Computer Science

The undergraduate program in Computer Science at Virginia Tech is both challenging and rewarding. The objectives of the program are to provide majors with a balanced breadth and depth of knowledge in computer science that allows them the choice between continuing their education in graduate school and beginning their professional career, and to excel in either environment. 

Part of the accreditation process is a clear statement of program objectives and desired outcomes for graduates. 

Our graduates go on to succeed in many career and life paths. However, as the Department of Computer Science we focus on enabling graduates to excel in specific ways, identified in our Program Educational Objectives (PEOs). These PEOs describe what graduates of the Virginia Tech Computer Science program are expected to attain within a few years after graduation.

Within a few years of graduation, alumni will have:

• demonstrated technical expertise by applying computer science knowledge and practice to solve challenging problems, whether in employment, graduate study, or individual pursuits;
• advanced their skills in communication, teamwork, and professional and ethical behavior;
• demonstrated leadership in their technical or professional pursuits;
• engaged in post-graduate learning through graduate studies, professional improvement opportunities, or self-study;
• served society through professional or personal contribution.

Undergraduate Courses

1000 Level Courses

• CS1044: Introduction to Programming in C

• CS1054: Introduction to Programming in Java

• CS1064: Introduction to Programming in Python

• CS1114: Introduction to Software Design

• CS1124: Introduction to Media Computation

• CS1604: Introduction to the Internet

• CS1944: Computer Science 1st Year Seminar

2000 Level Courses

• CS2104: Introduction to Problem Solving in Computer Science

• CS2114: Software Design & Data Structures

• CS2304: Self Study in a Programming System

• CS2505: Introduction to Computer Organization I

• CS2506: Introduction to Computer Organization II

• CS2974: Independent Study

3000 Level Courses

• CS3114: Data Structures & Algorithms

• CS3214: Computer Systems

• CS3304: Comparative Languages

• CS3414: Numerical Methods

• CS3604: Professionalism in Computing

• CS3634: Computer Science Foundations for CMDA

• CS3654: Introductory Data Analytics and Visualization

• CS3704: Intermediate Software Design and Engineering

• CS3714: Mobile Software Development

• CS3724: Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction

• CS3744: Introduction to GUI Programming and Graphics

• CS3754: Cloud Software Development

• CS3824: Introduction to Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

• CS3984: Cloud Software Development

4000 Level Courses

• CS4104: Data and Algorithm Analysis

• CS4114: Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata Theory

• CS4124: Theory of Computation

• CS4204: Computer Graphics

• CS4214: Simulation and Modeling

• CS4234: Parallel Computation

• CS4244: Internet Software Development

• CS4254: Computer Network Architecture and Programming

• CS4264: Principles of Computer Security

• CS4284: Systems & Networking Capstone

• CS4304: Compiler Design and Implementation

• CS4414: Issues in Scientific Computing

• CS4504: Computer Organization

• CS4570: Wireless Networks and Mobile Systems

• CS4604: Introduction to Data Base Management Systems

• CS4624: Multimedia, Hypertext and Information Access

• CS4634: Design of Information

• CS4644: Creative Computing Studio

• CS4654: Intermediate Data Analytics and Machine Learning

• CS4704: Software Engineering Capstone

• CS4784: Human-Computer Interaction Capstone

• CS4804: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• CS4824: Machine Learning

• CS4884: Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Capstone

• CS4944: Senior Seminar

• CS4974: Independent Study

• CS4994: Undergraduate Research

Academic Requirements for International Freshmen

Before you can be considered for freshman admission, you must complete:

• 3 units of math (includes algebra I, geometry, and algebra II)
• 2 units of laboratory science (chosen from biology, chemistry or physics)
• additional academic units (foreign language is highly recommended)

Some majors have other requirements, such as an additional year of advanced math or lab science. Most students who are selected for admission have completed more than the minimum requirements and have at least a B+ grade point average.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking ONE of following tests.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Services of Princeton, New Jersey. 
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. 
• The PTE is the Pearson Tests of English, which measures your English ability by testing your level of English through tasks which reflect real-life settings. 

We recommend the TOEFL or IELTS be taken by January 15. Late test scores MUST be received by March 1.

SAT Optional

Virginia Tech does not require the SAT for international applicants. If you would like to send the SAT Reasoning Test (including critical reading and math) or ACT test scores, scores should be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (CEEB code 5859; ACT code 4420).

Endowed Scholarships

Investment in Excellence Scholarships

Investment in Excellence Scholarships are made from our general scholarship fund.  Students must meet the criteria established by the College of Engineering.  Students will be selected based on academic excellence and financial need.

CGI Computer Science Scholarship

CGI employees were deeply moved by the tragedy of April 16, 2007, and created this scholarship in memory of everyone impacted by the events of that day.  Additionally, CGI is interested in encouraging students to attend Virginia Tech by helping the College of Engineering recruit and retain highly talented students interested in the field of Computer Science.  Recipients of this scholarship will be rising juniors or seniors.  First preference shall be given to student based on academic merit, with further preference based on demonstrated leadership skills and community service, financial need, and an interest in an optional summer internship with CGI.  

Anne and George Gorsline Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is named in honor of Mrs. Anne Gorsline and in memory of her husband, Dr. George Gorsline.  This scholarship was established to encourage students to continue their pursuit of the Computer Science Degree.  This scholarship is available to any undergraduate above the freshman level, in good academic standing; with a declared major of Computer Science and sufficient course completion to support that declaration; and a member in good standing of The Association for Women in Computing and/or the Society for Women Engineers.  

George Gorsline Memorial Scholarship

George Gorsline served as this department’s first head.  Affectionately known as Dr. G to his students, George was a champion of the "underdogs," those students who faced unique challenges, but who persevered and overcame obstacles to complete a degree in Computer Science.  When Dr. Gorsline passed away in 1987, a number of grateful alumni established the George Gorsline Memorial Scholarship.  True to George's spirit, this scholarship is given each year to rising seniors who have shown significant improvement in his or her grade point average from freshman year through junior year, and who have overcome obstacles to become successful CS majors.

If you meet the intent of the George Gorsline Scholarship, you should submit the College of Engineering scholarship application and send e-mail to Ms. Libby Bradford ( bradford@cs.vt.eduThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) letting her know you have applied for this scholarship in particular.

Griffith-Strader Christian Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was created to provide scholarship support for CS students in the College of Engineering.  To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be a rising sophomore majoring in Computer Science.  Preference will be given to a student who meets the above criteria and is an alumnus of Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Virginia.  If no student from Brookville High School is eligible for this scholarship, second preference will be given to an undergraduate student from rural Virginia.

Company Scholarships

SWIFT Scholarship: A one time scholarship to be awarded to a rising junior, with an anticipated grad date of May 2019.  The minimum requirements are a 3.0 overall GPA, involvement in extracurricular activities, and leadership.