About

What an exciting time it is to be a computer scientist! Now as before, the computing field is driving technological advancement, fueling economic growth, connecting communities and cultures in transformative ways, and revolutionizing nearly every human enterprise. Our field not only provides the tools and technology that enhance, speed up, and in many cases make possible the scientific and technological advancement and breakthroughs, but also shapes much of the thinking and methodologies that the students, practitioners, and experts employ in many fields.  

The students and faculty in the Department of Computer Science at GW are involved in many activities in this great digital revolution. In our department, we teach fundamentals, design methods, tools, and applications. We prepare students for some exciting and rewarding careers in medicine, film, business, government, engineering, and of course IT.

Our undergraduate program offers both the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees, with or without concentrations, and a combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science program for earning both degrees in five years. The options currently offered are in biomedical computing and bioinformatics, computer security and information assurance, and digital media. The Bachelor of Science provides a strong computer science background, as well as in-depth exposure to various applications. The Bachelor of Arts allows a broader educational experience with the possibility to pursue dual majors in related fields such as health sciences, biology, management, law, political science, economics, and criminal justice.

In our graduate program, a student can earn a Master's or a Ph.D. degree. We also offer a certificate program in computer security and information assurance for practicing professionals who want a competitive edge.  For working professionals who are new to Computer Science, we offer an online Gateway to CS program that leads to our Masters of Applied Computer Science degree, which is designed to fit busy schedules. Our faculty members conduct cutting-edge research in algorithms and theory; artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics; biomedical engineering and computing; climate informatics; cloud computing; computer security and information assurance; digital media; networking and mobile computing; pervasive computing and embedded systems; systems and software engineering; and search and data mining. We have received funding from NSA, NASA, NIH, NIST, NSF, DARPA, Google, AOL, and many other leading tech companies. We place a great deal of emphasis on creative interdisciplinary solutions to real-world problems.

In addition to the excellent learning opportunities within the Department and University, students have access to unique experiences in our nation's capital where we are located. The Washington, DC area has one of the highest concentrations of high-tech companies in the country. Students have ample opportunities for paid internships in local high-tech companies or in one of the area's many federal laboratories, such as the National Institutes of Health, NASA, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Naval Research Laboratory. The nation's capital offers a unique environment rich in vibrant and diverse culture with the charm of a moderate-size city.

Robert Pless, Ph.D.
Chairman, Department of Computer Science