Computer Science + Education, BS

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Science + Education


The Computer Science + Education, BS is sponsored jointly by the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science and the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. The major in Computer Science and Education is a flexible program for undergraduate students who plan to pursue careers in either field and offers two foci of concentration.

The Learning Sciences concentration focuses on how technology can be designed and developed to further education. Social media, virtual and augmented reality, data analytics, mobile and wearable devices have created an opportunity to transform teaching and learning in both formal and informal contexts. This degree will prepare students for advanced study at the graduate level, as well as immediate entry into the workforce at software companies, publishers, school districts, game design companies, and research non-profits.

The Secondary Education concentration provides the coursework and field experience for students to be licensed to teach computer science in grades 5-12. The degree will prepare students to join the workforce as teachers in the state of Illinois, providing them with the knowledge necessary to teach and develop computer science curricula.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Science + Education


Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Semester

RequirementsHours
EDUC 101 - Education Orientation Seminar1
CS 124 - Introduction to Computer Science I3
Composition I or General Education course4
Language Other Than English (3rd level)4
MATH 220 - Calculus or MATH 221 - Calculus I4
Semester Hours16

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
Composition I or General Education course4
CS 128 - Introduction to Computer Science II3
CS 173 - Discrete Structures3
MATH 231 - Calculus II3
General Education course3
Semester Hours16

First Semester

RequirementsHours
CS 222 - Software Design Lab1
CS 225 - Data Structures4
MATH 225 - Introductory Matrix Theory, MATH 227 - Linear Algebra for Data Science, or MATH 257 - Linear Algebra with Computational Applications3
General Education course3
Concentration course3
Semester Hours14

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
CS 233 - Computer Architecture or CS 340 - Introduction to Computer Systems4
CS 361 - Probability & Statistics for Computer Science3
General Education course (Humanities & Arts with a Cultural Studies designation)3
General Education course3
Concentration course3
Semester Hours16

First Semester

RequirementsHours
CS 341 - System Programming (or CS 400-level course)4
General Education course3
General Education course3
General Education course3
Concentration course3
Semester Hours16

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
CS 374 - Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation4
Concentration course3
Concentration course3
Concentration course3
Elective course or CS 400-level course3
Semester Hours16

First Semester

RequirementsHours
CS 357 - Numerical Methods I or CS 421 - Programming Languages & Compilers3
Concentration course3
Concentration course3
Concentration course3
Elective course2
Semester Hours14

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
Concentration course3
Concentration course3
Concentration course3
General Education course3
Semester Hours12

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Science + Education


  1. Students will acquire deep knowledge of computer science as it relates to the field of Education
  2. (Secondary Education concentration only): Students will effectively plan and implement relevant, responsive instruction for high school students.
  3. (Licensure concentration only): Students will use assessment data to drive decisions and solve problems in and out of the classroom.
  4. Students will display the expectations of professionalism related to success in the field of education and beyond (Fairness, commitment to collaboration, community, reflective practice, and attention to 21st century skills and practices).

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Science + Education


College of Education

Education Building
1310 S. Sixth Street
Champaign, IL 61820
College of Education website

Siebel School of Computing and Data Science

306 Education Building
Curriculum & Instruction email: ci@education.illinois.edu
(217) 244-8286
Department of Curriculum & Instruction website
Department of Curriculum & Instruction faculty

Office of Undergraduate Programs

110 Education Building
Education Student Academic Affairs email: saao@education.illinois.edu
(217) 333-2800
Admissions & Academics website
Student Academic Affairs website

Department of Computer Science

Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science
201 N Goodwin Avenue, Urbana IL 61801
Department of Computer Science website
Department of Computer Science faculty
Computer Science + Education website