California State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme covers core areas of computing and information science with an emphasis on applied skills and problem solving. Your studies typically combine lower-division foundational courses with upper-division specialised modules and a substantial capstone or project experience.

• Core foundations: programming and algorithms, discrete mathematics, computer organisation, operating systems and software engineering principles.
• Systems and infrastructure: networking, database systems, cloud fundamentals, system administration and cybersecurity basics.
• Data and analytics: data structures, data modelling, introductory statistics for computing, and elective modules in data mining or introductory machine learning.
• Software development: object-oriented programming, web and mobile application development, software design, testing and project management.
• Capstone and labs: team-based senior capstone project, laboratory courses with hands-on hardware and software exercises, and opportunities for internships or practicum placements.
• Electives and concentrations: depending on campus offerings, you can choose electives in areas such as cybersecurity, human–computer interaction, artificial intelligence, information systems, or enterprise computing.

Instruction combines lectures, lab work, collaborative projects and practical assessments. Students are encouraged to build a portfolio of code and projects and to take advantage of campus makerspaces and computing facilities.

Typical programme structure

Students complete general education requirements alongside major courses. Early years focus on mathematics, introductory programming and core computing concepts; later years emphasise advanced topics, electives and a culminating capstone or internship.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate programme follows California State University system policies. Typical requirements include a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent and completion of college preparatory coursework. Applicants are normally expected to have:

• Completed mathematics through precalculus or calculus and introductory science courses as part of secondary education.
• Demonstrated readiness for college-level work; prior programming experience is beneficial though not always mandatory.
• Fulfilled general application requirements for the CSU system (transcripts, personal information, and any campus-specific prerequisites).

Transfer applicants from community colleges commonly use articulated pathways or associate degrees in science to meet lower-division major preparation. Some campuses may set minimum grade-point expectations for major courses or offer conditional admission with recommended preparatory coursework. International applicants must meet academic credential and English language proficiency requirements set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of technology roles across public and private sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Software developer or engineer, building applications for desktop, mobile or cloud platforms.
• Systems analyst, IT consultant or solutions architect, focusing on integrating and optimising business systems.
• Database administrator or data analyst, responsible for data modelling, querying and reporting.
• Network administrator, cybersecurity technician or security analyst, working to protect and maintain infrastructure.
• Quality assurance engineer, DevOps practitioner or technical project manager, supporting delivery and operational stability.

Graduates also pursue postgraduate study in specialised computing fields, professional certification (for example in cloud platforms, networking or security) or entrepreneurship and technology start-ups. Career services and industry partnerships at California State University campuses support internship placement and employer recruitment.

Why study at California State University

California State University offers a practical, career-oriented computing education within a large public university system. Programmes are designed to balance theoretical foundations with applied skills that employers expect, supported by well-equipped labs, faculty with applied research and industry experience, and connections to local technology and business communities.

Students benefit from diverse campus communities, transfer-friendly pathways from community colleges, and opportunities for internships, cooperative education and multidisciplinary collaboration. The university's emphasis on accessible, workforce-focused education makes it well suited for students who want hands-on training and direct pathways into technology careers.