Computer Science
Preparing Our Students to Make Meaningful Contributions to the World
Spotlight: Yujie Tao | PhD, Computer Science
"I double-majored in media and journalism and in computer science as an undergraduate. That might seem like an unusual combination, but I was attracted to both because of their potential for social good. Now, I’m a fourth-year PhD student in computer science at Stanford, researching digital well-being through an interdisciplinary lens as a member of the department’s Human Computer Interaction Group"
Meet Yujie, read the full interview here.
CS Degree Programs
Our main educational goal is to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Undergraduate students have the option of declaring a Bachelor of Science or a Minor in Computer Science. Graduate students have the opportunity to pursue a Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science. The Master's degree is a terminal professional degree. The PhD is for those who desire a research or teaching career.
A Gateway to Opportunity & Innovation
Stanford Computer Science cultivates an expansive range of research opportunities and a renowned group of faculty. Here, discoveries that impact the world spring from the diverse perspectives and life experiences of our community of students, faculty, and staff.
Our Research & Impact
The CS Department is a center for research and education, discovering new frontiers in AI, robotics, scientific computing and more.
Our Faculty
Stanford CS faculty members strive to solve the world's most pressing problems, working in conjunction with other leaders across multiple fields.
Removing Barriers to Excellence
Everyone deserves a voice in the discovery of new technology and the shaping of innovation. Stanford CS is nurturing a future in science that represents all cultures and backgrounds.
Our Research is in the News
Chris Peich: 2026 Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education
Chris Piech, associate professor (teaching) of computer science, is one of eight Stanford faculty members appointed as 2026 Bass University Fellows in Undergraduate Education in recognition of their exceptional contributions to undergraduate teaching. Chris will begin his five-year term this academic year, joining a council whose mission is to advise the vice provost of undergraduate education on a broad range of issues
Learn more about the Bass University Fellows
Percy Liang: Appointed the Thomas M. Siebel Professor in Machine Learning
Percy Liang, professor of computer science and, by courtesy, of statistics, has been appointed the Thomas M. Siebel Professor in Machine Learning. This professorship was established by the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation to support innovative faculty whose focus is in machine learning.
Percy is widely recognized for his breakthrough work in machine learning, and his commitment to open-source, reproducible scientific development in AI.
Karen Liu on the Mission of Embodied Intelligence
The research of Karen Liu, professor in the Computer Science Department and SRC member, focuses on advancing embodied intelligence, a type of AI that enables robots and animated characters to collect information and perform actions to alter the conditions of their environment.
“When it comes to humanoids, we focus mostly on the functional level. In terms of locomotion, we want a robot to move agilely and safely around people, navigate space, not bump into things. And if you think about manipulating and interacting with objects, that’s an even richer space for research. Twisting a cap to open a bottle, manipulating a soft object like a scarf – how do you put it on your neck? We want robots to be able to do all of that.”
- Karen Liu
See Karen Liu's work highlighted in the “Research Matters” video series.
Stories & Voices
Meet some of the students, faculty, and alumni who create the Stanford Computer Science community.
Yujie Tao, PhD candidate Computer Science
Introducing Lvmin Zhang, a PhD student in computer science, whose research focuses on human-centered computation.
" I’m currently researching AI-driven computational art in Stanford’s computer science program, and it makes me really happy that my work helps digital artists achieve more precise creative expression."
Juliette Woodrow, Computer Science PhD Candidate
“When I took my first computer science course at Stanford, CS106A, I was hooked. I loved the creativity and challenge of building something and finally making it work.... One of the projects I’m most involved with is Code in Place, a global initiative that brings Stanford’s introductory computer science course to learners around the world.”
See Juliette Woodrow discuss Code in Place in this inspiring video series: Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three
Sanmi Koyejo, Assistant Professor Computer Science
"I came to Stanford because it is among the strongest universities in my areas of interest: machine learning and AI. I’m interested in thinking about artificial intelligence in a rigorous way."
