Computer Science, BS

Program Description:

The Computer Science program is designed to build a robust and flexible foundation of pre-professional computing skills necessary to enter the broad range of technical roles that require computer science degrees. The foundational skills required are “hard” skills: proficiency in core frameworks and languages that are heavily used in industry. However, this program also includes more abstract skills necessary to be successful in a range of roles, including product development best practices.

NOTE: All Computer Science Core (CSC) courses are taken online. 
International students should work closely with their academic advisor throughout their program of study to ensure they are in compliance with US federal regulations regarding hybrid degree programs.

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 120

Curriculum

Lourdes Core (39 credit hours)

Students majoring in Computer Science can use courses marked with an asterisk to fulfill both core and major requirements

Foundational Courses (25 credit hours)

BUS 101 Business Principles
BUS 203 Management Concepts
BUS 413 Organizational Behavior & Development
DMS 300 Introduction to Digital and Media Studies
ENG 352 Professional Writing*
ENG 354 Technology and Culture
MTH 135 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I*
MTH 212 Statistics

Computer Science Core (36 credit hours)

CSC 100 Internet History, Technology & Security
CSC 101 Programming for Everyone I
CSC 201 Programming for Everyone II
CSC 204 Web Development
CSC 301 Application Development I
CSC 302 Application Development II
CSC 310 Introduction to C – How Computers Really Work
CSC 320 Hardware I – Inside of a Microcomputer
CSC 330 Data Structures
CSC 400 Algorithms
CSC 480 Product Development
CSC 490 Capstone – Product Launch

General Electives (20 credit hours)

MINOR

Required Hours: 18

Required Courses

ENG 354 Technology and Culture OR
CSC 100 Internet History
CSC 101 Programming I
CSC 201 Programming II
CSC 204 Web Development
CSC 301 Application Development I
CSC 302 Application Development II

MTH 135 Analytical Geometry and Calculus (4 credit hours) is recommended for those considering more advanced study in computer science

By the end of their program, Computer Science Majors will be able to:

1. Write clear, well-commented code that considers scalability and usability and demonstrates universal design.
2. Scope and implement functional programs to solve a range of problems.
3. Calculate and use best practices for computational efficiency in common programming languages.
4. Define front-end development and create usable applications leveraging modern front-end frameworks.
5. Define back-end development and build and use relational databases using modern back-end frameworks.
6. Explain how hardware works and how a compiler communicates information from software to hardware.
7. Design and follow product lifecycle practices to ensure that they build products that meet clear needs and constraints of users and other stakeholders.

COMPUTER SCIENCE INDUSTRY

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects:

• 23% Job Growth in the Computer Science Industry (2022-2032)
• $136,620 Median Annual Salary (2022)
• 3,400 Annual Job Openings

JOBS

• Software Developer
• Computer Programmer
• Product Manager
• Digital Designer
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Database and/or Network Architect
• Systems Analyst
• Information Security Analyst
• Systems Administrator
• Quality Insurance Analyst and Tester