Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

You believe computer programs improve lives, the function of organizations, and the management of resources. And, you want to have a hand in technological progress. Whether you want to design mobile apps or enterprise software solutions, S.A.U. can prepare you for a successful IT career.

Our graduates work at Apple Inc., Carleton Life Support, Google, HNI Corporation, and Southern Imperial Inc., and many others.

AT A GLANCE

SAU was ranked 5th in College Consensus' (2018) survey of Best Colleges and Universities in Iowa, and 13th in the category Best Regional Universities-Midwest, based on an average of published rankings and student reviews. Ranked 38th (tie) by U.S. News & World Report (2019) Regional Universities Midwest out of a region of 12 states. The publication gathers data from each college on up to 15 indicators of academic excellence. Each factor is assigned a weight that reflects U.S. News' judgment about how much that measure matters. Finally, the colleges and universities in each category are ranked against their peers, based on their composite weighted score.

Ambrose Advantages

• Comprehensive Education
• Hands-on Experience
• 4 + 1 MSITM program

Our faculty is up-to-date on technologies and innovations in computer science. They work side-by-side with you as you learn to translate theory, build technical proficiency, and apply your skills in the real world.

St Ambrose University is a recognized College of Distinction for its adherence to successful outcomes, great teaching, creating a vibrant community, and educating engaged students.

St. Ambrose Fall Drone Tour from St Ambrose University on Vimeo.

What have alumni of this program done?

• Rachel Vanderheiden '98, '00, '03 MBA, is an IT Leader for Deere & Company. "The coaching I received from professors helped me get multiple internships and part-time jobs throughout college."

• Mitch Myers '86, a vice president of customer success at BMC Software in Plano, Texas, is confident the computer science and business classes at S.A.U. helped him "learn how to learn. It was less about specific skills such as programming and more about learning how to think about business and strategies."

• Randy Vogel '87, a Cloud Adoption Leader for IBM, knows the liberal arts background he gained at S.A.U. helped in his success. "My first job was as a programmer, so the different programming classes were extremely valuable - not just for programming, but for problem-solving skills as well. My subsequent roles began to take on leadership responsibilities, so the liberal arts exposure and small class sizes with lots of interaction were key to help me transition from doer to manager."

ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY

A dynamic campus life

We offer more than 60 majors with the flexibility to mix majors, minors, and electives to match your interests. What's more, our spirited community is known for its athletics, special events, and outstanding residence halls.

SAU students are inspired by our Catholic intellectual tradition and commitment to social justice. In fact, they volunteer thousands of service hours every year - and more than 150,000 hours in the past year alone!

AT A GLANCE

SAU was ranked 5th in College Consensus' (2018) survey of Best Colleges and Universities in Iowa, and 13th in the category Best Regional Universities-Midwest, based on an average of published rankings and student reviews. Ranked 38th (tie) by U.S. News & World Report (2019) Regional Universities Midwest out of a region of 12 states. The publication gathers data from each college on up to 15 indicators of academic excellence. Each factor is assigned a weight that reflects U.S. News' judgment about how much that measure matters. Finally, the colleges and universities in each category are ranked against their peers, based on their composite weighted score.

OUR LOCATON

Right in the middle of anywhere you want to go!

St. Ambrose University is located in Davenport, Iowa, part of the Quad Cities – a bi-state (Iowa and Illinois) metropolitan area situated on the only major stretch of the Mississippi River that runs from east to west.

WHY SAU

Find your greater purpose in life at St. Ambrose University

Some students prefer to get lost in the crowd at large universities. Being one person in a sea of faces, they may step out into the world not knowing who they are or what life is all about.

But you're different. You want a quality education at a smaller school where your professors know you by name, where you can actually perform research in your first year, and where your faith and dedication to serving others provides you and your friends with a greater purpose in life. If you're this kind of student, we want to meet you!

The Academic Resources of a State School, the Friendliness of a Small College

Get the Best of Both Worlds

St. Ambrose offers dozens of majors and the same top-notch academics found at larger universities and colleges in Iowa. In fact, the academic opportunities at Ambrose – internships, research, hands-on learning – go above and beyond many of our state and private school competitors.

But what sets us apart is our small class sizes and approachable professors who get to know you and are dedicated to your instruction, providing you with opportunities you might not receive at other colleges in the Quad Cities or elsewhere.

Ambrosian Values Are the Foundation for Building Success

SAU Is the Right Fit for You

Our Ambrosian values of academic excellence and commitment to the liberal arts, social justice, and community service help lay the groundwork for your success as a student, your career, and in making the world a better place.

HOW CAN I SUPPLEMENT MY EDUCATION?

The SAU College of Business has a comprehensive internship program to give you quality hands-on, marketable experience. Management students have interned at many regional and national corporations, including the Rock Island Arsenal, MidAmerican Energy, and Deere & Company.

Our students also get to apply their learning to real projects, which allows you to learn from and contribute to, the Quad Cities community.

WHAT ARE SOME POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS?

Management professionals can enter many career fields, including marketing, financial, travel, banking, entertainment and more. Several of our alumni have joined their family business.

Your skills are also highly valued by companies that focus on retail, hospitality, banking, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment.

Our alumni speak often about the quality and value of a St. Ambrose education.

A recent survey of SAU College of Business graduates found 97% were employed full- or part-time, in graduate school, continuing their education, or weren't seeking employment at the time.

WHAT HAVE ALUMNI OF THIS PROGRAM DONE?

• Wes Erickson '12, '14 MOL thought he would head into the armed forces, but instead found his passion in management and marketing. Although he achieved minors in those areas, his knowledge and interests - as well as mentoring by Wes' favorite professors - propelled him toward a master's degree in Organizational Leadership at SAU. As a Project Manager with UnityPoint Health's Enterprise Program Management Office, Wes succeeds at his job with the well-rounded and multi-discipline education he earned at Ambrose.
• Elijah Grant IV '15 double-majored in management and marketing and now runs his own media firm, Grant Media in Davenport. Knowing how to affect change and inspire people was what Elijah took away from St. Ambrose. "The leadership opportunities on campus made my time at St. Ambrose worthwhile. Being in those leader roles as a student prepared me to lead outside of the classroom and helped me grow as a person.”