Undergraduate Study
Computer Science
Knowledge Beyond Traditional Boundaries
Yale's Department of Computer Science offers a robust undergraduate program that empowers students to excel in our increasingly digital world. The curriculum balances fundamental theoretical concepts with practical application, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of computer science principles and their real-world implications. From algorithms and data structures to artificial intelligence and software engineering, our coursework covers a wide range of topics, preparing graduates to address complex computational challenges across diverse fields. With opportunities for hands-on projects, research collaborations with faculty, and interdisciplinary studies, Yale's computer science program equips students with the skills and knowledge to become innovative leaders in technology and beyond.
Undergraduate Degree Options
The Department of Computer Science offers both B.S. and B.A. degree programs and four combined major programs in cooperation with other departments.
Each program not only provides a solid technical education in the core of computer science but also allows students to take a broad range of courses in other disciplines that are an essential part of a liberal arts education. As a result the total number of required courses is somewhat lower than at other schools. Some students use this freedom to complete a second major, such as Economics, Music, Political Science, or Theater Studies.
Computer Science Degree Programs:
B.S. in Computer Science
Designed for students who plan to continue in computing after graduation, including technical management and consulting.
B.A. in Computer Science
Provides a solid computer science background as preparation for work in other fields such as finance, law, management, or medicine.
Combined B.S./M.S. in Computer Science
Allows exceptionally able and well-prepared students to earn both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees after eight terms of enrollment.
Joint Major Programs:
Computer Science & Economics
Provides students with foundational knowledge of economics, computation, and data analysis, as well as hands-on experience with empirical analysis of economic data. It prepares students for professional careers that incorporate aspects of both economics and computer science and for academic careers conducting research in the overlap of the two fields. Topics in the overlap include market design, computational finance, economics of online platforms, machine learning, and social media.
Computer Science & Mathematics
Intended for students who are interested in computational mathematics, the use of computers in mathematics, mathematical aspects of algorithm design and analysis, and theoretical foundations of computing.
Computer Science & Psychology
Allows students to integrate work in these two fields, with each providing tools and theories that can be applied to problems in the other. Such interactions include artificial intelligence, biological perception, cognitive science, and neural modes of computation.
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Designed for students interested in computer engineering and other areas at the interface between these two fields. It also covers discrete and continuous mathematics; algorithm analysis and design; digital and analog circuits; signals and systems; and systems programming.
Our Approach
Our majors are heavily recruited by leading software companies, as well as for jobs as consultants and on Wall Street. Some students start their own companies or attend graduate or professional school.
The computer science educational facility (affectionately known as the Zoo and the site of regular late-night pizza parties) is located on the third floor of the Arthur K. Watson building, which houses the Department. Its Intel workstations running Linux and Windows are available via both console and remote login 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, giving students in computer science essentially unlimited access.
