Whereas the degree program in computer science covers the full range of computer science, other degree programs specialize in sub-areas of computer science, combining computer science content with contents from other degree programs:

• Business Informatics combines Computer Sciences with content in Business Administration. Business experts acquire an IT background.
• Electronics and Information Technology focuses on hardware aspects in the field of IT. This program combines base-knowledge in computer science with other topics such as electronics, sensor and measurement technology, automation technology and communications engineering.
• Mechatronics is a combination of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science, focusing on topics such as electronics, mechanics and control engineering.
• In addition to base-knowledge in mathematics, statistics, logic and programming, the Artificial Intelligence program focuses on specialization areas such as machine learning, data science and artificial intelligence.
• The Teacher Education Program in Computer Sciences and Informatics Management trains educators in the field of computer sciences for secondary level schools (AHS, NMS schools, etc.).

Like most academic degree programs at the JKU, Computer Science is a full-time program. While course materials are available online and can be studied independently, classroom attendance is mandatory for certain classes and internships. As a rule, when there is a class, a study group session takes place during the late afternoon.

Students who are further along in the program can work at least part-time while studying. For the first academic year, however, we strongly recommend not working (or just working a few hours) while studying. If you work, expect to take a bit longer to complete the program.

The majority of the Bachelor's degree program in Computer Science is generally taught in German. Approximately 20% of the courses are taught in English (tendency increases toward the end of the program). The Master's degree program in Computer Science is taught entirely in English.

No, there are currently no entrance examinations for Computer Science. Students who qualify for university admission (by earning a Matura diploma, for example, or those who have successfully passed the university enrollment eligibility examination) have an opportunity to study Computer Science at the JKU.

The Computer Science program starts from the very beginning and no prior background knowledge is required. However, students who have no prior background knowledge will have to work hard from the very beginning.

Newly enrolled students who have done any programming before can take part in special preparation courses, opens an external URL in a new window in September. These compact review courses offer an introduction to programming.

School students seriously considering majoring in Computer Science can take part in any of these programs to learn more about the subject area:

• HeadStart@Informatics, opens an external URL in a new window. AHS school students in the 7th class and up can take selected computer science courses in advance. This allows you to earn university academic credit in advance, learn more about studying computer science at a university level, and complete the StEOP requirements by the time you officially enroll.
• TEC Workshops, opens an external URL in a new window. Free, half-day, hands-on workshops on current topics in computer science. Register as a school class. The workshops allow you to learn more in-depth about various areas in computer science and get a taste of campus life in a casual atmosphere.
• Young Computer Scientists, opens an external URL in a new window. A program for gifted school students. In addition to workshops on current topics in computer science, students can apply for a summer internship at a renowned IT company.
• Adolf Adam Computer Science Award, opens an external URL in a new window. Graduate students compete to earn the award by presenting their Master's thesis work. School students in the audience select the winner. Register as a school class to attend and find out just what computer scientists do after graduation.
• FIT Info Days, opens an external URL in a new window. The program "Women in Technology" (FIT) organizes workshops and experiments geared toward girls in higher level classes at school to provide an opportunity to learn more about pursuing a degree in engineering and technology.
• Study for a Day, opens an external URL in a new window. Hang out for a day with a JKU student enrolled in a program you are interested in and let them tell you what studying Computer Science is like.

The percentage of women currently enrolled in Computer Science is only 20%. Past experience has shown that women studying Computer Science often even have better grades than their male counterparts and statistically, an increasing number of women are opting to pursue careers in computer science. In any case, we strongly hope that the percentage will increase!