As a computer science major, you will be prepared to identify those problems that are best solved by means of a computer and to design and implement effective, economical and creative solutions.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BS

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BS in Computer Science

UMass Lowell’s computer and information sciences program uses a bottom-up approach, where you first learn about the machine you will be using as a tool. Our programming sequence allows you to build a precise model of computation without requiring prerequisite experience in computational thinking. Through the curriculum’s required courses, you'll gain a strong foundation in both the software and hardware aspects of computing, as well as the mathematics and science that underlie the discipline. 

Electives in the later years allow you to study an area of computer and information sciences in greater depth. You can choose an option in cybersecurity, bio-cheminformatics and data science to further specialize and focus on particular paths of study. Many students also enroll in our robotics minor.

Our research labs support undergraduate and graduate students, and we have close ties with regional and national high-tech companies that employ our current students and alumni. Research is funded by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and other government and industry sources.

What Can You Do with a Computer Science Major?

Graduates from UMass Lowell's computer science program have the skills and flexibility necessary to thrive in a variety of fields. Computer scientists are in high demand, with employment expected to grow by 22% over the next decade.

Two students look at a laptop computer screen

Our graduates are sought after by regional, national and international companies as well as academic and research organizations, including:

  • Analog Devices
  • Cisco
  • Fidelity
  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Raytheon 
  • Beijing University
  • Utah State
  • MIT
  • Pfizer Research

Courses You'll Take

Student standing in computer lab at UMass Lowell

The B.S. in Computer Science offers rigorous training in the design and use of computer systems. Our courses provide a strong foundation in computing's software and hardware aspects, as well as the mathematics and science that underlie the discipline. 

Focus your degree by choosing an option that fits your career goals and academic interests:

  • General Option — Customize your choices of electives based on your own interests and career goals. Courses for General Option
  • Cybersecurity Option — Gain practical techniques, theory and ethical training in attacking and defending computer systems to pursue careers in the cybersecurity industry. Courses for Cybersecurity Option
  • Data Science Option — Take courses in such topics as linear algebra, data mining, natural language processing and big data systems. You'll graduate prepared to become a data scientist with the ability to analyze and extract useful patterns from lots of data. This option also satisfies all requirements needed to receive a minor in Mathematical Sciences. Courses for Data Science Option
  • Bio-Cheminformatics Option — Combine coursework in biological sciences, chemistry and bio-cheminformatics to graduate ready to apply computer science to challenges in molecular biology, biochemistry and medicine. Courses for Bio-Cheminformatics Option

You will also complete at least one ethics course, many of which focus on the professional and ethical responsibilities within the field of computer science as well as the social impacts of technology.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Computer Science minor and Robotics minor.

Program Educational Objectives

The Miner School strives to be a school of choice for students and is actively repositioning itself. We have responded to our ties to industry by offering focused programs both at the undergraduate and graduate levels in order to provide a thinking and technically literate graduate of immediate value to the community.
PEO1 Be established and recognized as a valued professional and effective communicator in industries related to computer science and computing technologies.
PEO2 Practice their profession in a collaborative, team-oriented manner that embraces the multidisciplinary and multicultural environment of today’s business world.
PEO3 Engage in lifelong learning and professional development via post graduate education and participation in professional organizations.
PEO4 Function as a responsible member of society with willingness to mentor fellow employees and an understanding of the ethical, social and economic impact of their work in a global context.

Program Educational Outcomes

The Miner School has been designed to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive education, with a curriculum offering a broad education in Computer Science combined with a solid foundation in science and engineering fundamentals. In addition, the program has emphasized interaction and communication skills.
At graduation, Computer Science students are expected to possess the following skills: 
SO1 The ability to create significant software projects, from analysis to design to implementation and testing.
SO2 A strong foundation in both the software and hardware aspects of computing, as well as the mathematics and science that underlie the discipline.
SO3 A deeper understanding of one or more areas of computer science of their choosing.
SO4 Good written and verbal communications skills.
SO5 The ability to work effectively in teams, as jobs in computer science require large groups of people to work together.  
SO6 An appreciation of the societal consequences of technology, including computers, and of the ethical issues that arise with recent technologies.
SO7 The knowledge and skills necessary to obtain employment after graduation or to continue their study of computer science in graduate school.

Why study computer science at UMass Lowell?

Two students work with a robot and laptop in the NERVE Center at UMass Lowell.

Research Labs

Our research labs have close ties with regional and national high-tech companies that employ our current students and alumni. Research topics include: 

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Assistive technology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Cybersecurity and privacy
  • Data mining
  • Human-computer interaction
  • Machine learning
Student wearing a virtual reality headset control in a computer science classroom at UMass Lowell

Robotics Minor

Combine computer science with electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and other STEM-related disciplines to earn a Robotics minor. You'll get the in-demand education you need to work in the exciting, ever-evolving field of robotics.

Student uses a calculator while working on a laptop in a UMass Lowell computer science classroom.

Co-ops & Internships

Apply to be part of the co-op program after your first year. Students have worked as interns at regional, national and international companies, including: 

  • Dell EMC
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • iRobot
  • Raytheon Technologies
  • IBM
  • Bose
male-student-pointing-at-model-on-computer-screen

Specialized Facilities & Equipment

Our specialized laboratories support research, including ones for robotics, cybersecurity, natural language processing and computer architecture.

The New England Robotics Validation and Experimentation (NERVE) Center is a 10,000-square-foot facility supporting robotics research in manufacturing, search and rescue, exoskeletons, humanoid robots and assistive technology. The facility has motion capture systems, a split-belt treadmill and a wide variety of robot systems.

Three computer labs and a robotics teaching lab are reserved exclusively for use by students enrolled in computer and information sciences classes.

Hear from Our Faculty and Students

William Boag delivers a speech at a lectern.
William Boag '16
Computer Science

Computer science alum William Boag ’16, a senior health care data lead for MassHealth, remains deeply engaged with the Honors College through leadership, mentorship and philanthropy.

The Honors College holds a special place in my heart.
Read More About William Boag 
John Kilgo smiling in front of MITRE signage
John Kilgo '19
Computer Science

John Kilgo VI began working at MITRE Corporation more than three years ago as an intern, when he was a UMass Lowell undergraduate. Now, he’s employed there full time as a software systems engineer, while enrolled part time in the master’s program in computer science.

The flexibility of the program allows the courses to sync up with what I’m doing at work.
Read More About John Kilgo 
Mark Micire
Mark Micire ’11
Computer Science

Mark Micire’s unique work experience and education have been able to help people in their darkest hour. He designs robotics systems that help coordinate efforts at search and rescue sites.

The people in Prof. Yanco's lab come out as better scientists and better people
Read More About Mark Micire 
Zach McCann seated with a laptop
Zachary McCann '23
Computer Science

Zachary McCann developed computer science skills while working in Prof. Fred Martin’s lab and as a peer leader for SoarCS.

Going to UMass Lowell was the right balance between good academics and getting the most bang for my buck.
Read More About Zachary McCann 
Ariana Brown works at a computer
Ariana Brown '25
Computer Science

SoarCS, a summer program for incoming computer science majors, helped shape Ariana Brown’s college experience.

Being selected for the Immersive Scholars program was a big draw for me to UMass Lowell.
Read More About Ariana Brown