You didn’t get into the University of Washington’s acclaimed computer science program. Now what?

You’re young, you’re ambitious, you love tech. Your heart is set on the nationally ranked Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington. Except, like 93% of your fellow freshman direct applicants, you don’t get in.

Now what?

Thankfully, Washington state is home to numerous universities and colleges with computer science programs turning out graduates who are going on to successful tech careers. In Western Washington alone the list includes UW Tacoma and UW Bothell branch campuses; Bellevue College; Western Washington University; and Seattle University. All offer computer science bachelor’s of science degrees.

“What distinguishes us," said Filip Jagodzinski, chair of Western's Department of Computer Science, "are students who want to have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty. Or a group of students who want to work with faculty on real-world research projects.”

The department hosts research showcases where faculty give two-minute pitches on their research. Students can pick an instructor to work with while earning credit towards their degree. Each year, about 100 students are teamed up with faculty members for research projects.

The Bellingham, Wash.-based computer science program has seen significant growth, doubling to 28 faculty members since 2015. Some 477 undergrads are enrolled in the degree program, with an additional 330 pre-majors.

“The demand is just ridiculous and we’re doing our best," Jagodzinski said. While the department grows, they're keeping smaller class sizes, including for intro courses.

One effort to make sure students aren't lost in the shuffle, and particularly underrepresented students in tech, is Western's mentoring initiative. It pairs older students with undeclared undergrads who are curious about computer sciences.

It can be a powerful message “when a student who is just a year older than you says, 'Come join this major,' Jagodzinski said.