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

In Chapman's Computer Science program 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.

In this program, you will:

Build a strong, marketable skillset focused on computing and mathematics.
Specialize in and gain expert knowledge about software development, cybersecurity, bioinformatics and more.
Research from day one as part of the Grand Challenges Initiative, a hands-on research project embedded in your curriculum.

A group of students works on a project using laptops in a group workspace.

By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared to:

Develop the next generation of tech as a hardware or software engineer.
Deploy and manage large-scale networks and AI technologies.
Go into academia, studying information theory, software theory and much more.

Day in the life of a Computer Science student

Learn more about classes, facilities, clubs and more in this video from a Computer Science student.

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Computer Science careers

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.

Or you can go on to one of Chapman's integrated bachelor's + master's programs. These programs let you earn a master's degree with just one year of additional coursework on top of your bachelor's. Good options for Computer Science students include:

Career services on campus

Our Engineering Career Center is your gateway to opportunites in engineering. We're here to help you build your resume, find internships, apply to jobs and much more.

We can also connect you with industry partners and find internships in industries like aerospace, cybersecurity, defense, game development and software development.

See our Career Services page for all the details and to get started.

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).

Read Ashley’s tips for getting an internship

Engineering facilities

The Swenson Family Hall of Engineering is our state-of-the-science home for engineering at Chapman. At Swenson Hall, you will have access to engineering facilities designed for:

Creating with tools and technologies that meet or exceed industry standards.
Collaborating with your fellow engineers and scientists.
Innovating through meaningful, hands-on research.
Bringing your engineering ideas to life in workshops and labs with the latest equipment.

Take a tour of campus

Check out all of our engineering facilities for yourself on this interactive, 360° tour. You'll start your tour in the Swenson Family Hall of Engineering and be able to explore the entire Chapman campus.

Start my tour

Engineering scholarships

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

The scholarships we offer include:

Merit-based scholarships for exemplary academic performance.
Need-based scholarships for students with financial need.
Human-centered scholarships for students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM.

These engineering-specific scholarships are in addition to any general financial aid you receive as a Chapman student.

Engineering research and opportunities

Computer science research is both a great way to immerse yourself in the field and a viable career path for graduates.

At Chapman, you'll be able to be a part of it, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in research and computer science projects. This includes:

Pursuing academic research alongside professors.
Tackling real-world engineering problems with your peers.
Participating in the Grand Challanges Initiative, a two-year research project embedded in your curriculum.
Earning funding and awards for practical engineering projects.
Studying abroad.
And more.

Computer science research areas

Some of the topics you will explore as a Computer Science student include:

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

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.”

Student-led engineering clubs and organizations

In college, clubs and organizations help you make friends and connections, gain experience and prepare for your career. At Chapman, our student-led engineering clubs and organizations give you opportunities to:

Explore your interests and passions in engineering, or find new ones.
Build professional skills such as teamwork and leadership.
Make friends and colleagues you'll work with throughout college and beyond.

Study abroad and away

Studying abroad is a great way to expand your horizons and experience what life is like in other countries. For Computer Science students, it's also a good way to complete general education classes, finishing those requirements before moving on to your major classes here at Chapman.

We support all students who want to take their education abroad in one of our study abroad programs. Our programs are designed to:

Be affordable.
Keep you on track to graduate.
Help you grow personally and professionally.

Dedicated engineering advisors

As a Computer Science student at Chapman, you will have a team of advisors here to help you. Your academic advisor can help you plan your classes, learn about opportunities on campus and stay on track to graduate.

You will also have a study abroad advisor, access to our career services and more.

Next steps

Interested in connecting with Chapman? Take one of the next steps below to get started:

If you are planning on transferring into Computer Science, you'll want to check out the transfer prerequisites.
We are always available for tours and information sessions. We have in-person and virtual options available.
Learn how to apply to Chapman.

Accreditation

As with all programs at Chapman, the engineering degrees offered by Fowler Engineering are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Additionally, Our BS degrees in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering have been designed to align with the criteria outlined by ABET (formerly called the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). We plan to apply for accreditation once all appropriate assessment and program data is completed. The earliest date that Computer and Electrical Engineering would be accredited is Spring – Summer 2027.