Computer Science Degree Program

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science Overview

Computer Science is one of the fastest-growing in-demand careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Available concentrations in management, frontend (user interface) and data structures allow you to pave your own career path. Our degree programs provide the flexibility to lead you to the career of your dreams. With your professional advisors helping you along the way, you can mix and match majors and minors to get the perfect degree tailored to you and your career aspirations. Plus, you’ll graduate with a strong foundation in liberal arts.

With small class sizes and one-on-one attention from experienced professors, you will work directly with the data from search engines and social media that are helping shape the world. As a computer science major, you will analyze problems and create unique solutions for budgeted computing requirements, as well as practice writing clear and efficient code. This program is structured with courses that focus on data analysis, product development and web design. You will benefit from a curriculum developed in partnership with Google and consultation with leading global companies such as Forna Inc. and Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Computer Science Major Curriculum – College Catalog 

It is recommended that a computer science major choose a concentration area which focuses on their career intention. The three concentrations are Management, Frontend (User Interface) or Data Structures, and each is explained below.

Management Concentration (24 credit hours)

The management concentration consists of 24 credit hours of business and leadership courses. This concentration will prepare students to step into leadership roles, and team organization on large projects. As new startups in the digital sector are popping up more and more rapidly, the need for an employee to step into leadership roles is highly desired.

Front-End (User Interface) Concentration (24 credit hours)

The frontend concentration emphasizes graphic design, totaling 24 credit hours. With this concentration, the student will learn how to implement and design a brand identity to work in front-end development. This concentration will distinguish our graduates with the knowledge and ability to create stunning, user-friendly and practical user interfaces.

Data-Structures Concentration (24 credit hours)

The data-structures concentration will give students more training in the theoretical underpinnings of relational data structures, computer logic and algorithms. This concentration is designed for students wishing to pursue a post-graduate degree or work in data science or logic-based programming.

FAQs

What is computer science?
Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. It is a wide umbrella that includes everything having to do with software. Writing algorithms, developing and designing software, analyzing how it interacts with hardware and much more. This can also include programming, artificial intelligence, mathematical algorithms, security, database systems, coding procedures, vision and graphics.

Why get a degree in computer science?
A computer science degree from SMWC provides you with the opportunity to work through real-world problems and to partner with people out there who are actually solving them. Our collaboration with Google means that their multi-billion-dollar expertise is reflected in everything you’ll study. Computer science encompasses a wide variety of skills. If sci-fi-inspired possibilities for the future excite you, it may be artificial intelligence. If you would like to be a jack of all trades, you may point towards full-stack programming or web development. As a computer science grad, the high-paying possibilities available to you are essentially endless.

What can you do with a degree in computer science?
The exploding growth in this field continues to soar. There is a high demand for tech jobs. There is a wide variety of career paths for you:

• Software Engineer
• Web Developer
• Computer Programmer
• Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Data Analyst

More career opportunities can be found on our blog: 8 professions you can pursue with a computer science degree

What is the average annual salary of someone with a computer science degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029. As you look for starting salaries, keep in mind that the cost of living and opportunities to move with a career or industry sector should also factor into your decision. According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average annual salary for someone with a computer science degree is $66,180.

What support and resources are provided at SMWC?
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides exceptional, personalized learning resource services to encourage student success. The LRC offers help with a range of academic support services, including a writing center, tutoring, college success courses and more.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is routinely ranked by US News and World Report among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest and the Best Value Schools. Our departments are also routinely ranked for their individual degree programs.
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