Computer Science

Computer Science deals with the logical and mathematical foundations of computing, techniques for solving problems with computer programs, and the technical underpinnings of computer hardware and networks.

• As one of the first American universities to recognize the necessity of a laptop computer for every student, Wake Forest has been out front in a discipline that never stops updating itself. Computer Science students can engage in 10 distinct areas of the field, including mobile computing; computing for people with disabilities; computational biophysics; and big data. 
• Recent student research projects have developed and deployed mobile apps for a wide range of public benefits, including assistive and rehabilitative therapy; real-time vehicle tracking; and geotrekking. 
• Student teams participate in several unique intercollegiate competitions each year.
• The department offers a fellowship that rewards entrepreneurship. 
• Computer Science is the fastest growing major at Wake Forest, having grown from 18 total declarations in 2015 to 59 in 2025. That’s a 228% growth rate.

The Computer Science degree is offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and a minor.

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Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.

Sample courses that you may take as a Computer Science student include:

* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.

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If you’re a computer science major, you live in a world of acronyms: HTML, TCP/IP, MS, IT, OS—and the list changes constantly. Keeping up with new technologies might seem daunting, but luckily for you, students with computer savvy are in high demand in a variety of different fields.

Whether you have stellar programming skills, networking know-how, or have just designed your own web page, it’s important to complement your computer science major with an internship.

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Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our Computer Science students participate in the following programs:

• Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Computer Student Chapter
• UPE (North Carolina, Epsilon Chapter)
• Women in Computer Science
• WFU Robotics Club

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Careers that often interest Computer Science majors, and fields our graduates work in, include:

• Analyst
• Applications Research Programmer
• Application Specialist
• Consultant
• Computer Systems/Software Sales Representative
• Cybersecurity
• Data Processing Manager
• Database Administrator
• Educator
• Engineer
• Network Manager
• Programmer
• Project Manager
• Software Engineer
• Systems Administrator
• Systems Engineer
• Technician

Recent graduates have worked as data analysts in the U.S. military; app developers in banking; financial consultants; and cyber security engineers, among other professions.