Computer Science
Bachelor’s Degree
Join the fastest growing department at Mines
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science program at Colorado School of Mines produces graduates who can process information using digital computers, design computer hardware and software and work successfully with various applications. Using both theory and practice, core courses provide a solid foundation in discrete structures, algorithm design and analysis, principles of programming languages, computer architecture, operating systems, software engineering and database management. Our computer science program is accessible to students regardless of their prior computer programming experience.
Electives tackle new and important topics such as graphics and visualization, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, web programming, security, high-performance computing and wireless sensor networks. Our undergraduate students can also choose one of five areas of emphasis, including:
- Business
- Computer engineering
- Data science
- Research honors
- Robotics and intelligence systems
Learn more about our innovative program here: Computer Science Department website.
Experiential major menus
Uniquely tailored to your undergraduate major of choice, these menus offer a wide array of extra-curricular activities that complement and enrich the traditional classroom experience.
Explore the extra-curricular activities that complement your degree.
Computer Science at a glance
Fastest growing department at Mines
Bridge program to help students fast-track a master’s degree in computer science
Ample undergraduate research opportunities
Flexible program tracks to fit your passion
Focus Areas of Computer Science
- Computer Science (a flexible track)
- CS + Business
- CS + Computer Engineering
- CS + Data Science
- CS + Research Honors
- CS + Robotics & Intelligent Systems
- CS + Space
Computer Science Curriculum
Areas of Special Interest
- Computer Science
Minors Available
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems
Examples of computer science careers:
- Software developer
- Software test engineer
- Programmer analyst
- Systems developer
- Web developer
- Application support analyst
- Database administrator
- Systems engineer
- Network engineer
- Information technology specialist
- Computer systems analyst
- Software development engineer
CS@Mines has an industrial partnership program (C-MAPP) that provides CS students with both scholarships and industrial engagement.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Iris Bahar
Dr. Iris Bahar serves as a professor and the department head for Mines’ Computer Science department. In addition to her decades of academic experience, she also brings industry experience to our department as she worked with Digital Equipment Corporation on VAX microprocessor designs.
Dr. Bahar’s research interests lie in design automation and computer system design. She is an IEEE Fellow and has had her research funded by a variety of leading organizations, including NASA, Intel, Facebook, the DoD and more.
Making Mines more affordable
Mines’ financial assistance program awards more than $60 million per year, and over 82 percent of the student body receives some form of financial aid.
Why study computer science at Mines?
There are many reasons to consider Colorado School of Mines for your Computer Science degree. With extensive undergraduate research opportunities, distinguished faculty with both academic and industry experience and five unique areas of focus in our undergraduate program, it’s no wonder that Computer Science is the fastest-growing department at Mines.
Why do so many students choose Mines?
- C-MAPP program designed to enhance relationships between industry partners and Mines computer science students
- 5 unique areas of focus to help students shape their futures
- Supportive and renowned faculty
- Hands-on undergraduate research opportunities
- Participation in national conferences and hackathons
Asa Farrer
I chose Mines because I really valued the smaller class size Mines offers. Not only do you get a very tight-knit community throughout the entire campus, but classes are also generally small and provide lots of hands-on experience and opportunities for your professors to get to know you.
Asa Farrer
Computer Science Student
Career Outcomes
If you’re looking to enter a rapidly growing and evolving field, then a degree in Computer Science is for you. Not only is Computer Science the fastest growing degree program at Mines, but it’s also one of the fastest growing professional fields. In our age of increasing reliance on digital technologies and tools, computer science professionals are needed in practically every field and industry.
As the field of computer science grows, so do the professional opportunities for graduates. In this diverse and dynamic field, students may pursue a variety of specializations, including robots, cyber security, AI and more. To help students determine which focus is right for their interests, we’ve developed five unique tracks in our undergraduate program highlighting a distinct focus in computer science. At Mines, we believe that students thrive when they play an active role in shaping their coursework and future.
To help prepare students for life after graduation, we’ve also developed our unique C-MAPP program. C-MAPP is designed to improve relationships between computer science students at Mines and our industry partners while providing professional learning activities. For many of our students, participation in the C-MAPP program has led to internships and even job offers. We’re proud to partner with many top industry leaders, including Verizon, Chevron, Salesforce, Lockheed Martin and more.