The Computer Science program provides a solid education in fundamental concepts and principles of computer science through a blend of theory, design, and experiment, including team-oriented aspects of software development. Graduating students are prepared for either graduate study or immediate employment in computer science and related fields. Harvey Mudd College graduates in computer science go on to work in computer science research, teaching, or development, including areas of software engineering, system analysis and design, networking, computer graphics and multi-media, to name just a few of many possibilities.

The Computer Science program courses consist of introductory programming and problem solving, a broad-spectrum course in principles of computer science, a course in the mathematical foundations of computer science, and a course in data structures. These foundational courses are followed by a kernel composed of four courses in the key areas of computer science (algorithms, programming languages, computer systems, and software development). Electives are selected from over twenty courses including courses in the areas of: theory of computation, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer networking, scientific computing, neural networks, parallel and real-time computation, compiler design, databases, user interface design, computer vision, robotics, and others. Students also may take electives in related areas of mathematics and engineering, including mathematical logic, operations research, electronics, microprocessors, and VLSI.