New technologies and society demand a dynamic curriculum to better prepare students for the future. That’s why the University of Iowa’s Department of Computer Science recently unveiled an updated CS curriculum that will go into effect in Fall of 2026. 

The revised requirements will provide stronger preparation for success after graduation by enhancing technical skills and ensuring direct engagement with rapidly evolving areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Centered Computing (HCC). Also, given how critical computing has become in all aspects of society, the curriculum contains a new required course: CS:1500 Computing, Ethics, and Society . 

“Our faculty care deeply about the quality of our offerings. I’m very pleased to see continued development and refinement of our curriculum.” 
Professor Alberto Segre – UIowa CS Chair 

In addition to updating core foundations, the new curriculum maintains and expands technical electives, opening pathways for students to explore interdisciplinary applications. 

As a result of these changes, graduates will be better positioned for employment and advanced study through a curriculum that emphasizes adaptability, problem-solving, and professional readiness. The total credit hours for the BS degree will remain unchanged, while the BA degree will increase by two credits to accommodate the new requirements. 

Evolving Technologies 

Computer science is a field that changes rapidly, and new skills and knowledge are constantly expected of successful graduates. Examples include understanding evolving technologies, AI, human factors, and software engineering principles, all informed by professional ethics. 

The new curriculum supports learning about the ways we relate to technology and how these relationships change. Through advanced technical electives, the curriculum promotes a wider range of topics and deeper understanding. 

Electives like Health and Human-Centered Computing study human-computer interaction and database systems, allowing students to learn how technical design impacts human capabilities. 

Fewer theoretical classes, and more classes that focus on the forefront of technology also open new frontiers for CS students. Existing core courses will change to include new objectives — for example, students will find more formal concepts of program correctness in introductory courses like CS I / CS:1210. 

The Foundation for Class Changes 

Following ACM guidelines from 2023-2024, the Computer Science Department faculty revised the curriculum to bring major innovations to required classes for computer science majors. The ACM guidelines suggest which components of the program may be less important for today’s world, and which changes can be made to prepare students for the future. In light of the guidelines, UIowa CS professors and the CLAS Undergraduate Educational Policy and Curriculum Committee agreed that it was time to revise the curriculum to better prepare students for both the job market and grad school. 

Notably, the math requirement is receiving a large overhaul to encourage skills that computer scientists are more likely to need. For example, probability and statistics are more relevant than ever for computing, and the new combined Statistics, Discrete Probability, and Linear Algebra class provides the specific focus necessary for computer science majors.

Expanding Studies in Artificial Intelligence 

Other changes to the CS curriculum include a required Introduction to AI class, along with multiple follow-up AI and Machine Learning (ML) electives. These courses will help students better understand, craft, and apply AI and AI tools. 

For example, in the classroom, when used properly, AI allows computer scientists to become more efficient and finish repetitive tasks quicker than ever before. But AI also raises some ethical concerns, especially when students use it to replace the learning they need to master computational and programming methods. 

 “Using AI for class is like trying to learn basketball by watching the NBA,” says Professor Elizabeth Kleiman, director of CS undergraduate studies. 

The same concept applies to computer scientists working in the private, health, non-profit, or government sectors. Using AI ethically, and with the depth of understanding on how to better program AI to provide reliable and fair data, will help grads protect their future employers’ interests.

Such concerns are why the curriculum also offers a new required computing ethics course. Graduates with foundations in ethics specific to technology decision-making can better understand the ramifications inherent in their future work, so they can make good decisions about how to use technology. 

“Employers will appreciate this form of expertise. Students who learn ethical decision-making are establishing themselves for success.” 
Professor of Instruction, Elizabeth Kleiman - Director of Undergraduate Studies

Preparing the Tech Leaders of the Future 

The UIowa CS department, one of the first in the nation authorized to grant graduate CS degrees, currently boasts thousands of notable graduates, many working in top positions in leading technology firms, or as faculty in colleges and universities around the world. The new curriculum assures that the program will continue to produce experts in the field, prepared to lead and succeed in the full breadth of emerging computer technologies. 

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