Department of Computer Science

The Computer Science Department at Portland State University is an integral part of Portland's technology sector. Our programs prepare students for advanced careers in the computing industry, research, and academia. We provide a curriculum focused on durable skills in problem-solving and software development, offering an ABET-accredited degrees that ensures high educational standards.

• Mission & Faculty: The CS department is dedicated to creating, applying, and sharing knowledge in computing and information technologies through accessible education, collaborative research, and service to our communities. Our faculty's world-class expertise in a wide range of Computer Science topics attracts students from around the world. More than just instructors, they are dedicated mentors who provide direct academic and research guidance.
• Community & Location: Portland State University's Computer Science Department is uniquely equipped to address issues surrounding transparent, equitable, and reliable technology. The department's collaboration with campus centers and partnerships with local and regional organizations, combined with its strengths in data science, machine learning, cyber-security, and high-assurance systems, position it perfectly to lead this effort.

Whether you are a prospective Computer Science (CS) undergraduate, a professional looking to change careers, or a graduate student pursuing advanced research, our department offers a pathway for you. We provide a strong support system to guide you, from a dedicated staff advisor for M.S. students to a faculty advisor and committee for each Ph.D. candidate.

Undergraduate & Career-Change Pathways
We offer a variety of programs for students starting their journey in computer science. Our program provides direct pathways to professional experience. Students have access to unique, paid internship programs like Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP) and the Portland Co-op Program (PCEP), which offer valuable work experience with top local companies. 

• Bachelor of Science & Minor in Computer Science: Our foundational undergraduate program is the ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, we also offer a minor and an Honors Program option.The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through a two-term senior capstone course working with local companies and unique paid internship programs. Enrollment in our upper division classes (300-400 level) requires special permission.
• Bachelor of Science & Minor in Artificial Intelligence: The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree offered within the Department of Computer Science is a four year full-time program. Students may enter the program directly from high school; after preliminary coursework in a two-year community college program; or after they have work experience in the field without a college degree. We also offer a minor option. The minor in AI program enables students to learn how Artificial Intelligence systems work and their application towards solving societal problems. Note that the courses within the minor will eventually be integrated within the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence.
• Postbaccalaureate Programs: For those who already have a bachelor's degree in another field, we offer two paths to transition into a computer science career. You can earn a Second Bachelor's Degree in CS or join our Grad Prep Program to complete the necessary coursework to enter our CS Master's program.
• Accelerated Biomedical Informatics Degree: A collaborative 5-year program with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) for high-achieving freshmen. Students earn both a BS in Computer Science from PSU and a Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics from OHSU.

Graduate Programs
Our graduate studies include a Master of Science to prepare students for advanced careers in the computing industry and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) for those pursuing research or teaching careers. Our graduate curriculum covers a broad range of advanced topics, including AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, theory (including quantum computing), data science, systems and networking, and software engineering. Graduate students engage in hands-on learning through close collaborative research with faculty. MS students have the option to complete a research-based thesis, and all graduate students can apply for internships in the Portland area that count toward required degree credits.

• We offer a Cybersecurity Certificate in which students learn to defend and protect valuable data assets and sensitive information. 
• Our Artificial Intelligence Certificate delivers specialized knowledge in both classical and modern Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with applications in generative AI, natural language processing, and visual computing.

Faculty and students in our Computer Science Department are at the forefront of the field, conducting research to produce new knowledge and apply it to real-world problems. This work is central to the department's mission and positions Portland State University as a designated urban research institution and a key contributor to Portland's technology sector. Areas of Research include:

• Artificial Intelligence & Data: AI and Machine Learning, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision.
• Security & Systems: Computer Security and Privacy, Systems and Networking, and High-Performance Computing.
• Software & Theory: Software Engineering, Programming Languages, Formal Methods, and Theory (including quantum computing).

Student Research Opportunities

We  work to offer numerous avenues for students to participate directly in in close collaborative research with faculty advisors throughout their programs, allowing for deep dives into faculty research expertise areas.

The Computer Science Department at Portland State University provides a direct path to a career in technology, supported by a diverse student community and deep connections to Portland's tech industry.

• Student Community & Support
  The department's student community is diverse and active, with clubs like WiCS (Women in Computer Science) and PSU GEMS (Games and Entertainment Making Students), providing peer support and networking. The student body includes local professionals already employed in the tech sector who are seeking to advance their careers, as well as students from around the world. To ensure student success, the M.S. program provides a dedicated staff advisor who assists students from admissions to graduation, while undergraduates can receive personalized career guidance from Maseeh College Career Services.
• Internships & Career Outcomes
  Graduates from the Computer Science program are highly sought after, with entry-level salaries for the bachelor's program exceeding $90,000 annually. Most graduates enter the high-tech industry as software engineers, system designers, and researchers.
  • Paid Internships: Undergraduates have access to unique paid internship programs. Graduate students can also take internships in the Portland area that count toward degree credits.
  • Top Employers: Graduates work at industry leaders like Amazon, Apple, Intel, and Nike, both locally and nationally.
  • Career Paths: Alumni excel in a variety of roles, including Software Developers, Machine Learning Engineers, and Cybersecurity Specialists.