Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Cornell University offers a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to prepare students for a diverse range of careers in technology, research, and academia. This program provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of computer science, including programming, algorithms, data structures, computer systems, and software engineering. Students gain hands-on experience through lab work, projects, and internships, fostering both technical proficiency and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is continually updated to reflect the latest technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, computer graphics, and human-computer interaction, among others. Cornell's lively academic environment encourages collaboration across disciplines, allowing students to engage in innovative research, innovative projects, and entrepreneurial ventures. The program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical considerations in computing, preparing students to develop solutions that are both effective and socially responsible.

In addition to a strong technical foundation, students benefit from Cornell’s extensive network of alumni, industry partnerships, and research centers, which facilitate internships, job placements, and collaborative ventures. The program typically takes four years to complete and requires a combination of core courses, technical electives, and a capstone project where students demonstrate their ability to integrate knowledge and skills. Graduates of the program are highly sought after by top technology companies, startups, research institutions, and governmental agencies.

The Department of Computer Science at Cornell also offers opportunities for undergraduate research, workshops, hackathons, and seminars led by leading experts in the field. The vibrant campus environment, coupled with access to state-of-the-art computing facilities and resources, makes Cornell an ideal place for aspiring computer scientists to thrive. Whether aiming for a career in software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, or academic research, students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at Cornell gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to excel in the dynamic world of technology.

Credit Hours

• A minimum of 34 credit hours is required including CS 7999 (Thesis Research).
• In general, any work that contributes to the credit hour requirement for the MS cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for another degree.

CS Coursework

• At least 14 credits must be earned through CS coursework. (CS 7999 and seminars cannot be used.)
• All CS courses must be 4000-level or higher.
• Students must complete at least four CS courses that are at the 5000 level or higher and one of these must be at the 6000-level.
• All CS courses must be taken for a letter grade and that grade must be C or better for the course to count.

Committee

• MS students must have at least 2 members of the graduate faculty on their special committee - one in the major subject (the chair) and one in the minor subject.
• Committees must be formed by the end of the 2nd semester for MS students.

The Outside Minor and Credit for Non-CS Courses

• Students are required to have an outside minor and to have a Minor Field Member on their Thesis Committee.
• The outside minor requirement typically involves 2-3 courses and is determined by the outside minor field.
• Non-CS courses and courses not associated with the outside minor can also be used to fulfill the 34 credit hour minimum. These courses must be approved by the Director, but typically graduate -level courses in any field are acceptable if they relate to the student’s educational objectives

Thesis Research (CS 7999)

• Students are required to have a Thesis Advisor.
• Students must complete between 6 and 12 credits hours of thesis research (CS 7999).
• CS 7999 can be taken multiple times, i.e., thesis research can be spread over several semesters.
• All CS 7999’s must be taken for a letter grade and only if the grade is B or better can it count towards the fulfillment thesis research requirement.
• The volume of work associated with the thesis is determined by the Thesis Advisor. The thesis itself will typically be between 20-50 pages in length.
• A 30-50 minute oral presentation of thesis results is required.

Good Standing

• A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 must be maintained to continue in the program.
• You must be considered a top TA in the courses that you act as a TA.  This will be evaluated at the end of each term.
• A student who receives a course grade less than C or a CS 7999 grade less than B may be asked to leave the program.
• To be in good standing after the first, second, and third semesters, it is necessary to have completed at least 8, 16, and 24 credits hours of work respectively.

Course Load

• Students are not allowed to take more that 12 credits hours during a semester unless permission is granted by the Director and and the Thesis Advisor.

On January 1 we begin reviewing applications for a Fall Semester start.   Once all positions have been filled, we will stop considering new applications. An application consists of

• A Bachelors degree in CS is expected but applicants who have majored in another field and minored in CS will be fully considered. Applicants must have a proven record of excellence as an undergraduate grader/TA in a computer science course. Experience as an undergraduate researcher is highly recommended.
• Transcripts of all college-level work,
• Three letters of recommendation including at least one that addresses expository skills and the ability to work in a classroom setting, and
• An essay  that explains how the degree program and the anticipated thesis area resonates with your career plans.

All applicants (except current Cornell undergraduates) are required to take the GRE general test. Non-native English speakers are required to take the TOEFL.  Scores on the Writing, Listening, and Reading components must be 24 or higher and 28 or higher for the Speaking component.

Financial Support

Students who are admitted into the program serve as full time teaching assistants (TA’s) during each of the four semesters. This involves a fifteen-hour commitment to TA duties each week. In exchange, the student receives full tuition, a stipend to cover basic living expenses, and health insurance.  Summer instructorships, TA-ships, and research assistantships are available but are not guaranteed.  Serving as a TA is an integral part of the program. To remain in good standing in the program, students have to be among the top TAs in their assigned courses. TA performance is evaluated at the end of each semester.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Cornell University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of computing. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, software engineering, computer architecture, operating systems, and theoretical computer science. Students have the opportunity to explore specialized fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer graphics, cybersecurity, databases, and networks, allowing them to tailor their education to specific interests and career goals.

The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application of computer science concepts. Students engage in rigorous coursework that promotes problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and computational thinking. Hands-on projects, internships, and research opportunities are integral parts of the curriculum, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts and to develop critical skills desirable in the tech industry and academia.

The faculty involved in the program are leading researchers and experienced educators dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in computer science education. Cornell's state-of-the-art facilities, computing labs, and collaborative environments support student learning and research activities. The university’s strong connections with industry partners and alumni networks offer valuable pathways for internships, employment, and career advancement.

The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to integrate computer science with fields like engineering, business, and the sciences. The department provides various resources, workshops, and seminars to enhance students’ technical expertise and professional development. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or to embark on careers in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, research, and other sectors where computing skills are critical. Overall, Cornell’s Computer Science undergraduate program prepares students to contribute meaningfully to technological innovation and to address complex challenges in the digital age.