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Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Computer Science, BSCS

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.

Your Degree Plan

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.
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in 1 of these areas:

Artificial Intelligence

View in Catalog

Cybersecurity

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Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Electrical Engineering Dual Degrees

Students can simultaneously pursue 2 bachelor’s degrees in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The Lane Department offers degrees in:

  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity
  • Electrical Engineering

Computer Science/Robotics Engineering Dual Degree

Students can simultaneously pursue bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Robotics Engineering.

Students also have the option of simultaneously pursuing 2 bachelor’s degrees in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

Honors

Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart?

  • 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.
  • Capstone experience encourages entrepreneurial activities and partners with the WVU Hayhurst LaunchLab and ZinnStarter business plan competition.
  • The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
  • Department and University is designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
  • Facilities include a Linux and Windows teaching laboratory and a cybersecurity laboratory co-located near campus with the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab.

Learn by Doing

Get involved outside the classroom.

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 undergraduate scholarships.
Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or “capstone”) to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills. Projects 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.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $103,790

Possible Job Titles: Business Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Systems Analyst

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Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. 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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $124,910

Possible Job Titles: Information Security Officer, Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst), Network Security Analyst

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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, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $130,390

Possible Job Titles: Computer Network Technologist, Network Analyst, Solutions Architect, Systems Engineer

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Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $104,620

Possible Job Titles: Database Administration Manager, Database Administrator (DBA), Database Analyst, Systems Administrator (Systems Admin)

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Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $135,980

Possible Job Titles: Database Analyst, Database Developer, Database Programmer, Information Architect

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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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $133,080

Possible Job Titles: Application Developer, Application Integration Engineer, Software Architect, Software Developer

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Potential employers

Graduates have worked for companies such as:

  • Leidos
  • KeyLogic
  • NASA IV&V
  • IBM
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Red Hat
  • National Security Agency
  • QolSys

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Engineering Requirements:

You must meet the following requirements:

  • High School GPA: 2.5
  • ACT Math: 22
  • SAT Math: 540

Engineering Requirements for Test Optional Students

You must meet the following requirements:

  • High School GPA: 3.0

Requirements for Engineering Technology

You must meet the following requirements:

  • High School GPA: 2.5
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.

Tuition and Aid

How much does 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.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Ways to Save

Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Computer Science, BSCS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Start at Another WVU Campus

You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.

Explore WVU System

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

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