B.S. in Computer Science
Join the top-ranked Siebel School of Computing and Data Science in The Grainger College of Engineering where we are shaping the future of technology.
In our Computer Science (CS) program, you'll gain a deep and diverse understanding of the theory of computing systems, with a strong focus on software development. You’ll explore software design and informational processing techniques from virtual reality to social computing, artificial intelligence and data science. You'll learn from accomplished faculty, engage in leading-edge research and collaborate with industrious peers.
Our talented alumni have transformed the world by founding innovative companies such as BlackLine, C3.ai, Malwarebytes, Match.com, Optimizely, PayPal, Yelp, and YouTube.
If you're creative and passionate about problem-solving, this major is for you—no prior programming experience required. Embrace the opportunity to shape the future!
TOP 7
ranked undergraduate computer science degree programs in the nation
(U.S. News and World Report)
Undergraduate Ranked Specialties
#6
artificial intelligence
#4
computer systems
#7
cybersecurity
#9
data analytics
data science
#4
mobile/web applictions
#6
programming languages
#3
software engineering
#10
theory
Undergraduate Career Success
95%
report having internship or co-op during degree program
96%
report
securing
first choice destination
97%
61% employed
36% continue education
upon graduation
Trending Industries & Fields
» AI and Machine Learning
» Computing for Science, Health and Climate
» Cybersecurity
» Fintech
» High performance and Edge computing
» Immersive Computing
» Quantum Computing
» Robotics and Autonomy
Sample Career Options
» API Engineer
» Application Developer
» Core Developer
» IT Operations
» Machine Learning Engineer
» Product Manager
» Quantitative Developer
» Research & Development
» Software Engineer
» Studio Tools Developer
Sample Employer Destinations
» Amazon
» Apple
» Capital One
» Google
» IBM
» Meta
» Microsoft
» Netflix
» Sandia National Laboratories
» Twitch
Sample Grad School Destinations
» University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
» Carnegie Mellon University
» Georgia Institute of Technology
» Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
» Stanford University
» University of California, Berkeley
The undergraduate engineering program at The Grainger College of Engineering is ranked #5 overall in the U.S. News & World Report (published September 2025). Listed above is our ranked undergraduate computer science program and specialties.
Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics reported are from 2023-2024. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website.
Undergraduate Illini Success
What Are Our Graduates Doing?
Learn what Illini do after they graduate, including where they're employed, the average salaries they're making, and what graduate schools they're attending.
Guaranteed Admission to our Master of Computer Science (MCS) Programs
Students earning a bachelor’s degree in CS, a blended CS degree or a CS minor from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign may be eligible for guaranteed admission into the online, Urbana or Chicago MCS programs offered by the Siebel School for Computing and Data Science. Recent University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates may qualify for an application fee waiver.
Student Life
Succeeding in college is all about finding an environment that suits you.
Undergraduate Research
Participate in high-impact research, mentorship, and showcase opportunities.
Career Services
Explore comprehensive career services that support you at every stage.
Guaranteed Admission for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduates
Current students and alumni are eligible for guaranteed admission into any MCS program in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science if they meet the following criteria:
- Have completed (or will complete before the first semester of MCS enrollment) a bachelor's degree in CS, CS + X, Mathematics & CS, Statistics & CS, or Computer Engineering or a minor in CS at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Have taken CS 374, and either CS 340, CS 341 or ECE 391 with a 3.4+ GPA in these and all other CS courses taken at Illinois.
Notes: A complete application must be submitted to be considered for guaranteed admissions. If a student received credit for a non-repeatable University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign course, they cannot retake this course for credit towards any graduate degree in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. Repeatable courses may only be repeated for credit in a graduate degree program provided that the topics vary.
Guaranteed admission may be available for the Online MCS program even if these criteria are not fully met due to greater program capacity. For further information, reach out to the program staff for the program(s) you're interested in.