Computer Science

Major

The Computer Science major develops fundamental competency in theoretical and technical areas of computing and a characteristic style of thinking and problem-solving.

Offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.

Are you interested in technology, problem-solving, and how computers power everything from phones to missile defense systems? Do you want to learn how to build software, understand artificial intelligence, and defend against cyber threats - all while training to be a leader in the U.S. Army? The Computer Science major at the United States Military Academy at West Point equips cadets with the technical skills and leadership mindset to operate confidently in a fast-changing, high-tech world.

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science is the study of computers, software, and computational thinking - how we design systems to solve complex problems. At West Point, this major goes beyond theory: cadets learn how to build, analyze, and secure systems that support everything from military operations to national security.

Computer Science is at the heart of modern warfare - whether it’s running simulations, programming autonomous drones, defending networks, or analyzing data in real time. Build the code. Secure the network. Lead the mission. That’s Computer Science at West Point.

Why Choose Computer Science at USMA?

Cutting-Edge Tech for Real-World Impact
You won’t just study technology - cadets use it to solve Army problems, build tools, and defend critical systems.
Cyber and AI Are Top Priorities
The Army needs leaders who understand cyber defense, autonomous systems, data science, and tech innovation. This major puts USMA graduates at the front lines of that effort.
In-Demand Career Flexibility
Graduates serve in cyber operations, military intelligence, electronic warfare, signal corps, and later pursue top roles in tech, defense, and beyond.
STEM Rigor + Leadership Training
Cadets gain the same elite education as top tech schools - with the added advantage of military leadership, ethical decision-making, and real-world

What To Do With This Major?

With a Computer Science degree from West Point, graduates will be ready to:

Lead as an Army officer in cyber, intelligence, or tech-related roles
Work in tech fields like software engineering, cybersecurity, or data analysis
Join agencies like the NSA, Space Force, or Army Cyber Command
Start your own tech company or develop mission-driven apps and systems
Continue to graduate school in computer science, AI, or cybersecurity

Interested Cadets

Do you enjoy solving puzzles, coding, or figuring out how tech works? Want to design apps, protect against cyber threats, or develop systems that help Soldiers in the field? The Computer Science major at West Point gives you the skills to do all of that - and more.

Whether you’re interested in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or robotics, this major puts cutting-edge technology in your hands and teaches you how to lead with it.

Why Consider This Major

If a cadet enjoys coding, puzzles, logic, or using technology to solve big problems, Computer Science is an exciting and powerful path- especially at West Point. They graduate with a top-tier STEM degree, no student debt, and the leadership ability to stand out in the Army or any tech-driven career.

It’s a great major for students who want to create, protect, and innovate - while serving a purpose larger than themselves.

What Cadets Learn

Computer Science is the study of how computers work and how to use them to solve real problems. At West Point, cadets learn:

Programming and Software Development – writing code in languages like Python, Java, and C++
Data Structures and Algorithms – how to organize and process information efficiently
Cybersecurity – how to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber attacks
Computer Networks – how systems communicate across the globe
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – building smart, adaptive systems
Operating Systems and Hardware Architecture – understanding what happens "under the hood"

From day one, they build apps, solve problems, and tackle projects that matter to the Army and beyond. They also apply their skills in labs, simulations, capstone projects, and even competitions like the NSA’s Cyber Exercise or West Point’s own Cyber Research Center.

Choice of Electives

Cadets choose electives that match their interests and career goals:

Artificial Intelligence – teach machines to think and make decisions
Cybersecurity – learn how to defend systems from digital attacks
Mobile App Development – build apps for phones and tablets
Robotics and Autonomous Systems – design machines that move, sense, and react
Data Science – turn big data into smart solutions

Learn More

Computer science majors participate in clubs and activities including the award-winning Information Assurance student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery, the ACM Special Interest Group on Security, Special Interest Group on Security, Audit and Control (SIGSAC), and Cadet Competitive Cyber Team (C3T). Majors also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in research and operational settings through honor societies and summer internships as part of the Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program.

To see more about some of our recent activities, visit EECS on Facebook.

Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science or Cyber Research Center.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science at the United States Military Academy is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs Criteria.

Computer Science Program Enrollment Data

Click here to view enrollment data

Program Educational Objectives

The Program Educational Objectives (PEO) for Computer Science are that, five to seven years after graduation, cadets who major in Computer Science will have been successful Army officers who have:

Initiated and completed tasks that identify aspects of a complex situation that can be enhanced by using computing technology.
Applied computing knowledge and skills while using an engineering process individually or in diverse teams to develop computing technology applications.
Used effective communication to explain new computing technology to war fighters in support of current and emerging Army war fighting doctrine.
Grown professionally through self-study, continuing education and professional development.

In order to reach these objectives we make day-to-day decisions about courses and lessons based on our Student Outcomes. These list knowledge, skills, and abilities our cadets possess upon graduation. We consider adjustments to outcomes each year when program assessment results are reviewed.

Student Outcomes

At the time of graduation, cadets who major in Computer Science can:

Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the computer science discipline.
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the computer science discipline.
Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions. [CS]