Computer Science (B.S./B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • The B.S. in computer science program is approved by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
  • Clemson offers 24-hour access to multiple computer labs and computing facilities.
  • TOP500.org ranked Clemson’s campus No. 5 among U.S. public universities in supercomputing in November 2012.
  • We offer both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in computer science.
ABOUT.

Ranked one of the top-10 supercomputing campuses in the country, Clemson offers computer science majors a unique opportunity to collaborate with computing specialists and faculty. As technology continues to advance rapidly, job offers in computing professions remain very high. From the classroom to the lab, your studies and research will prepare you for a career in software development, computer system support, the entertainment industry, government agencies or the IT department that exists in every medium to large company. We offer both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in computer science. The Bachelor of Science is a technically oriented degree for students interested in software development for basic computer science, scientific and engineering applications. The Bachelor of Arts is a liberal arts degree that provides you with the maximum flexibility in designing a program that supports your interests while also providing a firm foundation in computer science.   

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Our Bachelor of Science in computer science is a technically oriented degree designed for students interested in software development for basic computer science, scientific and engineering applications. Throughout your classes you’ll delve further into the technical aspects of computers with classes such as algorithms and data structures, software engineering, computer security, computer graphics, game design and network programming. You will also build a strong mathematical foundation in calculus, probability and statistics, and linear algebra.

Along with introductory computer science classes, our Bachelor of Arts provides you with the opportunity to pursue a foreign language and a minor in another field. An especially popular minor is in digital production arts, which prepares students for careers or graduate study in visual effects, computer animation and electronic games. This minor is excellent preparation for Clemson's unique Master of Fine Arts program in digital production arts. Other popular minors are in business, fine arts and psychology.

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Plan (B.S.)
Get a jump-start on your Master of Science in computer science while completing your bachelor’s. In our dual-degree program you can apply up to nine graduate credit hours to both your undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Business
  • Digital Production Arts
  • Fine Arts
  • Psychology

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Dive into your major outside your standard classes, and meet and network with fellow students and working professionals. As a computer science major you’ll have great chances to research alongside your classmates as well as our nationally known faculty. 

Internships and Research Projects:

ACM:
Join fellow students in Clemson's student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery and get involved in social events, fundraisers, distinguished lectures, career discussion panels and the ACM collegiate programming contest.
CLUG:
The Clemson Linux User Group is dedicated to spreading the use of Linux and Free Software at Clemson University. The group meets every two weeks and provides server space for members’ projects, user support and communication tools.
JOIN:
Many of our undergraduates work in one of our 16 research labs and groups. Learn to develop phone applications, build systems for training medical personnel, design educational games or create brain-computer interfaces.
RESEARCH:
Learn about computing research! Paid summer research programs for undergraduates are available at Clemson and at computer science programs across the country.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

46%

Employed

27%

Grad School

27%

Seeking Employment

0%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina — Web Systems Support Analyst
  • Fidelity Investments — Software Developer
  • EMC Corporation — Software Engineer

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • University of Michigan — Ph.D.
  • University of Illinois — Ph.D.
  • Clemson University — M.F.A.

Common Career Areas**

  • Programming
    • Systems
    • Scientific Applications
    • Business Applications
      • Intelligence
      • Warehousing
      • Information Delivery
      • Maintenance
  • Systems Development
    • Analysis
    • Design
    • Support
    • Quality Assurance
    • Specialty Systems
      • Database
      • Client-Server
  • Network Technology
    • Installation and Maintenance
    • Administration
  • Internet
    • Programming
    • Software Design
    • Systems Analysis
    • Hardware Production
    • Web Page Design
  • Consulting
    • Education
      • Non-Technical
        • Customer/Product Support
        • Technical Writing
      *Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin� Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
      **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
      FIND OUT MORE.

      Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

      Christopher Porter, CES Undergraduate Recruitment Director
      864-656-7870 — cporter@clemson.edu