Overview
The Computer Science Applications program bridges rigorous computing fundamentals with deep domain expertise, equipping students to create transformative technological solutions for an evolving world. Through a robust core curriculum, students gain hands-on experience in software development, data analysis, and advanced AI technologies, alongside the flexibility to specialize in cutting-edge computing subdisciplines. Designed for ambitious undergraduates seeking an application-focused computing degree, this program offers targeted pathways across high-impact concentration areas.
Students tailor their academic journey by specializing in one of the following interdisciplinary concentrations:
Psychology Pathway
The Psychology concentration explores the intersection between human cognition and advanced computing systems. Students examine the bridges connecting human intelligence with artificial intelligence, pioneer human-centered technologies, and develop software solutions designed to enhance mental health services. Graduates are well-prepared for high-demand careers in human-computer interaction (HCI), cognitive AI engineering, behavioral data analytics, and user experience (UX) research and design.
Business Pathway
The Business concentration integrates computing innovation with fundamental business strategy. Students develop specialized knowledge in enterprise information systems, digital analytics, marketing, or finance. Graduates are positioned to step directly into strategic leadership and technical roles, including product management, technology entrepreneurship, business analytics, software project management, and IT consulting.
Health Pathway
The Health concentration incorporates all required pre-medical coursework directly into a rigorous computer science degree. As one of the few programs nationally to offer a fully integrated pre-med computing pathway, it addresses the rapidly growing demand for tech-literate healthcare leaders. Co-advised by UCR’s Pre-Professional Advising Center, students receive dedicated guidance to ensure competitive preparation for medical school. Graduates are equipped to pursue medical degrees or high-impact technical roles, such as bioinformatics, clinical data science, health informatics, and digital health solution development.
Courses
As a Computer Science Applications major at UC Riverside, you will be taking a mix of core computer science courses and courses in the discipline that you choose as your concentration.
More information on available courses can be found on the Registrar's website.
To complete your degree, you will need to fulfill the requirements laid out in the Computer Science Applications course plan that is relevant for your concentration.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of UCR’s BS degree in this program will meet high professional, ethical, and societal goals as demonstrated by:
- Success in post-graduation studies as evidenced by:
- satisfaction with the decision to further their education
- advanced degrees earned
- professional visibility (e.g., publications, presentations, patents, inventions, awards)
- professional responsibilities (e.g., professional mentoring, professional society membership and offices, reviewing and editorial work for professional journals
- Success in a chosen profession or vocation as evidenced by:
- career satisfaction
- promotions/raises (e.g. Management leadership positions or distinguished technical positions)
- professional visibility (e.g., publications, presentations, patents, inventions, awards)
- professional responsibilities (e.g. professional registration, professional mentoring, professional society membership and offices)
- entrepreneurial activities
- consulting activities
- Contributions to society as evidenced by:
- leadership roles
- public service
- mentoring / outreach activities
- volunteer service
Student Outcomes
Our goal for our graduates
As a graduate of our program, you will be able to move onto the next chapter of your life with the following skills:
1) Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2)Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3) Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts
4) Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5) Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
6) Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
7) Support the delivery, use, and management of information systems within an information systems environment.
Graduation and Enrollment Data
This program will begin admitting students Fall 2027, with graduation and enrollment data still pending.