Which CS Undergrad for me?

  • Computer Science Degree


    A Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Computer Science prepares students for careers in virtually any industry or to continue on with graduate study in Computer Science and many other fields. Computer science students learn to approach problems from a computational (algorithmic) point of view, and this approach to problem-solving often leads to better and more general solutions. All of the Computer Science concentrations lead to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and all programs are ABET-accredited.

  • Computer Science Big Data Concentration


    Big data is high volume, high velocity, and/or high variety assets that require new forms of processing to enable enhanced decision making, insight discovery and process optimization. The Big Data Concentration directs the students toward data handling (AI, visualization, data mining, and machine learning) courses and data analysis (statistics) courses.

  • Computer Science Business Concentration


    An understanding of business fundamentals is essential for students planning a career in applied computer science in a business environment.

  • K-12 Endorsement


    In collaboration with the College of Education, the Department of Computer Science offers an endorsement in computer science for future or existing K-12 teachers. There are two options - a basic (15 hour) or advanced (16 hours) endorsement that can be combined with other courses for the computer science minor (20 hours). Students who earn this endorsement, as well as an elementary or secondary teaching certification, can teach computer science in K-12 schools.

  • Cybersecurity Certificate


    Cybersecurity is the practice of ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information within interconnected systems. Cybersecurity requires extending the typical design and trade-off space to include protection and resiliency to combat malicious actors. Thinking like an adversary becomes a core competency of students in the program and enables certificate graduates to approach the design and (re)development of systems from a more strategic security-centric mindset. The Cybersecurity Certificate guides students through foundational computer science and statistics concepts necessary for analyzing threat potentials and attack surfaces, building on those with competencies in critical system infrastructure through databases and networks, and further specialized them through two cybersecurity intensive courses.



High School FAQ

Math is very important in computer science. Most of our students take four years of math in high school, including pre-calculus, and they are ready to take calculus their first semester in college. But many students take fewer math courses in high school, and that is OK. What is important is that you feel comfortable with algebra, and even if you struggled with that in high school, you can learn it at UW.
Yes! Some of our students have the opportunity to learn programming through robotics, after-school activities, or even AP-level computer courses in high school. But not all do, so even if you've never programmed a computer before, you CAN major in computer science. Our degree program is structured to start at the very beginning, so you will learn everything you need to know, and in four years you'll be an expert!
That depends on what you're interested in most. Computer Engineers build computer systems, including phones, tablets, laptops, drones, and the computers that are embedded in your car. Computer Scientists program those systems to solve real-world problems. So if you want to help build a better iPhone, major in Computer Engineering. But if you want to build a better iPhone app, major in Computer Science.
Computer Science and Computer Engineering are both demanding disciplines. Majoring in either one is a challenge by itself, so majoring in both will take significant effort. But some students have majored in both and done quite well. Talk to your advisor about your interests, and make sure that the courses you take during your first two years count for both degree programs.
Yes and yes! Many employers in the region look to hire computer science majors for internships. You can find them in Handshake, an online community that connects employers and students looking for opportunities. You can find more information about internships at the Career Services center (https://www.uwyo.edu/ceas/resources/studentservices/jobs/index.html).

And all of your professors are engaged in research, and they would all to have your help. Visit your professors during their office hours and take the opportunity to discuss their research interests. If one of their projects sounds exciting, ask what it would take to join their lab.