Thinking About Majoring in Computer Science? What to Look for in a College
Computer science continues to attract students who enjoy coding, technology, gaming, artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity, and solving complex problems. But liking computers or learning to code in high school doesn’t necessarily tell you what it will be like to major in computer science in college. That distinction matters when building a college list.
Computer science programs can vary significantly from one college to another. Some are heavily theoretical and mathematical. Others emphasize projects and software development. Some make it easy to combine computer science with another subject, while others expect students to commit to a more prescribed curriculum.
So instead of simply asking, “Which colleges have the best computer science programs?” prospective CS majors should be asking a more important question:
Which type of computer science program is the best fit for me?
Try Computer Science Before You Commit to It
High school students don't need to know exactly what area of computer science they want to pursue. But getting some firsthand experience can help.
Build something. Try a programming course. Work with data. Create a simple game. Explore robotics. Attend a hackathon. Read about research being done by university professors.
The goal isn't to create an impressive résumé line. It's to learn what genuinely interests you.
We recommend experimenting with projects and different areas of computing as a way to determine what kinds of problems students actually enjoy solving. And for students who enjoy the intellectual side of CS, experiences with areas such as discrete mathematics and proofs may provide an entirely different glimpse into what the college major entails.
Computer Science Is More Than Coding
One of the biggest misconceptions about majoring in computer science is that you’ll spend four years learning programming languages and building software.
Programming is certainly part of computer science, but it is only part of the field.
College CS courses can include algorithms, discrete mathematics, proofs, operating systems, computer architecture, artificial intelligence, data structures, cybersecurity, databases, and computing theory. In fact, students may eventually take courses that involve surprisingly little coding.
Current computer science curriculum guidelines developed by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) reflect just how broad the discipline has become. Their recommended areas range from artificial intelligence, security, and software engineering to mathematical foundations, human-computer interaction, networking, operating systems, graphics, and data management.
That means a student who loves building apps may have a very different reaction to a theoretical algorithms class than to a programming class.
Neither reaction means the student does or doesn’t “belong” in CS. It simply illustrates why students should understand the curriculum before choosing a program.
Find Out How Easy It Is to Actually Study Computer Science
At some colleges, being admitted to the university does not automatically mean you can major in computer science. Students may need to apply directly to a particular school or program, meet prerequisites, maintain certain grades, or apply to transfer into the major later. Course availability can matter too.
One student described enjoying small CS classes but also experiencing difficulty getting into desired courses because enrollment was limited. Another emphasized the importance of having enough course options in case a first- or second-choice class is unavailable.
Policies can change, so this is an area where students need to research each college individually rather than relying on what was true several years ago.
BA vs. BS: A Bigger Difference Than the Letters Suggest
Many colleges offer computer science as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS), and some offer both. Don't assume the BS is automatically the "better" or more serious CS degree.
In general, a BS tends to require more courses in computer science, math, and related technical fields, while a BA often leaves more room for electives, a second major, or subjects outside STEM. But the distinction varies significantly by college, so the letters themselves matter less than the actual requirements.
For a student who wants to go deep into computing and take as many technical courses as possible, a BS may be appealing. A student who wants to combine CS with economics, design, psychology, music, entrepreneurship, or another field may prefer the flexibility of a BA.
When comparing programs, look at:
How many CS courses does each degree require?
What are the math and science requirements?
How much room is left for electives?
Can you double major?
Do BA and BS students have access to the same upper-level CS courses, research, internships, and recruiting opportunities?
The important question isn't "Is a BS better than a BA?" It's "Which curriculum gives me the college experience I want?"
Don't Choose a College Based on the CS Ranking Alone
A highly ranked computer science department may be impressive, but you're not attending a department. You're attending a college.
You'll live there. You'll make friends there. You'll join clubs, eat in the dining halls, interact with professors, and hopefully explore subjects that have nothing to do with computer science.
A good CS program that fits the student may be a better choice than the supposedly “best” program.
Think about the same factors you would consider with any other college: size, campus culture, location, access to professors, class sizes, collaboration versus competition, extracurricular opportunities, cost, and overall student experience.
Computer science should be an important piece of your college search, but it shouldn't be the only piece.
Questions to Ask When Researching a CS Program
When visiting colleges, attending information sessions, talking with current students, or researching online, consider asking:
Are students admitted directly into computer science, or do they declare or apply to the major later?
Is enrollment in the CS major capped?
How difficult is it to switch into computer science?
What are introductory CS class sizes? What about upper-level classes?
Do CS majors generally get the classes they need?
Is the curriculum primarily theoretical, project-based, or a combination?
What math courses are required?
Does the college offer a BA, BS, or both?
How easy is it to double major or add a minor outside computer science?
What research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
How accessible are professors?
Where do students typically find internships?
That last question is particularly valuable. The official tour will tell you about facilities, rankings, research labs, and faculty. Current students can often tell you what the program actually feels like day-to-day.
The Bottom Line
You don't need to decide in high school whether you want to become a software developer, data scientist, cybersecurity specialist, AI researcher, game developer, or something that doesn't even exist yet.
In fact, programming languages, tools, and technologies will continue to change, but learning how to reason through difficult problems gives students a foundation that can outlast any particular technology.
So when you're building a college list for computer science, don't simply search for the schools with the highest-ranked programs.
Look at what you'll learn, how you'll learn it, how much flexibility you'll have, and whether you'll be happy spending four years there.
If you have questions about majoring in computer science, finding your college fit, or would like help developing your college application strategy, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us at info@mentoradmissions.com to learn more or schedule a call here.