Learning to code is only part of it. Computer science at the University of St. Thomas offers the rare opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary department focusing on solving real-world problems with modern technology and techniques.
Why Study Computer Science at St. Thomas?
You willacquire beneficial and practical skills needed to transform computers into highly applicable tools in a variety of careers by learning skills from faculty with expertise in artificial intelligence, computer security, robotics and so much more. Whether you work for a Silicon Valley powerhouse or run a small innovative startup, you have the power to shape your career to your interests. Our alumni have gone on to work as software developers, database administrators, network architects and more.
- Apply Now
- Request Information
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences
- Financial Aid
- Visit Us
Solving Real-World Problems
Course Requirements
You will start by developing a sound mathematical and programming foundation to set yourself up for success in advanced computer science courses. Upon completing your foundational computer science courses, you will have access to an exciting array of courses focusing on topics such as computer security, full stack web development, operating systems and more. Throughout your time in our program, you will work in teams and foster effective communication skills to convey technological ideas and results.
Four-Year Plan
Our curriculum includes a wide range of cutting-edge topics that will pique your curiosity. We recommend meeting with a faculty member to build your four-year plan so you can learn more about what courses are available to you, along with extracurricular opportunities such as research.
- View Sample Degree Plan
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Minor in Computer and Information Sciences
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships
The Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship is a competitive scholarship opportunity for high-achieving incoming students. St. Thomas will offer two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.
- View Scholarship Information
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
Students pursuing a degree in computer science have the opportunity to work on-campus as tutors for introductory computer science courses. Faculty within the department also hire computer science majors to participate in professional research opportunities as well.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You will start by developing a sound mathematical and programming foundation to set yourself up for success in advanced computer science courses. Upon completing your foundational computer science courses, you will have access to an exciting array of courses focusing on topics such as computer security, full stack web development, operating systems and more. Throughout your time in our program, you will work in teams and foster effective communication skills to convey technological ideas and results.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Our curriculum includes a wide range of cutting-edge topics that will pique your curiosity. We recommend meeting with a faculty member to build your four-year plan so you can learn more about what courses are available to you, along with extracurricular opportunities such as research.
- View Sample Degree Plan
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Minor in Computer and Information Sciences
Scholarships
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships
The Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship is a competitive scholarship opportunity for high-achieving incoming students. St. Thomas will offer two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.
- View Scholarship Information
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
Students pursuing a degree in computer science have the opportunity to work on-campus as tutors for introductory computer science courses. Faculty within the department also hire computer science majors to participate in professional research opportunities as well.
A Community of Movers and Shakers
Our faculty are active researchers. Our alumni are making a difference in the world. Our students are involved inside and outside of the classroom. Here is what they have been up to lately.
Dr. Jason Sawin
Throughout his time at St. Thomas, Dr. Sawin has focused heavily on including talented computer science students in cutting-edge research. He has published articles with eight different Tommies. Three of these students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in computer science at Carnegie Mellon, The Ohio State University and the University of Massachusetts.
Kody Kantor
Kody works remotely for Joyent on a cloud storage system called Manta. He focuses primarily on debugging issues in production, improving cloud monitoring and investigating software performance pathologies.
Belinda Huang ‘19
Belinda is not only studying computer science, but also music performance and French. She has been heavily involved throughout her four years at St. Thomas, including working with Dr. Eric Rawdon and the Center for Applied Mathematics on research in knot theory and transitions. This research led to her presenting at a conference in San Diego. She was also selected as one of Google’s twenty North American Techmakers Scholars and interned with Delta Airlines in their IT department.
Career Paths
We give you the tools you need to transform computers into highly applicable tools. You can go down a variety of career paths with a degree in computer science.
- Web Developer
- Network Architect
- Software Developer
- Database Administrator
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
Get Engaged
79
The Computer Science Club has 79 active members on-campus.
22
Introductory computer science classes are capped at 22 students and include a lab session.
75
Our faculty are active researchers and have published in over 75 peer-reviewed research journals.
Faculty With Real Experience
Dr. Joe Myre
Joe, Jason Sawin and computer science student Drew Wilken published a paper on reducing energy consumption and improving performance in the cloud.
Dr. Tommy Marrinan
Tommy collaborates with the Argonne National Laboratory on streaming ultra-high-resolution visuals to local computer displays as remote supercomputing resources create them.
Dr. Sarah Miracle
Sarah and Scott Yilek publishes work in area of format-preserving encryption. They recently presented their findings at the 25th Conference on Selected Areas in Cryptography.
All Computer Science Faculty
We Love Our Alumni
Our alumni took advantage of all the opportunities given to them by the computer science program. Here are a few highlights of some of our movers and shakers.
Miguel Velez ’16 and Ryan Slechta ’16 have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in computer science at Carnegie Mellon and The Ohio State University after graduating from St. Thomas.
Nicholas Cipoletti’s ’15 research with Dr. Dalma Martinovic-Weigelt and Dr. Erin Curran won first place in the Best Platform Category at the annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.
Miguel Velez ’16 received first place in the Discovery Track at the Consortium for Computer Sciences in Colleges – Midwest Region at the University of Evansville, IN.
A Close-Knit Community of Scholars
Computer science students support each other throughout their college careers. Not only do they collaborate with each other in clubs, but they also have the chance to work on research projects with faculty members.
Surrounded by Passionate Peers
The Computer Science Club is a community of students of all backgrounds run by computer science majors and minors. There are a variety of activities offered throughout the year, including career-planning events and guest speakers from local corporations.
Partner with Faculty
Many faculty hire students to collaborate a variety of research projects, including:
- Security and encryption
- High-performance database indexing
- Environmental effects monitoring
- Green computing
- 3-D cave mapping
Individualized Attention
Class sizes are small and provide dedicated access to computers, meaning you do not have to bring your own computer to class to pursue a degree in computer science.
Pursue Your Passion
All students majoring in computer science are required to complete a capstone course in their senior year, integrating all of the knowledge and skills they acquired over the past four years.
Facilities that Meet Your Needs
The Computer Science Department has access to fantastic technology in the classroom, meaning you will challenge yourself and develop your skills at every stage of your undergraduate career.
- Computer science has five primary teaching rooms on the fourth floor of the O’Shaughnessy Science Center.
- We have high-performance research and computer resources in our department, such as an ultra-high-resolution display wall composed of six 4K televisions.
- We support over 100 software packages for teaching and research.
- Students have access to the Center for Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Resource Center (MaRC).
It's More Than Coding
Computer science at St. Thomas gives students the tools to transform computers into powerful tools. They learn valuable skills throughout their undergraduate careers because of diverse array of courses that allow them to pursue their interests.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.
- Apply Now
- Request Information
- Student Life
- Financial Aid
- Visit Campus
Related Majors and Minors
A major or minor in computer science pairs well with multiple other programs at St. Thomas.
Majors
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Business
- Physics
- Computer Engineering
Minors
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Business
- Physics
FAQs
Is a BS in Computer Science worth it? ›
Computer science is an ideal choice for students who enjoy math and problem-solving. Majoring in this field can lead to lucrative careers that will remain in high demand. A four-year computer science degree is challenging, but well worth the investment.
Is bachelor of science in computer science hard? ›Learning the discipline of Computer Science is a hard and difficult endeavor for most students. However, if you are willing to invest the time and learn serious time management skills, most students can successfully learn the discipline and pursue successful careers in Computer Science fields.
Which Bachelor degree is best for computer science? ›- Information Technology and Information Systems.
- Computer Science.
- Information Science.
- Systems & Network Administration.
- Software Engineering.
- Computer Engineering.
- Cybersecurity.
As stated previously, the primary distinction between a B.A. and B.S. in computer science is their academic focus. A B.A. provides students greater exposure to liberal arts subjects, while B.S. programs are more directed to the finer technical aspects of computer science.
Does a CS degree guarantee a job? ›What If I Already Have a CS Degree? All of the above aside, a computer science degree isn't likely to hurt your chances at an amazing tech career. The thing to remember is that a computer science degree on its own does not guarantee that you'll land your dream job or have a successful career.
Which is better it or computer science? ›Which is better Computer Science or IT? There is no such thing as “better” because they lead to different careers and have different specialisations or subfields. Either discipline is a great choice for your studies, as long as you're passionate about technology, and you understand what each study option implies.
Is computer science a lot of math? ›Computer science is a broad field, so if you're looking to get your computer science degree, the kind of math you'll need to know will depend on your specific program and career path. But generally speaking, most degree programs require a basic understanding of calculus, algebra, discrete mathematics, and statistics.
Is computer science is a good career? ›The field is highly profitable and likely to stay profitable for the foreseeable future. Plus, computer science is strategically necessary to the world today. Computer science degrees open doors to exciting and lucrative professional opportunities, making the investment worthwhile.
Which is harder it or computer science? ›Which Is More Difficult Computer Science or Information Technology? A degree in computer science is required for more advanced positions in the information technology field. It is typically harder to get a job in computer science.
What are the subjects in Bachelor of Computer Science? ›Bachelor of computer science (BCS) courses vary by school and program, but they typically cover areas like computer programming, software engineering, computer hardware, and artificial intelligence engineering. Students may examine topics such as computability, information, automata, and algorithm design.
How long is Bachelor of Computer Science? ›
A bachelor's degree in computer science will typically take around four years to complete if you attend school full-time, as most programs require you to complete 120 to 128 credits.
Do jobs Prefer BA or BS? ›The short answer is no. Employers and graduate school admissions officers rarely care which type of Bachelor's degree you were awarded. They care far more about which major you pursued, where you went to school, the fact that you have a bachelor's degree at all, and how you performed in your classes.
Is a BS worth more than a BA? ›Neither degree ranks as better than the other, but one might better suit specific career goals. For example, students interested in technical careers may need a BS for graduate school applications. In some majors, undergrads choose between a BA and a BS. Many psychology programs, for instance, offer both options.
Can I be a software engineer with a BA in computer science? ›Software Engineering Career Paths
In many cases, a bachelor's degree in computer science is sufficient to work in software engineering jobs. With that said, a specialized software engineering major or graduate degree will likely give you a leg up when pursuing any software engineering job.
- IT consultant. ...
- Information systems manager. ...
- Database administrator. ...
- Multimedia programmer. ...
- Systems analyst. ...
- Games developer. ...
- Technical writer.
With an average salary of ₹ 23,46,700 per annum, software engineers are among the highest-paid jobs for candidates with a computer science degree. Software engineers are largely responsible for maintaining and monitoring the technical aspects of the company.
Which CS job makes the most money? ›- Principal Software Engineer. ...
- Software Architect. ...
- Computer Scientist. ...
- IT Project Manager. ...
- Site Reliability Engineer. ...
- Data Engineer. ...
- IT Security Consultant. ...
- DevOps Engineer.
For many, a degree in information technology is probably your best bet. According to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, bachelor's degrees in computer science and engineering lead to the highest salaries. Mathematics and business rank among the top paying fields, too.
Is computer science better than engineering? ›As fields of study, neither is better than the other. However, what is better for one student may not be for another. For one, the career paths available to computer scientists and computer engineers quite differ. While there are overlaps between the two fields, both have certain specialties.
Why should I choose computer science? ›The most important aspect of computer science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Students study the design, development and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts.
Can I study computer science without maths? ›
'No' you can not study computer science without math's. But some Universities allow only studying components of computer science and short courses in programming, software or web development.
Does computer science require coding? ›Programming: While the main job of computer scientists is not coding, it is a necessary skill. To develop your career trajectory, you will need to understand different programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. Data Analysis: Computer scientists need to be able to manage all forms of data.
How can I survive computer science? ›- Pursue knowledge outside of courses. ...
- Avoid last-minute studying. ...
- Develop theoretical computer skills. ...
- Develop practical computer skills. ...
- Make connections with professors and other students. ...
- Rest and relax. ...
- Schedule time to study throughout a term.
Disadvantages of careers in Computer Science
Due to the nature of Computer Science jobs, you're likely to spend most of your working hours sitting in a chair, typing. This can lead to various health problems like: Eyestrain & headaches. Bad posture.
- Database administrator.
- Software developer.
- Computer hardware engineer.
- Computer systems analyst.
- Computer network architect.
- Website developer.
- Information security analyst.
Discrete mathematics, linear algebra, number theory, and graph theory are the math courses most relevant to the computer science profession. Different corners of the profession, from machine learning to software engineering, use these types of mathematics.
How many hours do computer science students study? ›While the average student spends about 17 hours per week on outside study, computer science students clock in at 18.23 hours a week. At the end of the day, it's as manageable as other majors.
How do I know if computer science is for me? ›- You love solving puzzles. ...
- You studied the humanities or have a two-year technical degree. ...
- Your Myers-Briggs personality is an “analyst” type. ...
- You're highly organized and detail oriented. ...
- You are musically talented or have some other “master hobby.”
- If you don't have dreams that need computer science to be reality.
- If you don't enjoy defining and solving problems that need logical solutions.
- If you don't like interacting with computers and machines for long time.
They write source codes for software, edit and debug programs, and work with developers to create apps for computer systems using various computer languages. It's an in-demand career path that pays more than $90,000 for tenured posts.
Is BCS good for future? ›
Yes, you can! We are living in the world of Technolgy and Computer Science is the mother of all. So you can get a job after doing BCS i.e. Bachelor in Computer Science. But the possibility of getting a sure job after doing BCS is low than BCA.
Can I get job after BSc Computer Science? ›The top BSc Computer Science Colleges in India offer placement opportunities in sectors such as Banks, IT departments in top MNCs, Technical Support, Software development, System Maintenance, Research & Development, Tech Consultancies, Security & Surveillance, and others.
What is salary after BSc Computer Science? ›BSC CS salary in India ranges between ₹ 0.1 Lakhs to ₹ 5.9 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 2.1 Lakhs.
Which job is best after BSc Computer Science? ›- Computer System Analyst.
- Technical Consultant.
- Database Administrator.
- Hardware Engineer.
- Web Designer or Web Developer.
- Project Manager.
- Software Developer.
- Software Engineer.
- B.Sc Physics.
- B.Sc Mathematics.
- B.Sc Computer Science.
- B.Sc Biochemistry.
- B.Sc Biotechnology.
- B.Sc Botany.
- B.Sc in Zoology.
- B.Sc in Statistics.
- Web Designing.
- Web Development.
- Technical Content Writing.
- SEO.
- Graphic Designing.
- Data Entry Operator.
- Software Development.
- System Administration.
In short, no. There's no type of bachelor degree that's seen as "better" or harder to earn by all employers and grad schools. Both BA and BS degrees require hard work and skills across multiple areas.
Is engineering a BS or BA? ›Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BR or BSE)
A Bachelor of Science in Engineering is the traditional engineering degree that prepares students for work as professional engineers and computer scientists.
The reason that most colleges do not list your major on your diploma is simply because it is technically incorrect to do so. Colleges are accredited to award generic bachleors degrees (B.A. or B.S.) only. That is as far as the regional accreditation body's concern goes.
How long is a Bachelor degree? ›A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, but that time can vary — especially if you're earning an online bachelor's degree. At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), students pursuing their bachelor's degree online typically take one or two courses per term.
Is a BS in computer science worth it? ›
Computer science is an ideal choice for students who enjoy math and problem-solving. Majoring in this field can lead to lucrative careers that will remain in high demand. A four-year computer science degree is challenging, but well worth the investment.
Which pays more computer science or software engineering? ›Computer scientists start out making about $68k/yr and the average is about $99k. Once you're in the field for a while, you can work your pay up to over $126k. Software engineers start out at a higher average by over $10k, coming in at around $81k/yr.
Which degree is best for software developer? ›If you want to be a software developer, an applied computer science bachelor's degree will make you stand out to employers. Software developers in the field recommend completing a curriculum that emphasizes soft skills in addition to technical knowledge of tools, algorithms, and data structures.
What percent of CS graduates get a job? ›Job Prospects for Computer Science Majors
Over 61 percent of graduates of computer science-related programs were employed full time in their field.
Several students having master's and bachelor's degrees in Computer Science are struggling to find a job in the IT industry. As per a study, the unemployment rate of recent CS graduates has spiked to 7.8 percent.
How many CS graduates get a job? ›Computer science majors have some of the best job prospects
Additionally, 31% of CS majors had full time job offers by graduation, which ranked third behind finance majors (38%) and those studying mechanics and repair (33%).