Computer Science

Students in the Occidental Computer Science undergraduate program study how information is represented, organized, and processed. Learn to think critically and creatively to design solutions that connect people, data, and technology in the heart of LA.

Earn Your Computer Science Degree From Oxy

As a computer science major at Occidental College, you will gain a strong foundation in programming, data structures, algorithms, and systems design. Beyond a theoretical understanding of what makes programs efficient and correct, you will also gain practical experience collaborating on projects that solve real-world problems. Learn to build software that is innovative, easy to use, and trustworthy, and explore how you can use technology to improve people’s lives meaningfully.

The Occidental College Computer Science major offers three distinct pathways: the standard computer science track, the computational mathematics track, and the interdisciplinary CS+X track that lets you combine computing with another area of interest. Alumni have gone on to careers in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and further study in computer science and related fields.

Apply Now
Request Info

What You’ll Learn as a Computer Science Major at Occidental

angled image of programming code typed in multicolor

Exploring computation and innovation

As a computer science major at Occidental, you’ll study programming languages, algorithms, and artificial intelligence while learning how to design, analyze, and implement solutions that meet global and local needs. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, which will give you the foundation to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Explore Courses & Requirements

Engage in hands-on research from your first year at Occidental. Work with faculty on projects in machine learning, human-computer interaction, or computational modeling, or use your programming abilities to help with research in biology, Asian Studies, and beyond. Pursue independent study through the Undergraduate Research Center, present at conferences, earn grants, and co-author papers for portfolios for graduate school or the tech industry.

 

Computer Science connects naturally with other areas of study such as Mathematics, Cognitive Science, Data Science, and Engineering. Our students are also MAC double-majors who create video games and interactive experiences, English minors thinking about meaningful collaboration with AI, and peer tutors who want everyone to have the opportunity to succeed with computer science.

With our own high-performance computing cluster, our students learn to work with the same software that powers supercomputers around the world. Combine software with hardware with robotics kits, or make your own using micro-controllers and 3D printers from the Critical Making Studio.

From social media to AI, software and technology have changed the world for both better and worse. Occidental’s Computer Science majors are not only technically proficient but also capable communicators, so everyone understands the impact of new technologies. Courses such as Human-Computer Interaction and Justice and Equity in Technology ensure that what we do benefits everyone and is a net positive for society.

Joaquín Madrid Larranaga headshot

It’s important to not only remember the multitude of resources that are available to students in the CS department, but also not to be afraid to use them! My professors have been nothing but encouraging throughout my time at Oxy, and Oxy Open Source and SSAP tutoring are great resources as well.

Joaquín Madrid Larrañaga
Computer Science major; Albuquerque, NM
More from Joaquín

Courses You Might Take

View All Courses & Requirements
Fundamentals of Computer Science
Computer science is about the organization and process of information. Key to being a computer scientist is to think computationally - how to break down processes into simple components that a computer can understand.
Topics in Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has been a part of computer science since before "computer science" was coined. This course explores select topics from its long history, including reinforcement learning, Bayesian networks, and cognitive architectures.
Practicum in Computer Science
The largest programming projects are completed by multiple computer scientists working together. This course sees teams of students building computational solutions to real problems for clients in Oxy and Los Angeles.
Mobile Apps
Despite their recent invention, smartphones are ubiquitous and keep us connected. This course introduces students to designing for these radically different form factors, and the privacy and other issues that arise.
Machine Learning
Statistical machine learning techniques, such as recommender systems and deep neural networks, have allowed companies to derive new sight from data. This course provides both theoretical and practical views of these powerful tools.
Programming Languages
Hundreds of programming languages exist with different features. This course breaks down how these features function, by building an interpreter for a new language that executes line by line.
View More
Occidental student standing in front of an office with a sign reading "FYI"

Learning Computer Science in LA

Studying computer science at Occidental College places you in one of the world’s most dynamic tech hubs in the world. You’ll apply what you learn through internships, collaborative projects, and research with local startups, labs, and nonprofits. Oxy’s faculty will help you link theory to practice, giving you the experience and network to succeed in Los Angeles and beyond.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Software Engineer, Apple

Stephanie Angulo
2019

Junior Quantum Engineer, Alice & Bob

Charlotte Cullip
2019

Software Engineer, Wayfair

Alexis Hale
2020

Machine Learning Engineer, KungFu.ai

Max Marion
2018

Technical Program Manager, Dropbox

Chloe Zeller
2019

Associate Software Engineer, The New York Times

Anaiah Diop
2022

PhD Candidate, UC San Diego

Zerlina Lai
2024

Machine Learning Engineer, Mirror Mirror

Campbell Gilbert
2024

Associate Product Manager, Google

Aly McGrath
2025

Meet Our Faculty

All Program Faculty

FAQs

The program combines rigorous technical training with close faculty mentorship and early research opportunities.

Yes. Students collaborate with faculty, conduct independent studies, and present their findings at regional and national conferences.

Absolutely. Many majors pursue the CS+X pathway, pairing computer science with fields like economics, art, or politics.

Occidental Computer Science graduates work across technology, research, and design, applying their coding, engineering, data, and problem-solving skills at leading companies, startups, and graduate programs around the world.

Yes! At Occidental, you have the flexibility to explore the data science topics that excite you most. Whether through courses in mathematics, computer science, or the natural and social sciences, Oxy helps you develop skills that prepare you for data science careers.

Contact Computer Science
Swan Hall B102
cs@oxy.edu

Popular Searches

Campus Map
Bookstore
Clubs & Orgs
Majors & Minors
Campus Directory
Academic Calendar
Study Abroad
Working at Oxy