• Two students sitting across each other on their laptops.
Fowler School of Engineering

BS in Computer Science

» BS in Computer Science

Bend computers to your will and innovate the next generation of mobile and enterprise applications by leveraging data structures, algorithms, hardware and software.

You’ll push the frontier of advancement in computer hardware and software and apply the power of computing to other branches of scientific study, whether that means:

  • Developing mobile applications
  • Protecting systems from intruders
  • Exploring the relationship between human and machine learning

 


Program Overview

In the Computer Science program, you won’t just be sitting through lectures. Instead, your coursework will focus on learning by doing. This includes:

  • Researching from day one as a part of a Grand Challenges Initiative team.
  • Building a strong foundation during your first two years with computing, mathematics and general science classes.
  • Talking a series of upper-division courses that will help you develop an expert knowledge in the field.
  • Selecting electives that can help you deepen your knowledge in one area or expand your skill set.

Your program advisor will be helping you throughout the program to tailor your course schedule to align with your interests and goals.

To view a list of required classes and electives, visit our Computer Science catalog page.

Day in the Life of a Computer Science student

Learn more about the classwork, facilities, clubs and more in this video from a Computer Science student!

 


Where this degree will take you

Computing crosses several fields of study, so there are no limits to what you can do with a Computer Science degree. 

Our graduates find positions as systems engineers, software architects, cybersecurity specialists and bioinformaticians. Here are some common career paths:

  • Artificial intelligence engineer: Build systems that leverage machine learning and big data to automate complex tasks requiring human-level expertise.
  • Software developer: Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for applications.
  • Systems analyst: Plan, direct or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis and computer programming.

Our career advisor will help you explore these options. For more information on career options and outcomes, visit our Computer Science career page.


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Grand Challenges Initiative

GCI students at Chapman University

GCI is a unique two-year research project that is part of the curriculum for all incoming first-year students in Fowler Engineering.

Learn more on our GCI page

Rachel Ross '21
“The Grand Challenges Initiative is preparing me for my future career. It gives a lot of hands-on experience—it’s one of the best ways that we can learn because it is comparable to what we’ll do in the workplace.”

Facilities

Swenson Hall is our brand-new home for engineering at Chapman, where you have access to the facilities and technology you need to collaborate and innovate. Plus, you will get to learn in labs and work with the latest tech and equipment in open study spaces. See more of what Swenson Hall has to offer on our facilities page, or check out the space yourself with this virtual tour:

Launch Swenson Hall Tour

Diversity and affordability

We’re dedicated to making science engineering accessible to everyone. That’s why all our Electrical Engineering applicants are eligible for engineering scholarships ranging from $3,000 to 100% of tuition and fees.

These awards support promising engineering students who are underrepresented in the field and/or are interested in certain disciplines.

 


Research opportunities

Research is a fundamental part of the Computer Science program. Every student spends their first two years conducting research as part of a Grand Challenges Initiative project team.

In addition, we offer opportunities to get first-hand research through coursework, joining a faculty-led project or an internship with an industry partner. Some research areas include: 

  • 3D manufacturing
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Assistive technologies
  • Integrated circuits
  • Cybersecurity
  • Embedded systems
  • Game development
  • Internet of Things
  • Machine learning
  • Optoelectronics

 

Faculty-led research projects

Fowler Engineering faculty welcome undergraduate students joining their research projects and research labs. Students will regularly publish peer-reviewed papers and present them to the broader research community.

You can learn more about our faculty research interests on our Research Opportunities page. If you are interested in joining their research team, feel free to contact them directly.

 


Industry internships

Internships provide real-world experience that expands your knowledge and creates career opportunities. Chapman also allows students to earn college credit at paid internships. 

We’ll help pair you with a company that aligns with your interests. We have industry partnerships with software engineering, cyber security, defense, aerospace, game development companies—and many more—throughout Southern California. 

Our students have also interned with companies such as:

Ashley Wood '20
At Rhapsody International, Ashley used what she learned in her Data Communications class to build a music player that shows users what they can do with the company’s software development kit (SDK).

Study abroad

Take your passion for engineering worldwide in one of our many study abroad programs. Chapman’s Center for Global Education is here to help you expand your horizons and gain a worldwide perspective.

 


One-credit courses

Fowler School of Engineering offers a variety of one-credit courses (298s) on a rotating basis so students can explore a range of areas outside of the core computer science and engineering curricula.

 


Student clubs and organizations

Joining a student club or organization is a great way to build your community and develop your skill set. Chapman has hundreds of options.

These clubs are popular among Computer Science majors:

 


Admission and tours

Interested in taking the next step? Learn how to apply or check out our transfer prerequisites.

Want to learn more about Chapman? We are always available for tours and information sessions. We’d love to meet you!

 


Related majors

Students and a teacher at Chapman

B.S. Computer Engineering

Chapman students working on a math problem

B.S. Data Science

Chapman students putting together a 3D printer

Engineering Minors

You can explore all of Chapman’s undergraduate majors and minors with our program finder.

Contact Us


Program Questions
engineering@chapman.edu 

Admission Questions
admit@chapman.edu 
(714) 997-6711

New Program Fall 2023!

MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science


Develop cutting-edge skills in designing component-level solutions that cross domains and explore intelligent algorithms that turn vast amounts of data into new levels of understanding.
Keck Center for Science & Engineering

Home to Fowler School of Engineering


Keck Center at Chapman University

The Keck Center is the home of Swenson Family Hall of Engineering and where you will take classes, research and collaborate.