Accelerated Computer Science Degree

Study at Oregon’s first in-person, three-year computer science degree program. With the accelerated computer science degree, you’re ready to start your computer science career one year sooner.

If you’re motivated to complete your computer science bachelor’s degree early so you can get out into the workforce and start earning money, the accelerated computer science degree program may be for you. This three-year degree focuses on core computer science curriculum and prioritizes experiential learning. It’s in person, so you have the same college experience as Pacific’s four-year students, with full access to on-campus housing, student activities, and financial aid opportunities.

Students can complete a three-year degree in computer science by reducing general education electives. Four-year students take a total of 124 credits for their bachelor’s, and three-year students take a total of 96 credits.

Request Info

Three-Year Computer Science Curriculum

The three-year degree curriculum is designed so you can focus on your major most efficiently.

Because the accelerated option condenses the same required computer science major courses over three years, three-year computer science students must arrive at Pacific ready for calculus. The four-year computer science degree is a better choice for students who are not ready for calculus in the fall semester of their first year.

Experiential learning is an important part of the three-year computer science degree and students are encouraged to pursue summer internships to gain hands-on experience as well as maximizing opportunities through their capstone projects.

Three-Year Computer Science Example Schedule

• First Year 

  • Fall Semester

      Intro to Programming: Python
      Calculus I
      First Year Communities
      First Year Advising
      Language 1

  • Spring Semester

      Intro to Data Structures
      First Year Advising
      Core Requirement
      Language II
      ENGW 180

• Second Year 

  • Fall Semester

      Intro to Systems Programming
      Core Requirement
      Discrete Structures
      Mobile Development or Core Requirement or Linear Algebra

  • Spring Semester

      Algorithms Design and Analysis
      Intro to Databases
      Core Requirement
      Elective
      Core Requirement

• Third Year

  • Fall Semester

      Web Design & Development or Core Requirement or Linear Algebra
      Core Requirement
      Operating Systems or Core Requirement
      Software Engineering I

  • Spring Semester

      Adv Object Oriented Design
      Computer Security or Core Requirement
      Software Engineering II
      Senior Capstone
      Core Requirement

Three-Year Degree: FAQs

What Jobs Does A Three-Year Computer Science Degree Qualify Me For?

Graduates of the accelerated computer science degree are prepared for a variety of jobs. Jobs that graduates could begin directly after completing the three-year computer science degree include:

• Software Development: Master the art of designing, building and maintaining robust software applications that power modern business and innovation.
• AI Engineering: Leverage advanced machine learning to create systems capable of solving complex, real-world problems.
• Cybersecurity: Protect critical digital infrastructure by mastering the strategies and tools necessary to defend against sophisticated cyber threats.
• Full Stack Web Development: Acquire the expertise to architect and build comprehensive web applications, managing everything from user-facing interfaces to server-side database logic.
• Data Engineering: Build the complex pipelines and scalable architectures required to process, store and analyze the massive datasets driving today's data-driven world.
• Systems Engineer: Gain the skills to design, integrate and manage complex software systems to ensure peak operational efficiency and reliability.

Can I Go To Graduate School After My Three-Year Degree?

For students who would like to pursue a PhD in computer science, we encourage the four-year degree. But students wanting to go on to a one-year MS in computer science are generally well-served by the three-year degree. It’s important to check with the graduate school you intend to apply to, as well as discuss with your advisor, to make sure you are meeting prerequisites for your intended graduate course. At Pacific, each student works closely with their academic advisor to ensure that their degree — whether it is three-year or four-year — is aligned with their purpose and goals for the future.

Should I Pursue a Three- or Four-Year Computer Science Degree?

That depends. If you’re highly motivated, are calculus-ready, and want to get started in your career as soon as possible, the three-year computer science program might be the pathway for you. It’s also an option for student athletes or students with considerable work commitments who want to take a lighter course load over four years.

If you want to double major or take a full semester to study abroad, you'll want to consider the four-year computer science degree. Students who pursue the three-year degree course of study can easily change to the four-year degree should they choose to later in their time at Pacific.

Learn more about the differences between Pacific's four- and three-year degrees.