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Computer Science majors learn to program, but they also learn how to use computers to solve problems and develop the skills to pursue great careers in fields like data analytics, software development, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence.
Overview
What is Computer Science at WVU like?
Description
Computer science is a discipline that involves the understanding and design of computational processes. The discipline ranges from a theoretical study of algorithms and information processing in general, to a practical design of efficient and reliable software that meets given specifications. This differs from most physical sciences, engineering included, that separate theoretical underpinnings of the science from applications within it.
Computer Science program highlights:
- Dual Major
- Early College Program
- Living-Learning Communities
- Research/Academic Opportunities
At a Glance
- Admission Requirements
- Careers and Employers
- Cost and Aid
- Courses and Plan of Study
- Fast Facts
- Related Majors and Minors
- Related Pathways
- College/School:
Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources - Division:
- Department:
Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering - Degree Designation:
BSCS - Degree Program:
Computer Science - Program:
Computer Science
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:
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Areas of Emphasis
Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:
- Cybersecurity
Elective Focuses
Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:
- Theory of Computing
- Software and Knowledge Engineering
- Computer Systems
Fast Facts
What makes Computer Science at WVU unique?
Academic
Accreditation
Facility
Other
Capstone experience encourages entrepreneurial activities and partners with the WVU Hayhurst LaunchLab and ZinnStarter business plan competition.
Department and University designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and Research through 2021 by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Facilities include a Linux and Windows teaching laboratory and a cybersecurity laboratory co-located near campus with the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab.
Opportunities to work and learn system administration as part of the Department's IT staff.
Research opportunities in fields like machine learning and computer vision.
Dual Major
This major offers the option to simultaneously complete a second bachelor's degree in:
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
Research and Academic Opportunities
Our undergraduates have conducted research in human/computer interface, social media, biometrics data acquisition and algorithms for machine learning. This research has been sponsored in the summer by Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) undergraduate scholarships.
Early College Program
Get a head start (and save money) in our High School ACCESS program for high school students. Choose from online, on-campus or dual credit courses that fulfill requirements for general education or Computer Science. Online courses to consider for this major include:
- CS 101:Intro to Computer Applications
Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)
Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Student Organizations
Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:
View all of the student organizations you can join.
Professional Organizations
Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:
Careers
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Our graduates have found employment or internships at Leidos, KeyLogic, NASA IV&V, IBM, Northrop Grumman, Red Hat, National Security Agency and QolSys.
Possible Careers
Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Computer Science major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Bright Outlook
Green Occupation
Requires a Graduate Degree
Computer Network Architects
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Possible job titles for this career include: Network Analyst.
$129,840Median Salary
Computer Systems Analysts
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Possible job titles for this career include: Business Systems Analyst.
$103,800Median Salary
Database Administrators
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Possible job titles for this career include: Database Administrator (DBA).
$101,510Median Salary
Database Architects
Design strategies for enterprise database systems and set standards for operations, programming, and security. Design and construct large relational databases. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.
Possible job titles for this career include: Data Architect.
$134,700Median Salary
Information Security Analysts
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Possible job titles for this career include: Data Security Administrator.
$120,360Median Salary
Software Developers
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Possible job titles for this career include: Software Architect.
$132,270Median Salary
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at:
Courses
What are the courses like in Computer Science at WVU?
CS 420:
Design of Algorithms
Algorithm design paradigms: divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, greedy. Advanced data structures: balanced search trees, mergeable heaps, union-find. Introduction to computational complexity. Selected topics such as backtracking, branch-and-bound, amortized analysis, approximation algorithms.
CS 453:
Data and Computer Communications
or consent for non-majors. An in-depth study of the Internet, networking fundamentals, protocols, algorithms, and principles of distributed computing, introduction to network security and management.
CS 465:
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including encryption, malicious code, authentication and access control, database security, operating system security, and network security. Provides students with a comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity threats, technologies for information assurance, and engineering approaches to build and maintain secure computer systems and networks.
CS 472:
Artificial Intelligence
Survey of AI techniques, heuristic search, game playing, and knowledge representation schemes: logic, semantic net, frames, rule-based; natural language processing, advanced AI techniques/systems: planning, blackboard architecture, neural net model; AI implementation. (3 hr. lec.)
Capstone Projects
Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or "capstone") to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills. Projects in WVU's Computer Science major have included:
- Development of Mobile Apps for iPhone and Android
- Development of Video Games for a Local Pre-school
- Machine Intelligence for Language Transcription for the Deaf
Cost and Aid
How much does Computer Science at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Net Price Calculator
Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.
Early College Program
Get a head start (and save money) in our High School ACCESS program for high school students. Choose from online, on-campus or dual credit courses that fulfill requirements for general education or Computer Science. Online courses to consider for this major include:
- CS 101:Intro to Computer Applications
Extra Merit-based Scholarships
Incoming freshmen to the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources may qualify for Innovators scholarships based on GPA. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Learn How to Transfer Course Credits
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Computer Science at WVU?
To be admitted to WVU's Computer Science major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. They also must meet one of the following admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Engineering Requirements:
- ACT Math:22
- SAT Math:540
Engineering Requirements for Test Optional Students:
- GPA:3.00
Requirements for Engineering Technology:
To be admitted to WVU's Engineering Technology major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2025-26 academic year.
If you don't meet the admission requirements for WVU's Computer Science major, check out some related programs.
What other options does WVU have?
Computer Engineering
Our program provides a particularly strong emphasis on real-time and embedded systems. You’ll also have unique opportunities to participate in national student competitions against other universities.
Learn More
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers are the tool builders of the information age. They apply principles from math and physics to build systems and components for a wide range of products, from cell phones to automobiles to airplanes.
Learn More
What minors could I consider?
Computer Science
Minor
Related Pathways
What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Math and science touch every part of daily life. In our STEM majors, you’ll solve everyday problems and build a better future for all of us.
Learn More
Next Steps
I like this major. What are the next steps?
Apply Now
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Request Information
Want to know more about Computer Science at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.
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Visit WVU
It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.
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- Information for Current Students
- Information for Graduate Students
- Information for Online Students
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