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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What courses will you take?

Student standing in computer lab at UMass Lowell

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

As a computer science major, you can choose between four options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities. 

  • 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.

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?

Student posing next to a sign for a cybersecurity conference 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 looking at a treaded robot 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.

Professor and student work on a computer at the UMass Lowell Cyber Range

Bachelor’s-to-Master's Program

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our combined bachelor's-to-master's program.

  • Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
  • Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
  • Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money
Student wearing a virtual reality headset control in a computer science classroom at UMass Lowell

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

What can you do with a degree in computer science?

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

Hear from Our Faculty & Students

Grace Chin works at a computer on campus
Grace Chin '20
Computer Science

Great classes and research experience, a professional co-op and a cybersecurity competition are preparing Grace Chin for professional success.

I really lucked out coming to UMass Lowell. I think it’s a hidden gem for computer science.
Read More About Grace Chin 
Garima working at a desk
Garima Jain '22
Computer Science

Garima Jain transferred from J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA in her hometown of Faridabad, India, to UMass Lowell, where she has gained research and internship experiences.

There is a lot of opportunity, and the people here are amazing … I love the culture at UMass Lowell.
Read More About Garima Jain 
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 
Adam Norton
Adam Norton ’10
Graphic Design

Adam Norton’s experience at the UMass Lowell robotics lab and Revolving Museum allowed him to work with iRobot on educational school visits to get the next generation hooked on robotics.

I may not know a person, but if I find out they’re from UMass Lowell, we automatically have a connection.
Read More About Adam Norton 
Lisa Panagopoulos with other cast members from the movie Twas the Night
Lisa Panagopoulos ’84, ’88
Computer Science and Computer Engineering

Lisa Panagopoulos went remote and part time – and launched a second career on the silver screen.

I love teaching… so I’m happy to do that while I pursue this other passion.
Read More About Lisa Panagopoulos