Computer Science

Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program

Earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science in our 5-year BS/MS “Fast Track” program. In this accelerated master’s program, you’ll gain practical experience both in and beyond the classroom to prepare for advanced employment and increase your earning potential in a high-demand profession.

You’ll benefit from collaborations with renowned professors and hands-on experiences in a program accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Conduct specialized research. Access state-of-the-art labs while you gain a high level of technical programming knowledge with C++ language. Become a member of our student design teams and compete nationally in the NASA Lunabotics Competition and the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

Prepare to graduate as a high-demand candidate whose résumé will catch the eyes of employers: UAF has a 100% job placement for computer science graduates.

What Is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of data processing, information handling and its application to world problems. Computer scientists write and program software, create applications for mobile devices and develop websites.   

Are you a creative problem solver who is excited by new software processes and has an interest in using sophisticated technology to tackle everything from creating virtual reality computer games to developing new programming language? Then computer science is the career path for you.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (B.S./M.S.)

Availability:

  • UAF main campus

Accredited by:

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

 

Why Study Computer Science at UAF?

As a computer science major at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, you’ll access industry standard labs, equipment and software programming. With affordable tuition, a focus on professional experience and a high level of technical programming knowledge, you’ll graduate in high demand for employment in Alaska and nationwide. Here are more highlights of our program.

Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years

  • Our accelerated master’s program saves you time and money as you prepare for a career in computer science. You’ll also help your career advancement and salary potential with a master’s degree: individuals with a master’s in computer science earn 18% more than bachelor’s degree holders over their lifetime and see an average $30,000 salary increase after earning their graduate degree.

Gain professional experience in your field

  • Create software to visualize and analyze the spread of an infectious disease. Write an algorithm to allow an autonomous LIDAR-equipped robot to navigate unknown terrain. Develop, build and test a new computer game. The computer science degree develops practical skills through hands-on experience in the design, implementation and validation of computer systems.

 
Work in state-of-the-art labs and compete in student clubs

  • As a computer science major, you’ll access our state-of-the-art labs and have the opportunity to become a member of our student organizations, including our Computer Security Club, Game Development Club and NASA Lunabotics Competition Team. Compete against other student teams from across the country in everything from robot building to interactive game development.Our expertise in design and construction in arctic conditions is the strongest in the nation.

 
Learn from award-winning faculty and conduct research

  • At UAF, you’ll get to work closely with renowned professors and conduct research in areas such as computer security, artificial intelligence, robotics, simulation, parallel computation, databases and more.
  • Our faculty have won prizes from NASA for building a novel 3D printer from recyclable plastic and dusty regolith; built the parallel volume rendering infrastructure for the Hayden Planetarium’s Orion Nebula Fly-Through, seen by millions of people each year; and include experts on the mathematics of novel graph coloring problems.

Meet SARA the Robot

 

What Can You Do With Your Master’s Degree in Computer Science?

With an accelerated master’s degree from our 5-year bachelor’s and master’s program, you’ll know how to write and program software, create applications for mobile devices, and develop websites. You’ll also increase your salary potential and open doors to senior and leadership career roles. Graduate with a career waiting for you: UAF has a 100% job placement for computer science graduates.

Career outlook for computer science majors

Our master’s graduates find employment in Alaska and across the country, working for leading companies and organizations, including self-driving car company PolySync and the FBI.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of computer scientists is projected to grow 19% from 2016 to 2026.

What is the salary of a computer scientist?

Based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer scientists earn an average salary of $118,370.

Employee’s with a master’s degree earn 18% more than bachelor’s degree holders over their lifetime and see an average $30,000 salary increase after earning their graduate degree.

 

Requirements for a Computer Science Degree

The 5-year accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science introduces the fundamentals of computer programming, hardware and theory. The master’s program includes experience with professional software development and requires a graduate seminar and project. Mathematics and engineering play critical roles in the core coursework.

View all required classes for the computer science program

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Computer Science

 

Get Started on Your Degree in Computer Science

Take the next step toward earning both your bachelor’s and master’s degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science at UAF. Submit your application online today.