Computer Science at NIU
Bachelor of Science

Become a programmer, data scientist or virtual reality expert.

Computers are an essential part of our lives and society. A computer science degree will prepare you for a rewarding career in a variety of industries. As you gain math and technological skills, you'll also build your problem-solving abilities. You'll be ready to design software systems, administer technical enterprises or perform research in a technical field.

I chose computer science because it gives me the opportunity to explore my passion for problem-solving as well as creativity.

ApplyFind Computer Science Scholarships

Learn close to home.

This program is also available at the University Center at McHenry County College and Harper College.

What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree From NIU?

Our graduates build careers in a range of industries, including business, high-tech and research. You'll have the skills to solve real-world problems with technology by changing an existing solution or creating a new one.

Top skills reported by alumni:

  • Business process management
  • Databases
  • Software development
  • Strategic planning
  • Systems integration

Top fields alumni work in:

  • Finance
  • Health care
  • Information technology
  • Insurance
  • Retail

Career Potential for NIU Computer Science Majors

Average mid-career salary:

$100,239

Top employers include:

  • Discover Financial Services
  • Allstate
  • IBM
  • Bank of America
  • Oracle

Job titles include:

  • Application developer
  • Database administrator
  • IT manager
  • Solutions architect
  • Software engineer

Source: Steppingblocks, 2023

What to Expect as a Computer Science Major at NIU

Our curriculum will teach you how to analyze problems that can be solved with a computer program. You'll learn how to create software that's easy for end users and other programmers to use, and we'll show you how to test your code to make sure it's right.

You can choose the emphasis that interests you most:

  • Computational software
  • Enterprise software 
  • Software development

Explore computer science courses.

How We’ll Help You Succeed

Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.

Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).

Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.

With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.

Apply to NIU

First-year Students
(Freshman)

High School GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ACT/SAT SCORES

Not considered.

We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.

First-Year Application

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First-Year Application

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Transfer Students

ALL COLLEGES GPA

2.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ALL COLLEGES GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship
.

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

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