What do you learn in a bachelor's in computer science?

By: Samantha Lord, Edited by: Arthur McMahon

Published: February 13, 2025

If you're looking for a career in computers and technology, then pursuing a bachelor's in computer science degree may be a good choice for your undergraduate education.

Discover what you'll learn in a bachelor's in computer science program and what requirements you'll need to meet to graduate.

What to expect from a computer science bachelor's program

A bachelor's in computer science program focuses on computer systems and networks, operating systems, programming languages, and more. The program will help you gain the knowledge and skills you'll need to build a career in a computer-focused field.

Computer science bachelor programs include coursework in a wide range of computer-focused courses, such as computer science fundamentals, software development, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and computer programming.

Bachelor's in computer science curriculum

Computer science programs often include courses in areas such as math, computer networks, programming languages, data structures, and more.

Here are three common courses that many computer science bachelor's degree programs require:

• Foundations of computer science: Your computer science program may include an introductory course that gives you a foundation in important areas of computer science.
• Programming languages: As computer science involves programming, you may have to learn several programming languages, such as Python, R, and SQL.
• Cryptography: Cryptography means creating and using encryption algorithms and systems for the protection of data, so you'll learn skills relevant to data and cybersecurity.

Specializations and concentrations

You may be able to choose a specialization in your bachelor's in computer science program to help you further build skills in your desired concentration. Some potential specializations include:

• Cybersecurity: A cybersecurity specialization usually involves data, computer networks, and digital system protection from attacks and unauthorized access.
• Programming language theory: In a programming language theory specialization, you may focus on the classification and features of programming languages.
• Algorithms and data structures: In an algorithm and data structure specialization, there tends to be a focus on data processing and storage — algorithms process data, while data structures are where we store them in computer systems.
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence: You may be able to specialize in machine learning and artificial intelligence during your studies, and this often includes advanced knowledge in topics such as reinforcement learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.

Graduation requirements for a computer science bachelor's degree

Most computer science bachelor's degree programs require you to complete roughly 120 credit hours through about four years of full-time study, though completion will take longer if you only study part time.

Additionally, your program may require you to complete a capstone project or senior thesis before you graduate.

Explore bachelor's degrees in computer science

Are you ready to dive into the wide world of computer science? Then check out edX's bachelor's in computer science programs and get started today.