Northwestern University Computer Science Program: An Overview

Technology is rapidly evolving and reshaping our world. Northwestern University's Computer Science (CS) Department stands at the forefront, driving innovation and preparing students to be leaders in this dynamic field. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, connecting bright minds from across Northwestern's highly-ranked schools to address complex challenges and develop creative solutions with real-world impact.

A Welcoming Program for All

The CS major at Northwestern is designed to be accessible to students of all levels, from those with no prior coding experience to seasoned programmers. The curriculum focuses on understanding how computing powers the world, developing algorithmic approaches to problem-solving, and applying these skills to various domains, including apps, AI, robotics, and healthcare.

Unlike fields like information science or data science, which primarily focus on analysis and reporting, computer science is centered on building and creating. In an era where generative AI is automating routine tasks, software engineers have the opportunity to pursue more ambitious goals, accelerate their progress, and make a significant impact.

Degree Options and Specializations

Northwestern offers both Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in Computer Science, each with a unique focus.

Bachelor of Science (BS)

The BS program is offered through the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. It emphasizes an engineering-focused context with a strong emphasis on design, sciences, and other engineering disciplines. The program requires a total of 48 units, including core coursework and major requirements. Students participate in Engineering First, an innovative first-year curriculum comprising two integrated course sequences: Engineering Analysis and Design Thinking and Communication (DTC).

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The BA program is offered through the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. It provides a liberal arts and sciences context for studying computer science.

Concentrations

Students in both the BS and BA programs can choose to specialize further by adding one of the following concentrations:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: This concentration focuses on the theories and applications of AI and machine learning.
Systems: This concentration explores the design and implementation of complex software and hardware systems.
Foundations: This concentration delves into the theoretical underpinnings of computer science.
Security and Privacy: This concentration addresses the critical aspects of protecting data and systems from threats.
Software Engineering and Programming Languages: This concentration focuses on the principles and practices of software development.
Robotics: This concentration explores the design, development, and control of robots.
Computer Hardware and Architecture: This concentration examines the inner workings of computer hardware and its architecture.
Human-Computer Interaction: This concentration focuses on designing user-friendly and effective interfaces between humans and computers.

Minors

The CS Department also offers minors for students who want to supplement their major with computer science knowledge:

Machine Learning and Data Science Minor: This minor teaches practical knowledge fundamental to the data science lifecycle.
Minor in Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students seeking a strong foundation in AI theory and practice can pursue this minor. The curriculum spans a wide range of AI electives while grounding students in the fundamental principles that shape the field.

Research Opportunities

Northwestern provides numerous opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research. Students can work alongside graduate students and faculty members in labs, potentially becoming named authors on research papers. The Research Track program allows students to formally pursue research starting in their third year. Students can also explore a list of current research opportunities available within the CS department.

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program

McCormick’s Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program allows undergraduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) and master’s degree (MS) simultaneously, shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree.

Read also: Northwestern Kellogg Programs

Faculty

Northwestern's award-winning faculty are dedicated to teaching and student research. In addition to tenure and tenure-track professors, there are numerous full-time faculty dedicated to teaching, most holding PhDs and actively involved in their own research. This allows the department to offer a diverse range of introductory, advanced, and interdisciplinary courses catering to various student interests and needs. Jennie M. Kristian J. are among the faculty members.

Extracurricular and Networking Opportunities

Northwestern provides ample opportunities for students to network and broaden their perspectives:

Student Groups: Students can join numerous student groups centered around interests such as AI, web development, or coding projects.
CS Conferences: The department sends students to external conferences and events like the Grace Hopper Celebration and Tapia Conference, encouraging them to expand their network and participate in the larger computer science community.
Study Abroad: Northwestern encourages students to study abroad, with staff and advisers helping students connect their academic and personal goals to international experiences.
Peer Mentor Program: The Peer Mentor Program ensures students receive individual attention and real-time feedback, with mentors providing instruction and answering questions during regular “office hours.”
Northwestern Tech Career Fair: This event provides students with opportunities to learn, network, and potentially be recruited across various industries.

Commitment to Student Empowerment

The faculty are deeply committed to student empowerment and growth, tackling critical computer science problems and developing new ideas in all aspects of the field. The CS department hires undergraduate peer mentors each quarter to support students in introductory and intermediate-level courses.

Location and Environment

Northwestern's location offers a unique blend of academic rigor and a vibrant environment. The Evanston campus provides easy access to beaches, the lakefront path, shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and theaters, all within walking distance of classrooms and labs. Northwestern is also located close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Curriculum Details

The curriculum includes breadth courses, project courses, and technical electives. Majors must take one course from each breadth area and two project courses. Courses can fulfill multiple requirements, but a single course can only be applied to one requirement for the major.

Read also: GPA and SAT/ACT for Northwestern

Program Honors

Outstanding students majoring in computer science may be considered for program honors.

Societal Impact

Northwestern students examine the ways computer science can be leveraged for societal benefit.

About the Department

The Computer Science (CS) Department at Northwestern University is recognized for technical excellence, whole-brain thinking, and highly interdisciplinary research. The CS+X initiative actively fosters transformational relationships between computer science and intersecting fields across Northwestern's top-ranked schools.

Northwestern CS offers several undergraduate degree programs with ample opportunities for students to conduct undergraduate research. Students work in labs alongside graduate students and faculty members, and develop leadership skills in a variety of student groups and organizations. Northwestern CS offers a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science, as well as several graduate degree programs in partnership with Northwestern departments and schools. Northwestern CS also offers affiliated master's degree programs, including the MS in Artificial Intelligence and new MBAi program with the Kellogg School of Management.

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