Academics
Welcome to Boston College Computer Science Academics. Find out about our mission, programs, and courses. We have included information about areas of emphasis a sample plan of study and a FAQ.
The CS department has opportunities for undergraduate research through independent study and the Honors Program.
The mission of the Computer Science program is to provide graduates with a solid foundation in computing concepts and skills that will enable them to:
- achieve a detailed quantitative understanding of the computational aspects of human-made and natural systems;
- devise new computing techniques, and design new computing systems that effectively address problems across the spectrum of human inquiry and endeavor, taking ethical and social considerations into account;
- pursue graduate study or employment in a wide variety of fields that require computational reasoning.
Our program is intended to imbue students with a deep understanding of fundamental computing ideas that transcend particular computing technologies, an integrative view based on current research and practice, and a desire and readiness for continued learning throughout their lives.
Through the Computer Science program, graduates should acquire:
- general problem solving skills, including the ability to effectively apply the techniques of problem abstraction and decomposition;
- an ability to devise correct and efficient algorithms, and to implement them in contemporary programming languages while making rational choices of information representation, manipulation, and presentation;
- an understanding of the mathematics required to model and to harness complexity and uncertainty;
- a knowledge of the design principles of contemporary computing machinery;
- an ability to communicate technical concepts to a wide audience.