Computer Science Degree- BS

Think. Design. Code.

University of the Pacific’s computer science degree program develops innovators who reshape how we live and connect. Students learn to design new software that sparks creativity, craft algorithms and machine-learning models to solve complex challenges and create immersive VR experiences and interactive games that bring people together.

Pacific's computer science degree program lets you shape your own learning by choosing from a variety of elective courses. You can explore software development, AI, game design, networking, cybersecurity and more. These courses will help you stay ready and flexible as new technologies emerge.

The computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science Programs.

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Outstanding Student

Jordan Scharkey

Jordan Scharkey was attracted to Pacific because of the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s co-op program. Now that he’s completed his internship with NVIDIA, he says the experience was “extremely beneficial and insightful” and has prepared him for his post-graduation job search.

Learn more about Jordan

Exceptional professional outlook

Starting salaries for Pacific computer science graduates average over $14,000 higher than the national average. Computer scientists are also some of the best-paid professionals in the workforce today, with starting salaries between $50,000 and $70,000.

Dual degree programs

Computer science students can start graduate courses while finishing their undergraduate degree. For more information about the accelerated program and how to apply, contact Kathy Libres.

Learn more about MSCS

Earn while you learn

As you earn your computer science degree, you have the option to complete a two- academic term, paid CO-OP working in a related industry and earn an average of $3,700 a month. This professional experience gives you a competitive edge in the computing job market.

DISCOVER THE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

Pacific Noyce Scholars Program

The PacNoyce Scholars Program provides scholarships and other support for STEM majors at Pacific who become teachers in high-needs school districts, such as Stockton.

You could be eligible for the Robert Noyce Teachers Scholarship worth up to $13,750 a year, for juniors and seniors or $20,000 for the final MA/teaching credential year.

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Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Master of Science in Computer Science

Minor in Computer Science

Undergraduate Major Requirements

Curriculum Overview

Information on the Master of Science

Information on the Minor

First Year

FALL

COMP 051 Introduction to Computer Science
CORE 001 Problem Solving and Oral Communication
ENGR 010 Dean's Seminar
MATH 045 or 051 Calculus
General Education Course

SPRING

COMP 053 Data Structures
CORE 002 Writing and Critical Thinking
General Education Course
Free Elective or Minor Course

Second Year

FALL

COMP 047 Discrete Math for Computer Science
COMP 055 Application Development
Lab Science Course
General Education Course

SPRING

ENGR 030 Engineering/Computing Ethics in Society
MATH 037 Introduction to Statistics/Probability
Lab Science Course
General Education Course
Free Elective or Minor Course

Third Year

FALL

COMP 147 Computing Theory
COMP 157 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
COMP 175 System Administration and Security
ECPE 170 Computer Systems and Networks
Free Elective or Minor Course

SPRING

COMP 141 Programming Languages
COMP 173 Operating Systems
ENGR 025 Professional Practice Seminar
Computer Science Elective Course
Free Elective or Minor Course

SUMMER

ENGR 181 Professional Practice (CO-OP)

Fourth Year

FALL

ENGR 182 Professional Practice (CO-OP)

SPRING

COMP 195 CS Senior Project
Computer Science Elective Course
Computer Science Elective Course
Computer Science Elective Course
Free Elective or Minor Course

First Year

FALL

COMP 051 Introduction to Computer Science
CORE 001 Problem Solving and Oral Communication
ENGR 010 Dean's Seminar
MATH 045 or 051 Calculus
General Education Course

SPRING

COMP 053 Data Structures
CORE 002 Writing and Critical Thinking
General Education Course
Free Elective or Minor Course

Second Year

FALL

COMP 047 Discrete Math for Computer Science
COMP 055 Application Development
General Education Course
Lab Science Course

SPRING

ENGR 030 Engineering/Computing Ethics in Society
MATH 037 Introduction to Statistics/Probability
General Education Course
Lab Science Course

Third Year

FALL

COMP 157 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
COMP 175 System Administration and Security
ECPE 170 Computer Systems and Networks
Free Elective or Minor Course

SPRING

COMP 141 Programming Languages
COMP 173 Operating Systems
Computer Science Elective Course
Free Elective or Minor Course

Fourth Year

FALL

COMP 147 Computing Theory
Computer Science Elective Course
Computer Science Elective Course
Free Elective or Minor Course

SPRING

COMP 195 CS Senior Project
Computer Science Elective Course
Computer Science Elective Course
ENGR 025 Professional Practice Seminar
Free Elective or Minor Course

Computer science degree educational objectives

Through their careers in computing or a related profession, Pacific graduates are expected to demonstrate the following within a few years of earning their degree in Computer Science:

Graduates will employ design skills and technical knowledge that contribute to building or utilizing computing systems in various professional careers.

Graduates will work effectively in team environments, use communication skills, and grow and adapt to a world of evolving technology.

Computer science degree student outcomes

Students who complete the degree in computer science will have acquired the ability to:

Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.

Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.

Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.

Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Engineering and Computer Science Scholarship Application Instructions

How to Apply

Visit http://pacific.academicworks.com
Sign in using your Pacific Net ID and Password
Complete the General Application
Complete the Conditional SOECS Application
Choose "Apply" for any recommended scholarship opportunities based on your responses and academic profile. Please read the scholarship criteria carefully to confirm that you are qualified BEFORE you apply.
You will need to upload an unofficial transcript.

Any Engineering or Computer Science Major

Name of Scholarship	Qualification Criteria
Maryam H. Dashti Endowed Scholarship	Merit-Based; first preference for a student from Kuwait; second preference for a student from Gulf States Region; third preference for international student
B.G. Glenn A Goddard Veteran's Endowed Scholarship	Merit-Based, currently serving in a military reserve program, honorably discharged veteran or participant in ROTC program.
Robert L. Heyborne Endowed Scholarship	Merit-Based, full-time undergraduate student, minimum 3.0 GPA, Junior/Senior standing preferred
George and Sue Schroeder Endowed Scholarship	Undergraduate School of Engineering & Computer Science student, Minimum 3.2 GPA
Paul M. Sensibaugh Engineering Endowed Scholarship	Merit-Based, preference for students who have graduated or transferred from San Joaquin County Schools
Louise Stark Endowed Scholarship for Women Engineers	Need-Based, Undergraduate Female, Good Academic Standing, minimum 2.5 GPA

Any Engineering Major

Name of Scholarship	Qualification Criteria
Hamma Fund Scholar (administered by Dean's Office)	Merit-Based, last two semesters of Undergrad Program with the goal of enrolling in Master's Program at Pacific, Member of Tau Beta Pi (Award covers 1 fiscal year of graduate school, including books)
Minority Engineering Endowed Scholarship	Need-Based, Preference for African American or other underrepresented ethnicities
Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. Endowed Scholarship	Need-Based, full-time Engineering major, minimum of 3.0 GPA