Bachelors of Computer Science (BA)

Expand the frontiers of computer science.

With a bachelor of arts in computer science, you’ll study theory, algorithms, and systems while connecting computing to your broader liberal arts interests. Our interdisciplinary approach gives you the freedom to design a program that’s as unique and multidimensional as you are.

Explore your degree options.
	A&S	EN
Degree Awarded	Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Overview	Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with liberal arts study.	Best for students who wish to enrich their degree with engineering and science.
Degree Similarities	Core coursework and other Computer Science requirements (including a practicum or project course, technical electives, and external specialization courses) are the same for all CS majors, regardless of your admitting college.	As with A&S, you’re required to complete core computer science courses, a practicum or project, technical electives, and external specialization courses.
Degree Differences	As an Arts & Sciences student, it is your distribution requirements that will be distinct from CS majors in Engineering. Your foundational coursework will include foreign language, social sciences, and the humanities.	Course requirements include required science courses and distribution areas across EN. VIEW CS B.S. PROGRAM

Unlock future opportunities.

97%

Employed or in graduate school

Class of 2024 data, six months post-graduation.

$125K

Mean starting salary for recent graduates

50%

Employed in the tech sector

Followed by 21% in financial services

99%

Employed in the U.S.

View Career OutcomesView Career Outcomes

Navigating your academic journey.

Setting the foundation.

In your first year, you’ll engage in student life and start fulfilling your college distribution requirements. You’ll also research and fulfill requirements to apply to declare (also known as “affiliate with”) the Bowers Computer Science major.

Explore the curriculum.

In the fall, take introductory programming (CS 1110 or CS 1112) or the next computer science and/or math course if you waived out of the introductory requirements.
Consider taking a CS Academic Excellence Workshop alongside your first CS course to support your success.
In the spring, take CS 2110 and MATH 1120 Calculus II.
Work on your A&S distribution requirements.

Connect and get involved.

Join the Association of Computer Science Undergraduates
Explore and join Bowers student organizations.
Attend the Bowers Academic Fair at the start of the year.
Set up a meeting with a Bowers academic advisor.
Take advantage of Career Services, including setting up an introductory meeting.

Exploring possibilities.

In your second year, you’ll officially apply to CS major. This is the year to acquaint yourself with the Bowers community and resources, and to dive deeper into your core curriculum.

Join the major.

Apply for admission and, if accepted, join the major in the spring.
Take CS 2800, CS 3110 and MATH 2210 Linear Algebra.
Consider enrolling in CS Academic Excellence Workshops for CS 2800 and CS 3110 to support your success.

Immerse in Bowers.

If you haven’t already, join ACSU and other Bowers student organizations.
Research and pursue leadership opportunities.
Think about applying to be Bowers undergraduate course staff in a course you enjoyed and would like to help others in.
Explore research opportunities.

How to Apply

Cultivating depth.

In your third year, you’ll take electives that highlight your interests (or reveal new ones). It’s a good year to consider leadership and research opportunities as well as plan for your future.

Pursue your passions.

Take a variety of electives so you can fully explore your computer science interests.
If you’re interested in research and potentially graduate school, this is the time to dive into exploring this.
Assume leadership role(s).

Leverage resources.

Get to know your faculty advisor.
Keep meeting with your Bowers academic advisor.
Continue taking advantage of career services and career advising.

Information + Resources for Current Students

Synthesizing and leading.

In your final year, you’ll complete remaining coursework, make progress toward your post-graduate goals, and enjoy the culmination of your Cornell Bowers journey.

Finish your core curriculum and keep taking electives.
Use your faculty advisor as a sounding board for where to take your CS studies.
Keep meeting with Bowers academic advising and career services.
Savor the end of your Cornell experience.

Planning your curriculum.

Explore the courses that shape your major. Students entering Cornell in fall 2025 can review current major requirements, elective options, and other key academic information that will help guide your undergraduate journey.

View Major Requirements