Computer Science
A computer science degree blending the theoretical and practical.
York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science degree program prepares tomorrow’s computing professionals through a standard of hands-on training using high-performance computing equipment.
Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Computer Science program imparts industry best practices and trains students in creative problem-solving and critical thinking for the most successful careers across the technical or scientific fields of computer science.
Whether you want to pursue a career researching AI, managing computer networks, or building websites and apps, York College’s B.S. in Computer Science degree gets you closer to real projects and internship experiences that set our graduates apart.
About the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Computer Science Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program starts with essential courses in mathematics, procedural and object-oriented programming and progresses to advanced topics in computer science. Core Computer Science major requirements include data structures, programming language design, software engineering, operating systems, cybersecurity, digital design, and computer organization.
General education classes, hands-on lab work, and a two-semester capstone design project complement traditional coursework, while internship work experiences provide invaluable industry exposure.
Project-based courses take Computer Science majors through the design lifecycle of complex software using agile methods of analysis, implementation, and testing. Students can specialize through elective courses in areas like computer graphics, data sciences, embedded systems.
Courses in the program may include:
- CS 290: Computer Science Career Training Preparation
- CS 320: Software Engineering and Design
- CS 350: Data Structures
- CS 420: Operating Systems
Admissions and Aid
Start on the path to some of the more rewarding career opportunities today and review undergraduate admission requirements. Our rolling admissions policy means you can apply at any time.
Our rich academic and campus experiences cost much less than what students pay at other private colleges. Learn more about tuition costs and financial aid opportunities at York College.
Earn a B.S. in Computer Science at York College of Pennsylvania
Confidently take on or advance a career in computer science with York College’s comprehensive Computer Science major program and technologically advanced facilities.
Request more information today to begin the journey. Or, start your application.
Career Opportunities with a B.S. in Computer Science
Graduates of York College's B.S. in Computer Science program are well-prepared for programming and software development roles and pursue further education, training, and certifications in computer and information science specialty areas. Our program's alums work with renowned companies such as Amazon, Google, John's Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, J.F. Taylor, and Becton Dickinson. Potential attainable careers include:
- Back-End Web Developer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Database System Administrator
- Front-End Web Developer
- LAN or Internet Administrator
- Network Analyst
- Network Engineer Software Applications System Developer
- Software Engineer
Our Computer Science majors are equipped with the skills for high-level research and project-based learning, leading to successful careers in both technical and academic fields and preparation for master’s in computer science programs and related educational endeavors.
Salary Outcomes for Computer Science Majors
Graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science program can expect competitive salaries in entry-level roles. This field offers ample opportunity to increase earnings through on-the-job experience, further specialization, and certification. As a career field projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to grow much faster than average from 2022 to 2032, computer and information technology occupations often start with entry-level bachelor’s level education in computer science.
Graduates often take on analyst roles initially with a bachelor’s. According to the BLS, salaries you can earn as a Computer Science major include:
- Network and computer systems administrators—$95,360/year
- Computer systems analysts—$103,800/year
- Information security analysts—$104,420/year
- Database administrators and architects—$117,450/year
- Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers—$130,160/year
Pursuing specialized subfields of computer science, such as cybersecurity, can lead to even greater salary opportunities. With a few years of experience, you can progress to roles such as network architect and computer scientist, which involve more responsibility and technical expertise. The highest salaries in cybersecurity careers are typically found in positions such as computer science professors, software designers, and researchers in the private industry.
Internship Work Experience
Kinsley School of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology highly values undergraduate experiential education and requires an internship as part of the four year curriculum. Students also have the opportunity to participate in additional internship experiences.
This essential component ensures students are ready for more advanced academic challenges and gain firsthand insight into their future careers. Through these internship experiences, students are exposed to real-world software development along with additional benefits, including:
- Financial Support: Engaging in paid professional roles helps offset college expenses.
- Professional Skill Exposure: Early interaction with practicing software engineers offers opportunities to sharpen their technical and interpersonal skills.
- Competitive Advantage: Applying coursework in practical experiences and gaining professional connections create sought-after graduates.
Learn more about undergraduate internships at York College.
Capstone Design
The Computer Science program provides opportunities to work hands-on in engineering laboratories nearly every day, culminating in CS 400/402: Capstone Design I/II. In this senior-level course sequence, students engage in a multidisciplinary real-world design and build experience, operating on a team to deliver a prototype of the design effort and present a report on its development and results.
Independent Research Alongside Expert Faculty
In coursework, independent study opportunities, and the supervised Capstone Design, Computer Science majors interact with York College faculty who are leading-edge researchers with years of industry experience.
Students may partner with faculty members on research projects that often lead to publications at national and international conferences. Former students helped design and build swarm robotics, a radio telescope, an automated greenhouse, drones, medical devices, and more.
Top Facilities and Technologies
The Kinsley Engineering Center houses collaborative Computer Science and engineering labs, maker spaces, and places to connect with other Computer Science and engineering students. With the understanding that innovation arises when different disciplines interact, CS majors at York College enjoy different laboratories related to various subject areas such as robotics, software engineering, and computer engineering.
Explore the Kinsley Engineering Center , dedicated computer science laboratories and the various engineering labs.
Clubs and Professional Organizations
Our on-campus chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) provides student members with a variety of activities and social events, including attending regional meetings.
Enjoy ample opportunities to join, not just professional societies, but student-led clubs. Whether it’s getting involved in student government opportunities, multicultural organizations, or the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Club, York College has a wide variety of clubs and organizations to connect with other students.
Skills for In-Demand Computing Careers
York College’s brilliant Computer Science majors develop proficiencies in software development and computer systems. Capstone and internship opportunities ensure adaptability and readiness to keep pace with technological advancements and industry standards.
Acquire a marketable skill set for professional problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking:
- Real-world project execution across software design and development lifecycle
- Comprehensive understanding of network architecture, data structures, and algorithms
- Cybersecurity protocols and principles, threat analysis, and cloud infrastructure
- Practical use and design of operating systems, microprocessor system design, and hardware-software integration
- Advanced skills in mathematics, numerical models, and statistical analysis
- Exposure to cryptography and cutting-edge topics in computer science
- Abilities in self-directed research, mentored independent study, and collaboration
- Application of cross-disciplinary knowledge such as calculus, probability, and physics to computational analysis and design projects
Minor in Computer Science and Related Programs
The Computer Science minor program can complement our related bachelor’s degrees, or students can pursue double majors alongside the B.S. in Computer Science.
Add a Computer Science minor to one of York College’s computing degree programs or a complementary minor to the bachelor’s program.
The B.S. in Computer Science degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science.
Computer Science Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
Careers in Computer Science
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
Software Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Database System Administrator
Web Developer
Data Scientist
Network Analyst
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to the core Computer Science major curriculum and practical coursework in math and statistics, students can access a range of elective credits in Computer Science. This allows for exploration in specialization areas that interest them and delve deeper into a specific subfield if they wish. Courses that may be available include CS 370: Computer Graphics Programming I, MAT 391: Cryptography, and IFS 335: Cloud Infrastructure.
Many students in the Computer Science degree program choose to add minors from an array of study areas, such as ethics, business, psychology, finance, and more. This is a popular option for adding new dimensions to your computer science expertise. It can be particularly beneficial if you aim to enter a specific field, such as healthcare information technology or business, or if you want to enhance your unique appeal to employers seeking entry-level computer science professionals.
The jobs available with a bachelor's degree in computer science are varied and include roles such as web developer, user experience designer, software designer, and developer in a wide range of industries. You may start as an analyst focusing on data structures, network administration, or cybersecurity or become a computer programmer or developer. In addition to these common career pathways, you can also pursue roles in technical writing and communication, AI research, or teaching and education.
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Computer Science in Action
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