WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW COMPUTER SCIENCE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE FOR FALL 2026.

Bellingham, Washington, March 23, 2026 – Whatcom Community College (WCC) announces the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree starting in Fall 2026. WCC is accredited by the Northwest Commissions on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).  

For priority consideration, students are encouraged to apply by April 23, 2026, with the standard deadline of May 21, 2026 (applications will be accepted after this date only if space is available). Enrollment is now open. Learn more about WCC’s Computer Science, Bachelor of Science degree.

Photo: Baker Hall, A group students and WCC Computer Information Systems instructor, Mike Rouse working in a computer information systems lab at Whatcom Community College. Photographer Teo Crider.

Computer Science includes a wide variety of industries including, healthcare, finance, technology, automotive, and retail. Careers in computer science are rapidly growing such as, AI engineers, data analysts, data scientists, software developers, web or application developers, systems or cloud support, cybersecurity or IT analysts, robotics engineers, computer vision engineers, autonomous systems engineers, or healthcare systems engineers. Employers look for graduating students with skills in critical thinking, communication, team collaboration, and adaptability—the skills that AI cannot replace.

Dr. Steven Thomas, WCC Vice President of Instruction said, “As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies reshape the workforce, the need for strong foundations in computer science has never been greater. This program prepares students to understand the principles behind the technology—not just the tools—so they can lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world.”

 
Photo: Two students and WCC Computer Information Systems instructor, Mike Rouse in Baker Hall computer lab at Whatcom Community College. Photographer Teo Crider.

WCC’s program is designed to provide students with a more broad, resilient, and future-focused foundation that will remain relevant even as technologies continue to evolve. Unlike the more narrowly focused development programs, WCC’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science emphasizes:

• Problem solving and computational thinking
• Algorithms and data structures
• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Systems, software engineering, and ethical computing
• Adaptability to new tools and platforms, including AI-assisted development

WCC’s Computer Science program curriculum will highlight object-oriented programming including AI Machine Learning, Quantum Programming, robotics, embedded systems, and other areas of CS that are in high demand. 

Darrell Criss, WCC Technology Faculty and Computer Science Program Lead said, “I have worked in the tech industry for over 25 years and have been teaching CS for 8 years.  I can’t think of many careers that are as exciting and pay as well as this field.  It just keeps getting better.  I envy the next generation of students going into this field.”

 
Photo: Two students in Baker Hall computer lab at Whatcom Community College. Photographer Teo Crider.

While specific programming tools, such as MS Excel and ChatGPT will change over time, the core principles of computer science—analysis, design, logic, and innovation—will continue to be essential skills in industry.  WCC’s goals are to prepare students for both the current job market, and for long-term careers in a technology ecosystem increasingly shaped by AI and other advanced technologies. Computer Science, along with other fields of engineering, continues to be in strong demand, as other careers become obsolete. CS is projected to grow 20 percent from 2024 to 2034 with median annual wages ranging from approximately $95,380 to $140,000 in 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

About The National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center: WCC is recognized for being at the forefront of addressing the demand for a cyber workforce and is a national leader in cybersecurity education, the College is host for NCyTE, the National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center, a National Science Foundation funded Advanced Technological Education National Center.  In addition, WCC is also a host for the Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) Candidates National Center (CCNC), one of five National Security Agency (NSA) National CAE Centers, providing support to the NSA's National CAE in Cyber (NCAE-C) designation program.  Additionally, WCC offers certification, associate and bachelor’s degree granting programs in cybersecurity and was one of the first U.S. Community Colleges to receive the NSA CAE Cyber Defense designation.

About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington, is a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare, and business studies and offers three bachelor’s degrees in IT Networking-Cybersecurity, Social Work and Computer Science as well as transfer degrees, online and hybrid courses, career and workforce preparation, and community education classes. With affordable and accessible programs at WCC, students of every age and background can create their own pathways that align with their specific goals and interests. WCC consistently enhances its range of programs to support students in transitioning to four-year institutions and successful careers. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, future university students—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.

Media Contact & Public Information Officer: Marni Saling Mayer, PIO, and Director of Communication & Marketing,  msmayer@whatcom.edu, Phone: 360.383.3312.