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California State University, Chico

As technology continues to evolve, companies need professionals with foundational knowledge and advanced skills to keep up—and you can be one of them. This is your chance to gain the critical experience you need to be a leader in the industry.

Our program is open to applicants from any discipline and combines a strong foundation in computer science theory with practical, project-based learning opportunities. Our expert faculty bring the latest innovations and deep technical knowledge into the classroom and foster a warm, engaging, and collaborative learning environment.

Students working together on a project while one student holds a camera

Project-Based Learning

Master the core and advanced computer science concepts through courses like data science, machine learning, algorithms, and cybersecurity. Develop expertise in software development, including design, testing, and adherence to engineering principles. You will also sharpen your communication and critical thinking skills.

Unlock Your Potential

Many of the best and highest-paying tech jobs in the workforce are in computer science. With the skills you learn at Chico State, you can advance in information technology, computing, software development, cybersecurity, and more.

Who hires our graduates? Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, NASA, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, just to name a few.

Career-Focused Fast Facts

$145K

average salary

for computer scientists in California

23%

projected employment

growth through 2032

3

out of the top 20

best-paying jobs are in computer science, according to U.S. News & World Report

Students looking a data related to elephant poaching

Master the Science of Innovation

Work alongside faculty to evaluate, research, and improve emerging software technologies. Some of our students’ recent research includes investigating the effects of artificial intelligence on children and exploring the potential of quantum computing. Other projects featured open-source software, deep neural networks, and speech recognition.

Computer Network students working with wires.

Where Ideas Ignite

Bring your idea to life in our facilities, which have the same equipment used by professionals to configure and analyze networks and data. Our college has 19 labs with over 300 machines, including a Communications and Imaging Lab, Digital Electronics Lab, Networking and Security Lab, and Controls and PCB Fabrication Lab.

A student working on a laptop looking toward the camera
“
“[The professors] were my mentors from day one and provided invaluable advice about my career prospects and research area.
Sourabh Kulkarni (MS, Computer Science, ’24)
Read more about Sourabh’s journey
Students laughing and coding at the python coding workshop

Where Passion and Purpose Meet

Be part of an unstoppable force in cybersecurity: Join Usr0, the No. 1 student-led cybersecurity team in the country, according to the National Cyber League. Other student groups you can join include Chico Rocketry and Aerospace, Alternative Energy Club, Latinos in Technical Careers, and more.

Discover Stories and More

Chico State Today
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Additional Information

Curious about how to apply to our program or what you need to know? Below you will find information about deadlines, who to contact, scholarships, and graduation requirements.

A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required (graduates of an ABET-accredited program in computer science are exempt from this requirement). A GRE score of 300 or higher is preferred. All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.

Application Deadlines
Fall: March 1
Spring: No spring admission

Supplemental Materials
Two letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose

Tyson Henry
530-898-5709
trhenry@csuchico.edu

The Department of Computer Science offers several scholarships for graduate students, including the Chevron Corporation Computer Science Scholarship, the Dale D. Stevenson Memorial Scholarship, and the Reuben Bond Memorial Scholarship.

Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Scholarship Opportunities

California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.

Students from any discipline can enter the program. Students without background courses can take all courses after enrolling. Talk to the graduate coordinator for details.

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