Program Details
Computer Science-BSCS
BS in Computer ScienceOld Dominion University
Computer science professionals are in high demand. This is due to their ability to impact a wide variety of industries and organizations as well as the critical dependence many domains on computer science. This program prepares students for the world of professional software development and other in-demand computer science jobs, including network and database administration and information security analysis. Graduates also frequently go on to graduate study or certification in computer science or related fields.
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Old Dominion University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
Program Overview & Guidance

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Is This Degree Right For Me? | Graduates of the BSCS program have a strong foundation in computer science for careers in the professional workforce, academic research, and entrepreneurship. Courses are provided in both live (face to face) and online formats, providing flexibility and exposure to modern communication and collaborative environments. ODU Computer Science majors are the problem solvers of the future. Leveraging a unique academic computational infrastructure, students learn emerging software development approaches through theory-centric and application-centric coursework. Students in this program are exposed to the broad theoretical and practical basis of computer science in lectures and laboratory experiences. Through laboratories, students are introduced to both the experimental and the design aspects of computer science. Students may choose their electives to obtain an emphasis in databases, networking, web programming, systems programming, game programming, and cybersecurity.The capstone course sequence is mentored by multi-disciplinary groups of faculty and industry experts. The educational focal points are community, communication, career, and student success. |
What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is considered math intensive. Students should plan their course load accordingly. For students who do not meet the math requirement or GPA requirement, they will not be declared in the major until they do so. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 overall in the major. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours, which must include both a minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours in upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University, passage of the Computer Science Exit Exam, completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better, and completion of a Senior Assessment. Additional hours may be required to meet the foreign language requirement.
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Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science should meet the minimum university admission requirements. Computer science majors must earn a grade of C or better in all (non-elective) computer science courses required for the major and in all computer science prerequisite courses. Earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in all Math prerequisite courses. A minimum of 9 credits of upper-level (300/400) computer science elective courses must be completed in addition to the required courses. |
Do More With Your Degree | Internship opportunities are available in the BSCS Program. Graduates frequently go on to graduate study or certification in computer science or related fields. Graduates from this major have gone to work at Google, IBM, Facebook, Amazon, Linked-In, ADP, Dominion Enterprises, Anthem, and Newport News Shipbuilding. Accelerated linked programs are available (BS to MS) and undergraduate research are popular paths, with multiple scholarships aimed at diverse populations. B.S. & M.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE: Earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science within five years. M.B.A. & B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Students acquire a strong foundation in computer science for careers in the professional workforce, academic research, and entrepreneurship. Courses are provided in both live (face to face) and online formats, providing flexibility and exposure to modern communication and collaborative environments. In 2020 the program was ranked #6 Best online Computer Science Degree programs from Intelligent.com. In 2019 the program was ranked #7 Best online Bachelor's in Computer Science from BestColleges.com. |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the ODU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major.
With an Associate of Science in Computer Science, students who enter into the BSCS Program at ODU start with their junior level course work, pending that the computer science prerequisite courses included in the associates degree are completed with a grade of C or better. For students completing an Associate of Science degree from VCCS, students may enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | With an Associate of Science in Computer Science, students who enter into the BSCS Program at ODU start with their junior level course work, pending that the computer science prerequisite courses included in the associates degree are completed with a grade of C or better. For students completing an Associate of Science degree from VCCS, students may enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map. |
Credit for Prior Learning | The Office of Prior Learning exists to aid ODU students in translating their professional work knowledge into academic credit. Through the use of various mechanisms, we are able to offer students the opportunity to have their prior learning assessed and applied for academic credit. This path may save the students both time and money as they work toward their degree. If you have military experience, please use our course by course equivalency tool to see how your experiences will transfer. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | With transfer pathways to all majors with transferable associate degrees, plus 200+ guided pathways specific for applied associate degrees, Old Dominion University is the most transfer-friendly university in Virginia. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Guaranteed Admission (GAA) Submit a Letter of Intent to Transfer. Apply to ODU after completing 15 credit hours at a VCCS institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Apply to ODU for the term following the expected completion term of your associate degree. Follow application processes and deadline dates for special programs, i.e. nursing. https://www.odu.edu/transfer/guaranteed-admission |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Technology, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Infor Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology for Business | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Digital Design and Graphics | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cloud Computing Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Network and Technical Support Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Full Stack Developer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - CyberSecurity (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST: Database and Program Developer Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST: Cyber Security and Network Administration Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Software Development Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Network Engineer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Gaming and Mobile Application Design Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Network Engineer - Cyber and Network Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Math/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Security | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Database Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Geographic Information Systems - GIS) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Administration) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Infrastructure Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Programming and Mobile Applications Development) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Engineering-Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cyber Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Info Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Internet Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Game Design and Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Science/Geospatial Information System | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Information System | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Cybersecurity | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, with concentration in Cybersecurity | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, with concentration in Data Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, with concentration in Software Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Programming | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Information Systems Tech Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Information Systems Tech Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Science - Computer Science Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | Management with Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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15-1299.07 | Blockchain Engineers | Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1241.00 | Computer Network Architects | Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.00 | Computer Occupations, All Other | All computer occupations not listed separately. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
25-1021.00 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
15-1211.00 | Computer Systems Analysts | Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.08 | Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1221.00 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-3021.00 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. | Management Occupations |
15-1243.01 | Data Warehousing Specialists | Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1242.00 | Database Administrators | Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1243.00 | Database Architects | Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.06 | Digital Forensics Analysts | Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.03 | Document Management Specialists | Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.02 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1211.01 | Health Informatics Specialists | Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.05 | Information Security Engineers | Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.09 | Information Technology Project Managers | Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1244.00 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.04 | Penetration Testers | Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1253.00 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1241.01 | Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.01 | Video Game Designers | Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.01 | Web Administrators | Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.00 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |