Interested in a career in computing? Here are some of the paths you can take.
Interested in a career in computing? Here are some of the paths you can take.
- Careers
- Undergraduate
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.
The Grainger College of Engineering has created this guide to walk you through the different computing majors available at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explain how they differ from one another and help you determine which pathway may be the best fit for your interests and career goals. Read on to discover the perfect major for you!
Explore our traditional computing programs.
Computer Engineering
What is computer engineering?
A major within our Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, computer engineering is the design and use of computing systems at all levels. This major will prepare you to create a wide variety of computing systems and devices. If you love understanding, designing and working with computers, computer engineering could be an ideal path for you.
What careers can a computer engineering degree lead to?
- Computer architect
- Computer forensics analyst
- Data scientist
- Database administrator
- Game developer
- Information security analyst
- IT consultant
- Web developer
Computer Science
What is computer science?
A major within our Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, computer science is the study of theory, design and application of computing systems, with an emphasis on software systems. In this major, you'll build a broad understanding of computing while exploring software design and information processing across areas like virtual reality, social computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. If you're creative and enjoy solving complex problems, computer science could be a great fit.
What careers can a computer science degree lead to?
- Application design
- Consulting
- Data analysis
- Research
- Software development
- Studio tools development
Combine computing with another passion.
A career in computing doesn't have to begin with a traditional computer science or computer engineering degree. We also offer blended degree programs that combine the field you're most passionate about with our top-ranked core computing curriculum. These programs prepare you for a career where computing intersects with disciplines like biology, physics, mathematics and many other fields.
Computer Science + Bioengineering
What is computer science + bioengineering?
Grainger Engineering offers an innovative computer science + bioengineering major for students interested in the intersection of computing and bioengineering. This major will not only train you to identify biomedical problems, but also prepare you to use advanced computing to solve those problems, specifically in healthcare, medicine, biotechnology and pharmaceutics. If you’re looking to develop next-generation therapies, devices, and consumer health products, computer science + bioengineering could be the right path for you.
What careers can a computer science + bioengineering degree lead to?
- Biomedical software engineer
- Biomedical algorithm engineer
- Clinical informatics specialist
- Clinical software developer
- Healthcare IT analyst
Computer Science + Physics
What is computer science + physics?
Grainger Engineering also offers a computer science + physics major for students interested in the intersection of computing and physics. The program combines the domain expertise in physics, including its computational aspects, with the broad-based expertise in computing from computer science. If you want to thoroughly understand our physical world while advancing the field of physics through use of technology, computer science + physics could be the right path for you. Hear more about the value of this degree directly from our students.
What careers can a computer science + physics degree lead to?
- Computational physics
- Finance
- Traditional programming
- Quantum information science
- Machine learning and AI
More Blended Degree Programs
Our university also offers blended degree programs that thoughtfully combine our technical computer science core curriculum with several majors in the arts and sciences across campus. The majors listed below are housed in other colleges and designed for students who are passionate about that field while also looking for a strong foundation in computing. These degrees will uniquely position you for an innovative career as you learn to develop computational tools that can transform and shape the future of your chosen field.
- Computer science + animal sciences
- Computer science + anthropology
- Computer science + astronomy
- Computer science + advertising
- Computer science + chemistry
- Computer science + crop sciences
- Computer science + economics
- Computer science + education: learning sciences
- Computer science + education: secondary education
- Computer science + geography & geographic information science
- Computer science + linguistics
- Computer science + music
- Computer science + philosophy
- Mathematics & computer science
- Statistics & computer science
Consider a computer science minor.
It’s not always necessary to major in a computer-related field to pursue a computer-related career, especially if you have additional interests! Our computer science minor — which enhances your degree, broadens your skills and boosts your marketability — can be paired with almost any Illinois undergraduate major.
If you’re interested in adding a computer science minor to your studies, talk to your academic advisor. They can help guide you through the process.
Whatever path you choose, all that matters is that it works for you and the goals you want to achieve after graduation. If you’d like more information, we encourage you to explore our Siebel School of Computing and Data Sciences FAQ. You can also take our majors quiz to better discover what’s right for you. Good luck, and you’ve got this!