Why Study Computer Science or Computer Engineering at Notre Dame?
Graduates of our undergraduate programs are highly sought after by top companies — our placement rate has been at or near 100% for many years.
Our graduates take up careers in the computing industry, the finance industry, large engineering companies, startup companies, consulting firms, medical informatics companies, and government. Some enter doctoral programs at leading universities. Still others pursue startup opportunities, contributing to the burgeoning innovation culture surrounding computer science and engineering.
Our programs do not assume that you come to Notre Dame with any previous experience in programming. You can become an expert software engineer with the support and opportunities here.
Computer Science (CS)
This program focuses on the application of computers to real-world problems, especially in the design, development, and use of software. The program fosters understanding of the key properties of algorithms and how to recognize and design good algorithms efficiently. You’ll also develop the ability to engineer large, efficient, portable, and scalable pieces of software that implement good algorithms in ways that are useful to end users.
For students entering fall 2025 and beyond, there have been updates to the program. All students complete a common core, then choose from five concentration tracks — AI & Data Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Human-Centered & Visual Computing, or Foundational CS — to pursue depth in the area of CS that interests them most.
Computer Engineering (CPEG)
This program focuses on the intersection of hardware, including digital logic devices, circuits, computer architectures, and embedded systems, and software, including programming languages, operating systems, and algorithms. Modern design tools, techniques, and platforms are introduced early in the program, and continually used throughout to design, prototype, and analyze real digital computing systems to solve problems.
Students entering their sophomore year in fall 2025 will have the opportunity to pursue a new program in computer engineering. This is a program jointly administered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Department of Electrical Engineering and is co-directed by professors Michael Niemier and Robert Stevenson.
Minors
Minors are available through the College of Engineering as well as in other units of the University. The Minor in Engineering Corporate Practice is a career-building collaboration among the College of Engineering, Mendoza College of Business, and the College of Arts and Letters that explores the intersection of engineering and business. The Collaborative Innovation Minor is a five-course sequence that includes design thinking, research methods, visualization and entrepreneurship.
Research and internships
You’ll have opportunities to conduct research during the semester, either for course credit or for pay. Research is a great way to boost your learning and credentials. Your advisor can help you determine the best path.
There are ample opportunities to find summer internships, including two major recruiting events during the academic year, the Fall Career Expo and the Winter Career Expo. Participating in these events is the easiest way to meet potential employers. ND Undergraduate Career Development
Study abroad
The College of Engineering organizes study abroad experiences each summer in London, Rome and many other locations. Students in CSE also can choose Notre Dame’s semester-long program in Ireland at Dublin City University, a tech-focused institution.
Student groups and organizations
Extend your learning by engaging with groups such as:
- The Notre Dame Computer Club, the student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery;
- The Notre Dame Linux Users Group, which promotes open source projects; and
- CS for Good, a student club focused on applying computing to positive social impact.
Explore many other clubs and organizations for engineering students at Notre Dame.
Contact
Prof. Ramzi Bualuan
Director of Undergraduate Studies
rbualuan@nd.edu