to develop and market applications for mobile devices. For the minor, you'll complete 17 credits in computer science courses.

Computer Science Cybersecurity: Prepares you with advanced skills in cyber defense. For the minor, you'll complete 21 credits in computer science courses.

Student success

UMassD student Kyle Furtado
Kyle Furtado '23

Computer science student Kyle Furtado '23 interned as a software engineer for the combat systems department at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I. He also conducted research on the awareness and attitudes of the public on the use of ads and their personal data, and on artificial intelligence.   

Internship sites

  • Carlson Software
  • Curtiss Wright
  • Dell Technologies
  • General Dynamics
  • Haley & Aldrich
  • Global Aquaculture Alliance
  • Naval Undersea Warfare Center
  • Rhode Island Department of Transportation

Graduate school placements

  • McGill University (Canada)
  • Northeastern University
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Texas at San Antonio
  • University of Washington

Career placements

  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • Environmental Partners
  • Google
  • IBM
  • Lifespan
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • MathWorks, Inc.
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Ocean Spray
  • Oracle Corporation
  • Putnam Investments

Average starting salary for computer science majors, class of 2022:
$83,259

NACE AY 2022 Data Collection of Undergraduate Alumni

Software developer was ranked #1 in "100 Best Jobs of 2023" by U.S. News & World Report.

UMassD advantages

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

UMass Dartmouth offers a great transfer experience for students who:

  • have graduated from an accredited community college, or
  • have earned college credits from an accredited college or university

Transfer Admissions

Expand your opportunities

Computer Science faculty

Amir Akhavan Masoumi
Amir Akhavan Masoumi
Adnan El-Nasan
Adnan El-Nasan, PhD
Sheryl Sears
Sheryl Sears
Firas Khatib
Firas Khatib, PhD
Gokhan Kul
Gokhan Kul, PhD
Hua Fang
Hua Fang, PhD
Photograph of Haiping Xu
Haiping Xu, PhD
Photograph of Iren Todorova Valova
Iren Valova, PhD
Jiawei Yuan
Jiawei Yuan
Ming Shao
Ming Shao, PhD
Clinton Rogers
Clinton Rogers, MS
Photograph of Xiaoqin
Shelley Zhang, PhD
Yuchou Chang
Yuchou Chang, PhD
Yi Liu
Yi Liu, PhD
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