California has many accredited computer science degree programs to choose from. It also has one of the largest economies in the world.  People come from all over the country and across the world to live, work, and study in California. Silicon Valley is located in the Bay Area of San Francisco and is home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Pixar, Facebook, and Google. Education and research form one of the biggest sectors of the state’s economy. California is home to over 300 degree-granting colleges and universities. A shining example is that of the University of California, which is the state’s premier research institution. To see other accredited computer science degree programs in California, visit Computer Science Degree Programs in California (A-S) and Computer Science Degree Programs in California (California State University).

The University of California System

The University of California (UC) is publicly funded and contributes greatly to the economy of the state and the lives of its students. It has 190,000 employees, which includes some of the best and brightest researchers in a variety of fields. Students can choose from 150 different academic disciplines. There are over 230,000 students currently enrolled in the UC system. There are ten campuses affiliated with the University of California:

  • Berkeley
  • Davis
  • Irvine
  • UCLA
  • Riverside
  • San Diego
  • Merced
  • San Francisco
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santa Barbara

In addition, the University of California offers extension courses that provide a high-quality education to students around the world. UC is home to an exceptional computer science program that prepares its graduates for work in a rapidly expanding field.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is designed to give undergraduate students the knowledge they need to succeed in industry or in further education. Subjects taught include basic and advanced programming, cyber security, network and database maintenance and construction, artificial intelligence, robotics and more. Students are encouraged to engage in internships and co-ops that will provide them with valuable work experience. Depending on their location, they may be employed at top companies in the state of California. This can lead to greater networking opportunities after they graduate.

The B.S. in Computer Science is offered at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science offers qualified students the opportunity to expand their current knowledge and begin to contribute original and valuable research to the field. These students often enroll after a few years of industry experience. Most schools provide a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Students are encouraged to concentrate in a particular speciality, such as database security or computer theory.

The M.S. in Computer Science is offered at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz.

PhD in Computer Science

The PhD in Computer Science is for exceptional students who are willing to undertake original and unique research that can be published and used by colleagues around the world. This intense program of study involves coursework, qualifying examinations, and the defense of a dissertation. PhD candidates also gain valuable teaching experience that can help them if they choose to stay in academia.

The PhD in Computer Science is offered at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz.

University of California at Berkeley

College of Engineering

The College of Engineering has 215 faculty members and a diverse student population. Over 3,100 people are enrolled in its various undergraduate programs. There are over 1,800 graduate students in the College of Engineering at UC Berkeley.

Minor in Computer Science

The minor in Computer Science is open to qualified students who want a complementary program that will be beneficial to their main course of study. Students must complete four lower division courses and three upper division courses in the department of Computer Science. They must also maintain a GPA that is not any more than .2 below the required GPA for a computer science major. Students who minor in Computer Science at UC Berkeley are expected to apply their knowledge of mathematics and computation to real-world issues. Learning outcomes include the ability to construct and evaluate experimental computer systems, use computer science theory and develop proficiency in software development.

Accreditations

  • ABET

Contact
College of Engineering, Dean’s Office
320 Mclaughlin Hall
Berkeley, California 94720
http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/

University of California at Davis

College of Letters and Science

The College of Letters and Science at UC Davis is the largest school in the UC system. Over 650 faculty members are involved in research and teaching thousands of students in over 50 subject fields. There are three members of the National Academy of Science on staff at the College.

B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering

This cross-disciplinary program is designed to create innovative thinkers who can construct and analyze key hardware and software systems. Subjects taught include computer theory, hardware and electronics, upper level mathematics, programming and scripting languages. Students are also encouraged to complete co-ops and internships that will prepare them for the job market after they graduate. Computer Science and Engineering students are expected to pursue careers in computer science and related industries. Learning outcomes and objectives include the ability to interpret and analyze data, design and construct computer programs and applications, formulate answers to common computing problems and think critically about key concepts in computing, mathematics and engineering.

Accreditation

  • ABET

Contact
2063 Kemper Hall
1 Shields Avenue
Davis, California 95616
http://www.cs.ucdavis.edu/

University of California at San Diego

Revelle College

Revelle College is a premier educational institution at one of the best research universities in the UC system. There are 3,800 undergraduate students enrolled at the College. These students have access to a number of world-class libraries and research centers.

B.A. in Computer Science

The B.A. in Computer Science is designed to offer a solid education in computing and software while offering more latitude in required coursework. Since fewer electives are required for graduation, students can choose to take electives in related fields outside of the department. This will make them strong candidates for jobs in a number of fields. Subjects taught include programming with MATLAB, data structures, network design and maintenance, discrete mathematics and more. Students must complete 116 units in order to graduate.

Minor in Computer Science

Students who minor in Computer Science will gain basic proficiency in computer theory and programming. The minor program focuses on developing technical skills that will assist students in their main program of study. They must complete 16 lower division credits and 16 upper division credits in order to qualify for the minor.

Accreditation

  • ABET

Contact
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, California 92093
http://www.cse.ucsd.edu/

University of California at Santa Cruz

Jack Baskin School of Engineering

The Jack Baskin School of Engineering offers top quality undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering and its related fields as well as computer science. There are over 1,600 people enrolled in its undergraduate degree programs. 315 people are enrolled as graduate students. The school itself was founded in 1997. It is home to eleven different research centers.

B.A. in Computer Science

The B.A. in Computer Science at UC Santa Cruz is a strong program that is designed to produce exceptional graduates. Subject concentrations include artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer graphics, operating systems and computer security. The B.A. is an exceptionally good choice for students seeking an interdisciplinary experience. A capstone exam is required. Students are encouraged to seek out internships in order to gain valuable industry experience. Students who graduate with a B.A. in Computer Science from UC Santa Cruz will be good candidates for further education in the field or in a related discipline such as engineering. Learning outcomes and objectives include the ability to think critically and apply computer theory to common issues in the field of computer science. They are expected to be proficient in computer programming, database and network maintenance and systems security.

Accreditation
ABET

Contact
Department of Computer Science
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, California 95064
http://cs.soe.ucsc.edu/home

University of San Diego

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego offers students unique opportunities to engage in cross-disciplinary education and research. The school offers 25 undergraduate programs, 35 minor programs, and four graduate programs.

B.S. in Computer Science

The undergraduate degree in Computer Science is designed to help students develop mathematical reasoning that can then be used to solve problems in the field of computer science. They are expected to take courses in basic and advanced programming, mathematics, assembly languages, data structures and more. They must take 27 units of upper division computer science courses in order to graduate. Nine of these units are mandatory and include subjects such as operating systems and principles of digital hardware. A capstone course that reflects the knowledge they accrued during their degree is required for graduation. Graduates of the undergraduate computer science program at the University of San Diego are expected to contribute their skills in top industry positions around the country. Learning outcomes include the ability to understand and solve complex algorithms, understand data structures and hardware systems and apply knowledge of calculus and algebra to computer science. They are expected to be able to design efficient and useful computer programs.

Minor in Computer Science

The minor in Computer Science is a great opportunity for students who are pursuing a major in a complementary field. Students must complete 18 units in the Computer Science program in order to complete the minor. Nine of these units must be upper division courses. They must also take two courses in computer programming.

Accreditations

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact
Mathematics and Computer Science
Serra Hall 133
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, California 92110
http://www.sandiego.edu/cas/math-cs/

University of Southern California

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

The Viterbi School of Engineering is home to 2,400 undergraduate students and 4,800 graduate students. The school has grown exponentially since it began in 1905. There are 15 undergraduate programs, 51 Master’s degree programs and 13 PhD programs. The school also offers distance learning through the DEN@Viterbi program.

B.S. in Computer Science

The B.S. in Computer Science at USC offers students the opportunity to specialize in four different concentrations. They can choose from computer science with a concentration in games, computer science and business administration, computer engineering and computer science. The computer science concentration must complete courses in probability and statistics, mathematics, programming, operating systems and more. They must successfully complete 128 credit hours in order to receive the degree. Graduates are regularly employed at top companies around the world.

M.S. in Computer Science

The M.S. in Computer Science represents a unique opportunity for students to refine their current knowledge and skill set and contribute to the field through original research. Students at this level can choose to specialize in a number of sub-fields, including game development, computer networks and security, software engineering, intelligent robotics, data science and human language technology. A thesis option is available for those M.S. students who want to complete a PhD and enter the field as researchers in an academic setting. Students must complete 27 units of instruction and maintain a GPA of 3.0 in order to graduate.

PhD in Computer Science

The PhD program for Computer Science is designed to help top-quality computer science graduates become experts in the field. They are expected to contribute original research on a regular basis as part of their training. They assist faculty and staff with teaching undergraduates, which helps the PhD candidates gain practical experience that they can use later on in their careers. They must complete 60 credit hours in addition to passing qualifying exams and writing a dissertation that is unique and expands general knowledge in the realm of computer science. Graduates of the computer science program at the University of Southern California are expected to become part of the next generation of innovate thinkers and problem-solvers. Learning outcomes include the ability to use their learned knowledge of mathematics, computer engineering and data analysis to build workable systems that provide solutions to common issues related to the field of computer science.

Accreditations

  • ABET

Contact
Office of Graduate and Professional Programs
Olin Hall of Engineering, Room 106
3650 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90089
http://www.cs.usc.edu/

University of the Pacific

School of Engineering and Computer Science

The School of Engineering and Computer Science is consistently ranked in the top 50 schools listed in U.S. News and World Report. Students can pursue graduate and undergraduate degrees in civil engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, bioengineering and more. The John T. Chambers Technology Center is a great resource for both students and faculty.

B.S. in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is designed to give students the best possible background in the principles of software design, maintenance and troubleshooting. Students will learn to create algorithms that can run computer programs, mobile apps and more. There are three concentrations in which students can specialize, which includes graphics and simulation, software engineering and networking and computer security. Students who choose to enter the computer science degree program at the University of the Pacific get the opportunity to participate in paid internships at prestigious companies, many of which command a wage of $18-20 per hour.

Master of Science in Engineering Science (MSES) in Computer Science

The University of the Pacific offers a Master of Science in Engineering Science that has a concentration in computer and electrical engineering. It is an excellent program for students who want to increase their knowledge in the field and participate in innovative research and analysis. Qualified computer science students can begin to take Master’s level courses during the final year of their undergraduate courses. This means that they will graduate with Master’s degree in one year instead of two, thus completing both degrees in just five years. Students can choose between a thesis and non-thesis option for their Master’s degree. Both require a minimum of 30 units. Those who choose the thesis option typically go on to complete a PhD in computer science or a related field. Non-thesis students typically complete a large project as a part of their coursework. This option is chosen by many students who are already in employment.

Minor in Computer Science

The Minor in Computer Science requires the student to complete six courses in computing. This adds up to 21 credit hours. They must take three core computer science courses and three electives while maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA. Required subjects include basic principles of computer science, data structures, and application programming.

Accreditations

  • ABET

Contact
School of Engineering and Computer Science
Chambers Technology Center 127
University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, California 95211
http://www.pacific.edu/Academics/Schools-and-Colleges/School-of-Engineering-and-Computer-Science.html

As the demand for computer scientists increases, highly trained graduates will have access to unique opportunities to further knowledge and research in the field. A degree from the University of California system or any other top-quality institution in the Golden State will be a great asset as they begin their job search. Whether they work in industry or choose to educate the next generation of computer scientists, these graduates of accredited computer science degree programs in California will be on the right track for a great career.