{"id":109073,"date":"2024-03-12T12:01:05","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T16:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engineering.jhu.edu\/ug-academic\/?page_id=109073"},"modified":"2026-05-05T09:25:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T13:25:41","slug":"cs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/engineering.jhu.edu\/ug-academic\/advising\/eng-101\/programs\/cs\/","title":{"rendered":"Computer Science"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/engineering.jhu.edu\/ug-academic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/comp-sci-shatz-lab.jpg” background_position=”bottom_center” background_vertical_offset=”20%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Computer Science” button_one_url=”https:\/\/engineering.jhu.edu\/ams\/academics\/undergraduate-studies\/” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”eafd345a-3df6-4dae-b305-0f755a39c28c” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Computer science is the study of models of computation, their physical realizations, and the application of these models to an incredibly diverse and continually evolving set of applications.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Overview” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_type=”conic” background_color_gradient_direction=”1deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”top left” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(134,199,188,0.24) 27%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 27%” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”6a8aeeab-06a7-4395-bd54-b9dbab958124″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dmpro_breadcrumbs bc_home_text=”Home” bc_home_url=”Home” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” items_font_size_tablet=”” items_font_size_phone=”” items_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” items_line_height_tablet=”1.4em” items_line_height_phone=”1.2em” items_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” active_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” global_module=”107351″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dmpro_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”55″ admin_label=”Jump Menu” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”8011a023-26c6-4995-bd03-dab1da1e4eb1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”fc159cd2-2e68-4d8e-bd2c-005eeba411b6″ global_module=”114565″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Call Out – Fall 2026 e-Catalogue” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#002D72″ background_color=”#e9f0f9″ max_width=”700px” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”20px|30px|20px|30px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

More detailed requirements for students enrolling at JHU for Fall 2026 will be available on this page when the JHU e-Catalogue is published in July.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Overview<\/h2>\n

Students who major in computer science have a wide range of directions in which to apply their degree. Whether your dream job is to develop the latest applications for Google, Meta, or Microsoft, apply machine learning techniques to improve robots for medical applications, build a customized LLM, or run your own start-up (to name a few), a computer science degree at JHU can get you started.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” module_id=”programs” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Programs” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Programs<\/h2>\n

Majors<\/h3>\n

We offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science. Besides taking core courses in the discipline, CS majors have great flexibility in choosing their upper-level CS, as well as foundational and elective courses. In addition to traditional courses in software engineering, algorithms, and systems, students may choose from courses in artificial intelligence, robotics, programming languages, cryptography and security, computer integrated surgery, natural language processing, machine learning, computational genomics, databases, computer graphics, human-computer interaction and more. A key feature of our major is the tremendous amount of teamwork and collaboration that takes place in the upper-level courses. Many of them provide students with opportunities to develop significant term projects in small groups, usually of the students\u2019 own design.<\/p>\n

Minor<\/h3>\n

Students who minor in computer science have a wide range of directions in which to apply their CS studies. The program requirements include three required core courses, as well as an elective and three upper-level courses in computer science, providing broad flexibility to students who pursue it. Students interested in trying out computer science should start by earning a C+ or better grade in a Gateway Computing course in Java or Python (EN.500.112\/EN.500.113), which is the first required course for the minor program. Students may then explore further courses and declare a minor.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” module_id=”research” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Research” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Research<\/h2>\n

Faculty in computer science pursue research in many different areas and welcome undergraduate participation in their labs. As students progress through the program, many discover a special interest and want to concentrate their studies in that area. To facilitate this, we have developed several focus areas<\/a> within the major. Those based on faculty research areas include natural language processing, information security, robotics, data-intensive computing, computing fundamentals, systems and networking, and computational biology. Regardless of whether you pursue a particular focus or not, our bachelor programs provide excellent preparation for research within the department, summer internships, and post-graduation industry employment or graduate work. Students interested in pursuing research in CS should also consult the CS undergraduate research opportunities page<\/a> for more information, including fellowship information.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” module_id=”aftergrad” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”After Graduation” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

After Graduation<\/h2>\n

\u200b\u200bIn addition to the research-driven focus areas above, students may pursue a focus in software engineering\/entrepreneurship. This area corresponds to popular career directions for our majors. Many students pursue internship opportunities in the summer to prepare for software engineering careers. Some of the most popular companies include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Bloomberg, and our own industrial branch, the Applied Physics Lab. About 25% go to mid-size technology companies or start-up ventures upon graduation. CS majors are also recruited by regional consulting companies such as Deloitte and Accenture, as well as government entities.<\/p>\n

\u200bAbout 30% of our students also pursue graduate studies, in particular the combined bachelor’s\/master’s program<\/a> which provides the opportunity to begin a master’s program while still completing the undergraduate degree. Because it is not necessary for both the bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees to be in the same field, some students use the combined program as an opportunity to combine their bachelor in CS with a specialized master’s program in information security, robotics, data science, engineering management, or a more traditional graduate field such as applied math or computer engineering. Other students go directly into PhD programs.<\/p>\n

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Activities<\/h2>\n

\u200b\u200bStudents majoring in computer science form a strong community and support system. This is facilitated through course team projects, as well as our own undergraduate computer labs. Students have 24\/7 access to these labs, as well as to our computer servers either directly on the lab machines or remotely from their own laptops. The collaboration lab in particular provides a common gathering place to work on projects, get advice and homework help, and generally socialize with others in the department.<\/p>\n

\u200bThe department is also home to a number of student groups<\/a>: ACM, ACM-W, HopHacks, HopAI, JHUXplore, the Software Engineering Club, and the Hopkins Game Development Society. ACM is our chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. ACM-W is the affiliated Women in CS (WiCS) group which meets informally every week for \u201ccoding circles,\u201d as well as sponsoring a mentorship program and other events throughout the year. HopHacks is the student organizing team for our 36-hour hackathon held on campus every year. HopAI is an interdisciplinary student group that organizes events related to artificial intelligence. JHUXplore provides opportunities to learn and develop user experience skills while the Software Engineering Club provides experience building all types of apps. The Game Dev Society sponsors activities for students interested in video game development. You can find more information about these groups on the Department of Computer Science website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Getting Started” module_id=”start” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||22px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Heading\/Intro” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Getting Started<\/h2>\n

\u200b\u200bThe first two years of study focus on core courses within the major: programming in Java, C, and C++, data structures and algorithms, computer ethics, computer system fundamentals, and math foundations for computer science. These core courses give students a strong understanding of how computers work and how we can and should use them to manipulate data. To complement these required courses, students take foundational courses in math, science, and the liberal arts, and may also start exploring the field of CS through courses such as databases, web programming, artificial intelligence, software engineering, or human-computer interaction.<\/p>\n

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BS Computer Science<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#D0E2F4″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|25px|25px|25px|false|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Fall Schedule” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Fall Semester<\/h5>\n
\n
Course<\/h6>\n
Credits<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n
\n

AS.110.108* (FA2 Requirement)<\/p>\n

4<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

EN.500.112<\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

EN.661.110 or AS.004.101 (FA1 Foundational Course in Writing)<\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

First Year Seminar<\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Free Elective<\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Total<\/strong><\/p>\n

16<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spring Schedule” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”1.5em||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”1.5em||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Spring Semester<\/h5>\n
\n
Course<\/h6>\n
Credits<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n
\n

AS.110.109 (FA2 Requirement)<\/p>\n

4<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

EN.601.220 (FA2 Computing and Data Science Requirement)<\/p>\n

4<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

EN.601.104, 124, or 164 (FA5 Foundational Course in Ethical Reflection)<\/p>\n

1-3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

EN.661.250 (FA1 Foundational Course in Oral Communication)<\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Course with EN Foundational Ability tag FA3 (Creative Expression)<\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Total<\/strong><\/p>\n

15-17<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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* Select a math course according to your level of preparation as indicated by AP\/IB\/GCE or other exam score and\/or the JHU Math Placement Process result. See your placement recommendations in the placement site in Canvas after you complete the process.<\/p>\n

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Sample Graduation Plans<\/h2>\n

The 2024 catalogue will be published on July 1, 2024. Until the new catalogue is published, students may review the 2023 catalogue to view the sample graduation plans.<\/p>\n

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Additional Information<\/h3>\n

To learn more about the Department of Computer Science, visit cs.jhu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Computer science is the study of models of computation, their physical realizations, and the application of these models to an incredibly diverse and continually evolving set of applications.

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