What is the computer science major like at Amherst College?

Amherst’s computer science major is rigorous, fairly flexible, and shaped a lot by the college’s small liberal arts setting. The department is not huge, so classes are generally smaller than at large research universities, and students usually get more direct access to professors. Amherst also offers an open curriculum, which means you can study CS seriously while still exploring math, philosophy, economics, linguistics, or other fields that pair well with it.

The major is built around a set of core courses plus upper-level electives. Students usually get a strong foundation in programming, data structures, algorithms, and the theoretical side of computing, then branch into areas like artificial intelligence, computer systems, theory, graphics, or interdisciplinary topics depending on what is offered. In practice, that means you do get room to explore, but not the near-endless menu you might see at a very large engineering school.

The small size can be a real advantage. It often means discussion-friendly classes, easier relationships with faculty, and a department where professors know students well enough to advise them closely on courses, research, and post-grad plans. That said, a smaller department can also mean fewer sections and a more limited elective rotation in any given semester, so some planning matters.

One especially important feature is Amherst’s Five College Consortium with UMass, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire. For CS, that can expand your options beyond Amherst’s own catalog, including additional specialized courses when schedules line up.