Software Developer
Designs, builds, tests, and maintains software systems.
Computing & Engineering
Computer Science major, explained.
Use computation to solve problems and build working systems.
Computer science studies computation, algorithms, software, data structures, and the design of systems. It is broader than learning a programming language and can include theory, artificial intelligence, security, graphics, networks, and human-computer interaction.
You might enjoy this if
Notice what feels familiar.
You like breaking a large problem into precise steps.
You want to build tools that actually work.
You can tolerate debugging, uncertainty, and repeated testing.
The study experience
What the work may feel like.
Programs differ by college. These labels describe common areas of emphasis, not a score or universal rating.
Reading
Regular
Writing
Some
Quantitative work
Central
Labs or hands-on work
Frequent
Design and making
Regular
People and collaboration
Some
Questions you may keep asking
How can this problem be represented computationally?
What makes the solution correct and efficient?
How will people interact with the system?
ProgrammingAlgorithmsData structuresComputer systemsArtificial intelligence
What can you do with this major?
One major. More than one direction.
These are example connections, not guaranteed outcomes. Many careers welcome more than one major, and some require additional education or licensure.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Studies threats and helps protect systems, networks, and information.
Machine Learning Engineer
Builds systems that use data and computational models to perform defined tasks.
Product Engineer
Combines technical implementation with close attention to how a product is used.
Computer science can lead to technical and nontechnical roles. Employers may value demonstrated problem solving and completed software alongside coursework.
Try it before college
Projects that make Computer Science more real.
Reading helps you understand a field. A Compass project helps you discover whether you enjoy doing the work.
Each project includes a step-by-step plan, custom AI prompts, reflection guidance, and a finished creation for the student’s portfolio.
See how Compass works
Compass project
15–35 hours
Build Your Own AI Tutor
Create an AI tutor that genuinely helps someone learn faster.
- You will create
- Working AI Tutor
Compass project
30–56 hours
Ship a Website for a Real Client
Turn a messy real-world need into a fast, accessible website someone can confidently use and maintain.
- You will create
- deployed client website and handoff package
Compass project
30–56 hours
Build a Game People Want to Replay
Create a small game with one irresistible core loop instead of a giant unfinished world.
- You will create
- playable digital game and design case study
Keep exploring
Related majors worth comparing.
Sources and important context
Compass presents a curated collection of 100 widely studied and commonly searched undergraduate majors. The collection is not a statistical ranking. Major names and CIP connections follow common US college usage and the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs. Study patterns are editorial summaries of common program structures and vary by college. Career directions are examples, not guaranteed outcomes. Students should compare actual curricula, admission rules, accreditation, and licensing requirements at colleges they are considering.
NCES CIP codes: 11.0701
- NCES Classification of Instructional ProgramsNational Center for Education Statistics. Official US taxonomy for fields of study and instructional programs.
- Field of DegreeUS Bureau of Labor Statistics. Federal career exploration resources organized around broad college fields.
- O*NET OnLineUS Department of Labor. Detailed descriptions of occupations, tasks, knowledge, skills, and work activities.
Turn this interest into something real.
Explore Compass projects