Computer science

The B.S.C.S. in computer science is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. You will build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

View the degree map

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Undergraduate 4-year academic plans

Learning outcomes 

This program will prepare you to design, implement and evaluate computing-based solutions that address complex technical challenges. You’ll apply computer science theory, software development principles and analytical skills to identify effective solutions. You will be able to communicate clearly in professional settings, collaborate effectively as a team member or leader and demonstrate an understanding of ethical, legal and professional responsibilities in computing practice.

Class format 

This bachelor’s degree combines foundational lower-division coursework with advanced upper-division study. Early courses build essential skills in programming, mathematics, communication, computer organization, operating systems and software fundamentals. Upper-division courses expand your knowledge through topics such as software engineering, algorithms, databases, cybersecurity, theory of computation and compiler design.

Customize your engineering degree to match your career and educational goals through technical electives and certificate programs. Develop specialized skills for evolving industry needs or preparing for graduate study, research and advanced opportunities in engineering and related fields. 

You will participate in the college’s nationally recognized Interdisciplinary Capstone Design program, collaborating with a team on an industry- or department-sponsored project that builds teamwork, technical expertise and problem-solving skills while creating innovative solutions to real-world engineering challenges.

Industry connections throughout your academic journey provide valuable opportunities to build your professional network through paid internships, career networking events and employer engagement. These experiences help position you for successful placement in graduate programs and high-demand careers including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, cloud computing, mobile application development and technology innovation.

U of I Moscow and Coeur d’Alene transfer pathways

First-year students — You can start this degree at either University of Idaho’s main campus in Moscow or at U of I Coeur d’Alene.

If you begin in Coeur d’Alene, you’ll take your lower-division courses at North Idaho College, then seamlessly transfer to U of I Coeur d’Alene to complete your upper-division coursework with U of I faculty.

Transfer students — You can transfer into the program at either the Moscow campus or U of I Coeur d’Alene.

Students transferring to Coeur d’Alene complete any remaining lower-division requirements at North Idaho College and finish upper-division courses with U of I faculty. Students transferring to Moscow complete all remaining coursework directly on the main campus.

Receive your undergraduate computer science degree from faculty and staff who treat you like an individual while providing first-rate academic opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals and satisfy your academic interests.

Advising

• First-year undergraduates — Our professional advisors can help you learn more about degree options, select a major, identify required and elective courses and build a plan toward graduation. As you progress through your degree, you’ll transition to a faculty advisor.
• Transfer students — If you have 13 or less transfer credits, email Student Services or call 208-885-6470. If you have more than 13 credits, contact the department you're transferring into.

Hands-on learning

All U of I College of Engineering students participate in hands-on activities through:

• Nationally ranked Senior Capstone Design Program - Emphasizing the engineering design process and the development of a fully engineered, tested and validated outcome or prototype. Interdisciplinary student teams present their industry-sponsored projects at the annual Engineering Design EXPO.
• Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) – Get paid up to $20,000 alternating semesters of academic study with paid full-time employment in your field.
• Earn funding to explore areas that interest you - Customize your college experience through opportunities that support academic, professional and personal development in the College of Engineering Professional Skills Academy.
• Pursue technical certificates in engineering and computer science, build professional networks with faculty and industry partners and engage in hands-on research and project-based learning.
• Internships and summer programs – Gain real-world experience through paid internships, fellowships and research mentorship programs. Work with leading companies, national laboratories and research centers to apply classroom knowledge, develop technical and professional skills and build industry connections.

Faculty expertise

Students work alongside faculty with expertise in:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
• Deep learning and neural networks
• Data science and predictive analytics
• Natural language processing (NLP)
• Intelligent systems and AI engineering
• Trustworthy, ethical and secure AI
• Adversarial machine learning
• Computer vision and pattern recognition
• Evolutionary computation and optimization
• Robotics and intelligent industrial automation
• High-performance and large-scale computing

Connect with program faculty

Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Learn about clubs related to your major:

• Cyber Defense Club
• CyberForce Competition Team
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• Polymorphic Games Studio
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Robotics Club
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
• Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Program specific scholarships

• CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service — upper division undergraduate recipients receive a $27,000 stipend. All tuition and degree-related fees are paid through this National Science Foundation grant open to upper-division computer science and computer engineering students.
• Stone Scholars Program — awarded annually to support students enrolled in the Computer Science program at the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene Center.
• Additional College of Engineering scholarships — Additional scholarships are available based on major and interest areas. Browse engineering scholarships and application processes.
• Engineering students receive more than $1 million in scholarships annually.
• Earn more than $64,000 in scholarships over the course of four years through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Eligible first-year and transfer students are considered simply by filling out their U of I admission application. There’s no separate application or deadline.
• All first-time students and first-time transfer students in the College of Engineering are automatically considered for merit- and need-based scholarships and financial aid when filling out the admissions application and FAFSA. There are no separate scholarship applications required to be considered. Continuing students are also automatically considered after filling out the FAFSA each year.

Idaho LAUNCH

This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.