Computer Science
Computer Science students will gain a broad and deep knowledge of the theory, design and application of computing systems, with an emphasis on software systems.
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!
Highlights
- Our computer science program is ranked #7 by U.S. News & World Report.
- 95% of students reported having an internship or co-op during their degree program.
- 96% of students reported securing their first-choice destination upon graduation.
- The average starting salary for a computer science graduate is $132,200 with an average signing bonus of $15,500.
- In Fall 2025, nearly 29% of first-year CS students in The Grainger College of Engineering were women.
Discover your power. Become a Grainger Engineer.
Your path to Grainger Engineering starts with connecting your passion and interests with the opportunities available in one of our 19 top-ranked major programs. Explore your options and gather the information you need to take the next step and apply.
We solve problems first.
What You'll Study
The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science offers more than a dozen undergraduate Blended CS Degrees based on the same set of core CS courses, as well as Blended Data Science Degrees.
All CS students will gain a broad and deep knowledge of the theory, design, and application of computer systems, with an emphasis on software systems.
The differences in requirements between the degree programs reflect the differences in your focus. For example, students enrolled in CS + Physics will have a different curriculum sequence than Mathematics & CS students, who will be taking additional math courses.
Learn more about your degree options on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Read Our Blog
- Careers
- Undergraduate
Interested in a career in computing? Here are some of the paths you can take.
August 11, 2026
Are you interested in a career in computing but aren't sure which major is right for you? Many students assume computer science is the only pathway into computing, but that's far from your only option. We're here to help you determine which pathway may be the best fit for your interests and career goals.
- Experiences
- Undergraduate
- Communities
Engineering a Friendship: How Two Students Found Connection and Community at Grainger Engineering
May 15, 2026
A series of chance encounters their freshman year set two bioengineering students, Jaya and Divya, on a path to an enduring friendship at Grainger Engineering — one they plan to continue long after graduation.
- Experiences
- Undergraduate
Future engineers start here: A guide to prospective and admitted student visits
April 20, 2026
We’ve broken down our Grainger Engineering visit experiences so you can choose the one that best fits what you want to see, do and learn as you explore your future at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign!
Post-Graduation Success
The computer science major allows you to perform world-changing research, lead educational innovation, and prepares you to be among the most sought-after graduates in the field. Approximately thirty-four percent of our computer science graduates pursue further education in graduate school, while about sixty-two percent secure positions in industry.
As a computer science graduate, your career ventures can include working in application design, consulting, data analysis, research, software development, and studio tools development.
The average salary for computer science grads was reported as $132K with a median signing bonus of $16K.
96%
employed or continuing education*
62%
employed after graduation
34%
attending graduate school
$132K
average starting annual income*
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
*Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics reported are from 2024-2025. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website.
Your future starts here.
Applying to The Grainger College of Engineering opens the door to your future as a successful engineer. Get started by scheduling a visit, requesting information, or submitting your application.