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Computer Science, BA & BS

Earn a computer science degree and gain the technical skills for a rewarding career as a software engineer or computer scientist in Seattle's tech industry.

About this Program

Computer Science Major: Rewarding Careers in Seattle’s Tech Industry

The Department of Computer Science welcomes students from all backgrounds and programming levels to a dynamic learning environment with industry-sponsored projects and personalized instruction and mentoring.

Our undergraduate computer science degrees give you the flexibility to follow your interests to a rewarding career.

Real-World Experience in a Global Technology Capital

Our campus, located in the heart of Seattle, near technology powerhouses, enables us to work closely with companies such as Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR, Nordstrom and Costco.

Students work with industry mentors on real world project experiences and are surrounded by exciting career opportunities. Our department is renowned for the year-long industry-sponsored experiential learning program coordinated through the award-winning Project Center.

Practical experience prepares our students to be effective leaders and communicators and makes them into competitive candidates for rewarding careers in the Seattle tech industry and beyond.

Personalized Attention, Innovative Professors

At Seattle University, you are always taught by caring and dedicated faculty with personalized attention. None of your classes are taught by graduate students.

The active research of our faculty contributes to knowledge, keeps classes lively and provides opportunities for motivated students to participate in ongoing research projects.

Undergraduate Computer Science at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Computer Science will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares students for careers as software developers in a variety of domains.

  • An ability to analyze problems, and to identify and define the requirements in the context of the discipline appropriate to their solutions.
  • An ability to design, implement, and evaluate computer-based solutions to meet a given set of requirements.
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences about technical information.
  • An ability to make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal, ethical, and social considerations.
  • An ability to function effectively on teams to establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, manage risk, and produce deliverables.
  • An ability to apply theory in the design, implementation, and evaluation of computer-based solutions.
  • An ability to reason about and explain computer-based solutions at multiple levels of abstraction.
  • An ability to learn new techniques and tools to adapt to the rapidly changing field of computing.

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BA.CPSC) offers a sound foundation in computing, while still allowing flexibility. It is a great choice for students interested in professional careers involving computer applications such as business or education.

Add a minor in computer science and broaden your impact. To earn a minor, you’ll complete at least 30 credits in this area.

Fast Track Guide and Policy

Fast Track Sample Plans

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

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Top 25% in Science & Engineering

Seattle University ranks #40 in the nation —U.S. News & World Report, 2023

#40

Best Undergraduate Engineering Program

In the nation —U.S. News & World Report Rankings, 2024

93%

Job Placement Rate

For Seattle University Marketing undergraduates

Hear From Our Alumni

Isabel Ovalles

“The blend of instructors and professors that have both industry and academia experience has contributed immensely to my education in the major. I received a well-rounded education that combines conceptual understanding with practical knowledge. I know how to code and why my code works.”

BSCS '23

Career-Ready Education, Connected to Seattle’s Global Tech Industry

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Real-World Projects with Industry Sponsors

All undergraduate students complete a year-long industry-sponsored capstone program. The College of Science and Engineering Project Center has worked with local companies for over three decades, bringing real-world project design and implementation experience to our students.

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Research with Faculty Mentors

Students participating in research project opportunities have a chance to be mentored by faculty, publish their work and present on campus or at conferences. This real-world research prepares you for the best jobs, top graduate programs and postdoctoral training at internationally recognized institutions.

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Inclusive, Global Education

Our Jesuit values mean we see the world through a global, justice-focused lens. Our strong commitment to diversity and small class sizes help create a forward-thinking, close-knit community where everyone can feel at home—and go on to thrive in a global workforce.

Finish Your Degree at Seattle University

About one-third of our undergraduate students in the department are transfer students. We work with you to develop a personalized program of study and work with the local colleges to ensure that your credits can count toward your Seattle University degree.

Recommended courses for transferring to the computer science program are listed on the Transfer Admission Requirements page. Use the Transfer Equivalence Guide to obtain more information.

Questions? Contact the Admissions Office, Science & Engineering Advising Center or the Computer Science Department. We can answer your questions and help you determine the best quarter to apply for admission.

5-Year Fast Track BS/MS

The Fast Track Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program offers an accelerated path for qualified and motivated students to obtain both bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science in five years.

The main benefits of the program are:

  • Some undergraduate credits count for both degrees. The program allows students to take 10 credits of 5000-level electives in their undergraduate years and count them towards both the undergraduate and the graduate degrees.
  • Enjoy a simpler graduate application process. The application process for this program is greatly simplified compared to the graduate admission process. No GRE, recommendations, transcripts or personal statement is required.

Hear From Our Student

Riley Young

“I never would have imagined that my first two years in Computer Science at Seattle U would lead me to incredible relationships with faculty, meaningful interactions with peers, and even a trip to International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had at Seattle U and cannot wait for two more years!”

BSCS '25

Featured Faculty

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