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Department of Computer Science

Welcome

Computer science is essential to today's world. So, what does it take to become a good computer scientist? It starts with curiosity about the challenges around you and a desire to solve them by turning innovative ideas into action. If that sounds like you, you're in the right place. 

At Iowa State, you can develop software and artificial intelligence tools, work with robots, or use data to tackle problems facing society. We offer strong academics and hands-on experiences through industry internships, undergraduate research, and innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities. Cyclones are well-prepared for careers in business, agriculture, health, energy, safety, security, and many other fields. 

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Decode your future

Computer innovation touches nearly every facet of our world. From artificial intelligence and high-performance computing that positively impacts health care, to information extraction systems that efficiently organize complex data, computer science is everywhere. Interested in finding your future in the field? We can help you open doors to new possibilities.  

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Move your career forward

Take the next step in your academic and professional journey by pursuing a master’s degree in computer science or AI. Or let your career ambitions soar by earning a Ph.D. in computer science. No matter which path you choose, Iowa State offers a broad range of resources, services, and people dedicated to helping our graduate students succeed – both on campus and beyond.

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Research areas

As the home of the first electronic digital computer – invented by John Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry – Iowa State is known for its groundbreaking discoveries. With over $16 million in active research grants, the Department of Computer Science is a hub for cutting-edge research. Our undergraduates and graduates work alongside renowned faculty to advance solutions in cybersecurity, AI, robotics, autonomous transportation, and more. 

AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Human-Computer Interaction
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Software Engineering and Programming LanguagesSystems and Networking
Theoretical Foundations

Hannah
The resources available within the Department of Computer Science are invaluable, so be sure to take the initiative to get to know the faculty and students and allow them to get to know you!
Hannah Ashley, Class of 2023