UAlbany professor Pradeep Atrey works with a student on a laptop computer.

Bachelor of Arts in
Computer Science

Harness Algorithms to Inspire Computing Solutions

Learn new technology trends while gaining practical experience with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degree from UAlbany. You will study how to implement application-based solutions to computing problems in an interdisciplinary setting. 

In this program, you have the option to add a minor or double major in a subject that interests you, giving you broader education and career options. If you prefer a more technically rigorous curriculum, consider our BS Computer Science program. 

A BA in Computer Science prepares you to provide computing solutions for global and societal issues with career options in public and private industries. 

Additional Program Information

Program of Study

programofstudy

The UAlbany BA CS program provides you with the skills and education needed to build a strong background in the theory and practice of computer science. You will have opportunities to secure work experience through internships and co-ops, while learning to communicate effectively in professional settings.

43 credits minimum as follows:

Computer Science (30 credits)

  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Discrete Structures
  • Data Structures
  • Introduction to Software Engineering
  • Principles of Programming Languages
  • Program Hardware-Software Interface
  • Computer Organization
  • Capstone Project in Computer Science

Mathematics (7 credits)

  • Calculus I OR Honors Calculus I
  • Discrete Probability OR Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences

Electives (6 credits)

  • Select from ICSI courses numbered 300-470 or specially approved by the department
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately. 

Combine your Computer Science degree with the MS in Information Science program. This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.

UAlbany graduate at Commencement
combined
Career Outcomes

With a BA in Computer Science, you can pursue careers in nearly any industry including manufacturing, finance, service, sales, health care, retail and government.    

Potential career paths for a BA degree in computer science: 

  • Bioinformatics 
  • Computational Linguistics 
  • Cognitive Science 
  • Computational Social Science 
  • Technical Writing 
  • Product Management 
  • Database and Online Communication 
  • Financial Engineering 
  • Data Analysis 
  • Mobile Advertising 
  • Application Design and Development 
  • Data Visualization 
  • Computations & Molecular Modeling 
  • Econometrics 
  • Speech Analysis and Synthesis 
  • Audio Processing 

 

 

Three young professionals working on a computer

 

careers
Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Arts
  • Develop a commitment to professional and ethical computer science standards as well as a devotion to the life-long learning of new trends in computing, information, and technologies 
  • Experience computer science in the work environment through internships and co-ops, while communicating effectively in a variety of professional contexts 
  • Tackle global and societal issues with diverse and exceptional faculty who are passionate about advancing both theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of computer science 
  • Apply computer science application to produce mathematically- sound, computing-based solutions 
  • Apply principles of computing to programs outside of computer science including business, social science, music and the arts 
  • Establish yourself professionally, whether being employed as a computer scientist, pursuing an advanced degree, or following another career path of your choosing 
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What Makes The University at Albany Great

Student move-in day.

Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

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Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

A student conducting undergraduate research.

Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

Explore Minors

Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

Full List of Minors
  • Acting
  • Africana Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Bioethics
  • Biology
  • Broadcast Meteorology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese Studies
  • Cognitive Science
  • Communication (Fully Online Option)
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminal Justice Studies (Fully Online Option)
  • Cybersecurity (Fully Online Option)
  • Documentary Studies
  • East Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Studies
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Film Studies
  • Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (Fully Online Option)
  • English
  • Forensic Science
  • French
  • Game Design and Development
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Geography
  • Globalization Studies
  • Hebrew
  • History (Fully Online Option)
  • Informatics (Fully Online Option)
  • Instrumental Performance
  • International Studies
  • Italian
  • Japanese Studies
  • Journalism (Fully Online Option)
  • Judaic Studies
  • Korean Studies
  • Latin American and Caribbean Studies
  • Law and Philosophy
  • Leadership
  • Legal Studies
  • LGBTQ Studies
  • Library and Information Science
  • Linguistics
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Music
  • Musical Performance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Portuguese
  • Pre-Education
  • Psychology (Fully Online Option)
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian
  • Russian and Eastern European Studies
  • Social Welfare Studies
  • Sociology (Fully Online Option)
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Sustainability
  • Theatre
  • Theatrical Design/Technology
  • Urban Studies and Planning
  • U.S. Latino Studies
  • Vocal Performance
  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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