Computer Science

Undergraduate

Student sitting at a computer

Build technology that changes lives

As a Computer Science major at Simmons University, you’ll learn to think critically, logically, and abstractly. You’ll gain a deep understanding of computing theory and concepts, as well as an ability to integrate theory with practice.

In Simmons' Computer Science program, you'll write software that improves quality of life, create dynamic and powerful websites, design and implement systems, and develop new technologies. Through both foundational and advanced courses focused on operating systems and technology development, you’ll learn to solve highly technical problems at the forefront of innovation.

Some topics you'll study include:

  • Computer systems
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data science
  • Information security
  • Structure and organization of computer programming languages
  • Software engineering

Simmons also offers an accelerated Computer Science + Library and Information Science (3+1) degree program. We also have an online Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science for adult learners.

Internships and research opportunities in Boston

Hands-on research experience is a key part of your science education at Simmons. As a major in Computer Science, you'll have the opportunity to engage in research as early as your first year. Many students also complete internships. You can gain experience in industry, government, nonprofit, or academic settings. Often, an internship can lead directly to a job after graduation.

You’ll also benefit from networking opportunities that connect you with professionals and organizations in your chosen field. As a Simmons student, you’re part of the National Center for Women & Information Technology Academic Alliance.

If you’re academically outstanding and highly motivated, you’ll also have the opportunity to produce a rigorous thesis as the culmination of a two-semester project, beginning with a preparatory semester of independent research.

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science?

With a Computer Science degree, you can pursue many rewarding career paths. You will make a difference by helping to solve real-world, complex problems in areas including global communications, healthcare, public policy, scientific discovery and exploration, and climate change.

You can work in programming, web development, software development, and system support. Other options include network administration, database design, and computer security. You can also focus on application development and software engineering.

Required Core Courses (36 credits)

Computer Science majors complete all of the following:
CS110 Foundations of Information Technology 4
CS112 Introduction to Computer Science 4
CS221 Database Management Systems 4
CS232 Data Structures 4
CS245 Computing Systems 4
CS330 Structure and Organization of Programming Languages 4
CS332 Algorithms 4
CS335 Software Engineering 4
MATH210 Discrete Mathematics 4

MATH or STATS Course Requirement (4 credits)

Majors will complete ONE Mathematics or Statistics course numbered 118 or above.

Electives (8 credits)

Majors will complete TWO courses chosen from the following:
CS214 Data Interoperability 4
CS227 Computer Networks 4
CS321 Web-Centric Programming 4
CS327 Cybersecurity 4
CS334 Special Topics in Computer Science 4
CS350 Independent Study 4
CS370 Internship 1

Web Development

This option provides a strong technical background for anyone wishing to develop web-based applications.

Students will learn HTML, JavaScript/ES6+, Node.js, and database design and implementation, as well as the network infrastructure upon which web applications are built, including security considerations.

CS110 Foundations of Information Technology 4
CS112 Introduction to Computer Science 4
CS221 Database Management Systems 4
CS227 Computer Networks 4
CS321 Web-Centric Programming 4

Software Development

This option provides an introduction to software development and programming. It is appropriate for anyone who is considering a major in Computer Science or who is interested in application programming.

The curriculum includes:

CS112 Introduction to Computer Science 4
CS221 Database Management Systems 4
CS232 Data Structures 4
CS330 Structure and Organization of Programming Languages 4
CS335 Software Engineering 4

Open

A custom-designed minor consisting of five courses may be proposed by students to achieve their specific goals. Faculty members are available to help students design this minor. The Computer Science and Information Technology faculty must approve the final proposal.

Learning Objectives — Computer Science

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and theory of computing and their application to solving real world problems.
  • Express ideas orally, in writing, and the “languages” of the discipline.
  • Master current and cutting edge technologies including programming languages, algorithms, databases, systems analysis, web based technologies, networks, security and hardware.
  • Think abstractly, logically, clearly, and critically.
  • Work in groups both as a participant and as a leader.
  • Relate theory to practice.
  • Be lifelong learners and able to teach yourself.
  • Understand the ethical, legal, and social implications of technology.
  • Become gainfully employed in technology related jobs and/or prepared for graduate study.

Spotlight on Computer Science Students and Alums

A computer science student using their laptop to write code

50 Years of Computer Science at Simmons: Breaking Glass Ceilings

This year, Simmons celebrates 50 years since the establishment of the Bachelor’s in Computer Science (BS). We spoke to faculty about how computer scientists shaped the computer science program at Simmons, and how a women-centered university can uniquely prepare students to enter a male-dominated field.


Teresa Hubbard Carterette in the Applied Computer Science lab in 1988

50 Years of Computer Science at Simmons: An Origin Story

This year, Simmons celebrates 50 years since the establishment of the Bachelor’s in Computer Science (BS). We spoke with faculty about the grassroots effort to create the program, and how Simmons was ahead of its time by offering computer science education.


The 8 SURPASs scholars for 2025

Congratulations to the 2025 SURPASs Scholars

Eight undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). SURPASs students receive the necessary funding and mentorship to execute an independent research project of their own design.


Computer science researchers Maleehah Africawala '25, Megan McNamara '25, Professor Nanette Veilleux, Fayza Beshir '25, and Emily Douglas '25 worked together for a Faculty-Student Collaborative Fellowship.

Computer Science Researchers Develop Humanitarian Software

As part of Simmons’ Faculty-Student Collaborative Fellowship program, computer science majors Maleehah Africawala ’25, Fayza Beshir ’25, Emily Douglas ’25, and Megan McNamara ’25 worked under the supervision of Professor Nanette Veilleux to develop humanitarian software for Simmons’ REEF Support Center.


Nanette and Raneem

Accelerated Degree Student Presents Poster on ChatGPT at Technical Symposium

Raneem Emad Amer Mousa ’25 is pursuing the Dual-Degree in Engineering Simmons offers in collaboration with Columbia University. Her research project, “Is ChatGPT the Academic Catalyst We’ve All Been Waiting For?” was accepted for inclusion in the SIGCSE Technical Symposium 2024.


Adriana Lizeth (“Liz”) Campuzano Martinez ’24

“Taking up Space” with Coding, Advocacy, and Community

Computer Science major Adriana Lizeth (“Liz”) Campuzano Martinez ’24 shares a bit about all of the ways she was involved on campus — from hackathons to being a Resident Assistant to hosting a radio show. She also shares what it was like for her as a first-generation international student.


Abigail Bloom, Aria Cooper, and Adriana Lizeth Campuzano Martinez

Simmons Welcomes Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Spring 2024

The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic and professional interests beyond the boundaries of a conventional classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s cohort comprises student-scholars producing original research on healthcare for seniors, fashion sustainability, and the intersection of the arts, social justice, and gender-expansive agency.


Headshots of the 2024 Senior Scholar Award winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars

The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.