Program at a glance
How much does it cost?
Learn more about how to afford a degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.
How long does it take?
This 122 credit program is designed to be completed in four years.
What will I learn in a computer science and engineering degree program?
The bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering is designed to give you a strong foundation in computing, mathematics, science and engineering and teach you to apply that knowledge to real-world computing problems.
Graduates have the skills to identify technological solutions to problems, drawing on their abilities to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop software or computer systems that meet desired needs.
Additionally, our program teaches key skills to succeed in the professional world, including how to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, how to function on multi-disciplinary teams and how to act in accordance with professional, ethical, legal and social responsibilities.
Senior capstone project
In the College of Engineering, hands-on learning starts on day one. The first engineering class, Engineering 100, will challenge you to work in teams to design a hovercraft capable of traversing across a pre-set course. And in your final class before you graduate, you will work in a team to develop a product that’s ready for the marketplace. Your senior capstone project will be presented to potential employers at the annual Innovation Day, In between, you’ll gain hands-on experience in classrooms and research laboratories, putting your science and mathematical knowledge to work solving engineering problems.
My favorite class that I took as a part of my major would probably be CS 330 which is the Design Patterns course. This is my favorite class because I’ve already had interview questions that pertain directly to the content from this class. The class itself was very enjoyable and the projects were all so fun to do!
Nikhil Sharma, Computer Science & Engineering Major
Specializations in the computer science and engineering program
With the rapid advance of computer and internet technologies, data is being collected at unprecedented scale in a broad range of application areas, which presents many challenges as well as novel opportunities of big data management, analysis, retrieval, and modeling. The objective of the minor in big data is to provide students with both the technical skills and the theoretical knowledge to address evolving big data challenges.
The College of Engineering also offers a minor in computer science and engineering.
Vulnerability to cyber attacks has increased dramatically as usage of and reliance on technology expands. Cyber attacks can take multiple forms, ranging from corporate security breaches and social media fraud to malware and social engineering. Professionals with cybersecurity training are needed who can identify and mitigate the growing threats.
The University offers two cybersecurity minors:
- Interdisciplinary cybersecurity minor: The interdisciplinary minor in cybersecurity provides a well-rounded look at cybersecurity from a range of disciplinary perspectives.
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Cybersecurity minor: The minor in cybersecurity consists of six computer science courses that provide hands-on in-depth technical expertise in cyber defense.
The gaming industry offers a variety of jobs, from designer to programmer to producer, in a number of industries, including business, music and computing. The minor in digital interactive games can help students tap into a strong gaming presence in Reno and a flourishing games industry in nearby Bay Area.
The accelerated B.S./M.S. program encourages outstanding students in the College of Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno to obtain a M.S. degree in a shorter amount of time.
The College of Engineering, in partnership with the College of Business, offers a five-year program to earn both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees.
Students may earn one of four graduate degrees in computer science and engineering:
- M.S.
- M.S. (cybersecurity)
- M.S. (cybersecurity, online)
- Ph.D.
The graduate certificate in cybersecurity uses an interdisciplinary approach to provide students essential knowledge to address evolving cybersecurity challenges.
Life's a journey. Honors makes it meaningful.
At the University of Nevada, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.
Visit the Honors College
Careers with a degree in computer science & engineering
Median starting salaries of $86,281 (computer science) and $88,158 (computer engineering)
Our degree program combines computer science and computer engineering to offer students a complete foundation in both computer hardware and software, giving them a versatile skill set valued by employers and graduate schools.
Graduates of the program can tap into a strong gaming market in the region or seek employment in industries ranging from military to software to cyber security. Nationwide, demand for computer scientists and engineers is strong, as the need for trained computer scientists and engineers is growing in fields ranging from health care to education to business.
Computer science and engineering can be a lucrative field for graduates. A 2022 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that bachelor's degree holders in computer science had median starting salaries of $86,281, while computer engineering graduates had median starting salaries of $88,158.
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You can afford the University of Nevada, Reno
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.
