Prospective Undergraduates

We are training the next generation of computer scientists. Aggressively sought after by leading industry innovators, our well-rounded graduates are eagerly recruited by industry leaders such as Microsoft, Google, Intel and Apple. And while the value in the job market of a degree in Computer Sciences from Johns Hopkins University is undeniable, it is the exposure to cutting edge research that creates its real value.

Our department offers a BS degree as the primary degree for undergraduates and a BA degree intended for students combining Computer Science with some other focus of study outside of Engineering. We also offer a Computer Engineering (CE) degree in partnership with the ECE department.

BALANCED CURRICULUM

Our approach to preparing students for the gamut of challenging scientific and technical positions in computing applications is firmly grounded in our focus on research. Our professors are all first class researchers, known throughout academia. Our research labs bristle with interaction between faculty, graduates and undergraduate students.

Our program places a strong emphasis on foundational topics and rigorous coursework, providing students with the building blocks of modern computing. While participation in research is encouraged, students can tailor the curriculum to suit their interests. Our curriculum offers many intriguing options in areas of specialization and exciting interdisciplinary research opportunities abound. Students are not hamstrung by a disproportionate number of required courses. This more balanced approach to undergraduate studies enables you to combine disciplines and minor or double major in other popular programs such as the Entrepreneurship and Management Program Computer Integrated Surgery, Applied Math, Economics, Cognitive Science, Music, or Film & Media Studies, to name a few.

Throughout the years of undergraduate studies each student will work closely with their assigned faculty advisor. There are only five to ten advisees assigned to each faculty member, so individual students always have access to their advisor and never have to “take a number.”

THE WELL ROUNDED STUDENT

Succeeding in the advancing field of Computer Science requires more than a working knowledge of the discipline. Industry today demands a well-rounded student who has fundamental problem-solving and communications skills to complement their specialized knowledge.

To deliver a more complete educational experience, we emphasize problem solving and we help our students refine their higher level thinking skills of analysis and evaluation.

We also help our students improve their communication skills–teaching them how to think on their feet, how to articulate their ideas, how to communicate persuasively, how to become professionals.

Courses are often not based on a textbook. Instead, our research-oriented faculty often custom design each of their courses to incorporate their latest research findings. Students are introduced to information and techniques before they are released to the outside world of computer science. In this way our students are immersed in the field–from both a theory and application standpoint–throughout their academic careers.

Our graduates move on to jobs in a variety of areas including: software development; computer security; internet and e-commerce; aerospace, micro-surgery, biomedicine, bioinformatics; as well as R&D in both the private and public sectors. Graduates who combine their core degree with a specialty such as finance for instance, improve their marketability and can be even more selective.

INTERNSHIPS

We have a robust internship program for undergraduates intended to complement your course work and further your understanding of computer science at the professional level. Our internship director, Dr. Peter Fröhlich, seeks out the most exciting opportunities for our students and works with students on an individual basis to ensure they get the best opportunities available.

PROGRAM CONCENTRATIONS

Here are some of the most popular program concentrations for majors in computer science, reflecting the particular strengths of the department and school:

General Computer Science (the option of no option)
Interactive Systems: Robotics, Graphics, Vision
Entrepeneurship & Management
Natural Language Processing
Computer Systems
Computer Security
Computer Integrated Surgery
Foundations of Computer Science

RELATED PROGRAMS

Spring 2007 Class Schedule

Profiles of Former Students

Information about Baltimore