Computer Science

Computer Science (B.S.)

When you decide to major in computer science and earn a bachelor's degree at WMU, you will study mathematics and data analysis along with computer science. You will work with other students as you learn to design and implement programs and software systems. And, you will master various programming languages and hardware platforms in a way that will prepare you for your evolving field.

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98%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences undergraduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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$70K - $80K

median starting salary for recent College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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97%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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Pursue your bachelor's degree in computer science

Graduates of WMU's computer science program have worked in government and industry, at computer centers, as independent consultants, in research and development, and as applications programmers. Many work around the globe, and some have started their own companies.

As you develop your programming skills and technical knowledge, you'll experience real-world projects and hands-on learning in the latest industry standards. Your time at WMU culminates in a Senior Engineering Design project where you will be part of a team completing a project for industry.

If you are thinking about graduate school, you can save time and money with our accelerated master's in computer science.

When you graduate with a B.S. in computer science, you'll be ready to take on the evolving challenges of debugging software, testing new systems, working with databases and more. You'll be ready to continue learning in this always changing field.

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What you'll learn

You will learn to design and implement programs and software systems using a variety of programming languages on multiple hardware platforms that provide you a solid foundation in computer science to pursue your career. You'll earn 122 credits for your bachelor's degree, including core courses in digital logic, web technology, database management systems, data and file structures, design and analysis of algorithms, operating systems, network fundamentals, reusable software architectures and foundations of programming languages.

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Dakota Shapiro

My experience at WMU confirmed that I made the right choice of school. It was here that I learned not only the technical skills of my major, but the soft skills necessary to make connections that led to securing a job right after I completed undergrad.
— Dakota Shapiro, B.S.’22

Where you'll be after graduation

When you graduate, you'll have the technical and teamwork skills needed for success. Recent graduates have job titles such as software engineer, data analyst, software developer, data science fellow and Java developer. They are working at Dynatrance, Zoetis, Ford Motor Company, Dematic, Whirlpool, Level Data and more.

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Making the most of your learning experience

At WMU, you’ll gain hands-on experience and work with expert faculty. Internships and co-ops will boost the knowledge you build in your coursework. Beyond the classroom, you’ll compete in engineering challenges and connect with industry professionals by joining student organizations  such as Computer Club and Developer Club. Your Senior Engineering Design project will team you up with peers to apply your knowledge to a real industry project.

These experiences will help you stand out as you prepare for a successful career in aerospace engineering.

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Professor presenting to class

What scholarships are available to computer science students?

A number of scholarships are available for students enrolled in the computer science program at Western. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs.

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Frequently asked questions

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from WMU pursue careers in fields such as government and industry, at computer centers, as independent consultants, in research and development and as applications programmers. They work around the globe and some have even started their own companies. Graduates have job titles such as software developer, application specialist and IT systems analyst.

Yes, in the computer science program you will learn through hands-on opportunities.

  • Professors incorporate hands-on learning into your coursework, including projects in academic labs.
  • WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences has more than 25 student organizations, including the WMU Computer Club and the Developer Student Club. These organizations allow you to compete and network with peers at other institutions while extending your learning.
  • Many students also complete internships or co-ops during their time in the program.
  • All students complete a Senior Engineering Design capstone project, where you work as a team to address real-world projects.

Yes, there are a number of scholarships available for students enrolled in the computer science program at Western. You may also be eligible for additional scholarships from WMU. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs. 

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As a computer science student, you should have a strong foundation in math and an interest in figuring out puzzles. You need an interest in problem-solving and have some a desire to learn coding.

At Western, you'll start with foundational computer science and engineering courses. Once you successfully complete these requirements, you’ll apply to the upper-level professional program where you’ll dive deeper into your specific major.

View admissions information for first-year students

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Yes, we welcome students who are interested in transferring to WMU from a community college or other college or university. View transfer information and set-up an appointment to meet with an advisor.

Yes, we offer an accelerated degree program that allows you to complete a master’s degree in computer science in just one additional year. Weave graduate courses (up to 12 credits) into your WMU undergraduate degree in computer science, and earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees. Learn more about accelerated master’s degrees at WMU and view the requirements for the accelerated master’s degree in computer science.

Yes! Many students in the aerospace engineering program participate in internships or co-ops during their time at WMU. They are great ways to gain experience. Internships are paid positions in your field. Co-ops are also paid positions and also offer an opportunity to earn credits toward your degree.

As a WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences student, you'll also have access to many career development opportunities to be ready to land an internship or co-op.

Your professors and academic advisor can provide more information.

Western gives you options for receiving academic support in computer science. Check with your professors or instructors during office hours to ask questions about your courses or find tutoring via the Bronco Study Zone.

Computer science students must have a laptop that meets minimum requirements; the recommended configurations are sufficient to last four years.

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These fields are closely related. A computer science degree is about learning to build things such as robots, mobile apps, AI software, video games or operating system code. Cybersecurity focuses on protecting those things by preventing hacking, protecting networks, responding to threats, investigating cyber crimes or securing software. At WMU, you can explore both fields either through electives or choosing one program as your major and the other as a minor.