Careers in computer networking, software, security, and information technology are expanding like never before. Computer professionals are in high demand in fields from education to business to science.
To prepare graduates for the exciting challenges of working with computer technology in business and industry, St. Ambrose University has a BA in Computer Science.
From digital multimedia to enterprise software solutions, computer applications are being used to improve the function of organizations and the management of resources. Companies need individuals who understand computer industry trends and developments, and can integrate them into organizational strategy. As a computer science (CS) major at St.Ambrose, your studies will concentrate on software development, computer architecture, software engineering, and operating systems.
Students in the Computer Science program concentrate their studies in software development, computer architecture, software engineering, and operating systems. Graduates typically go on to work in software and technology industries or continue with graduate studies in the computer sciences.
If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Lillis at +1 563-333-6429.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Computer Science (48-49 credits)
CIS Department majors/minors must pass CSCI 140, CSCI 195, and CSCI 270 with a C or better.
Required:
- CSCI 140 Fundamentals of Computer Science
- CSCI 195 Object-Oriented Programming I
- CSCI 270 Network and Data Communications
- CSCI 281 Discrete Structures
- CSCI 294 Contemporary Programming
- CSCI 295 Object-Oriented Programming II
- CSCI 310 Data Structures
- CSCI 435 Legal and Ethical Issues in Computing
Select five courses from:
- CSCI 300 Systems Analysis and Design
- CSCI 320 Computer Architecture
- CSCI 330 Web Programming
- CSCI 360 Database Management Systems
- CSCI 393 Algorithm Design and Analysis
- CSCI 400 Programming Language Concepts
- CSCI 410 Operating Systems
- MATH 191 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
Electives:
- Select 9 credits of CSCI at the 200 level or above. See Courses
Requirements for a Minor in Computer Science (18 credits)
CIS Department majors/minors must pass CSCI 140, CSCI 195, and CSCI 270 with a C or better.
Required:
- CSCI 140 Fundamentals of Computer Science
- CSCI 195 Object-Oriented Programming I
- CSCI 270 Network and Data Communications
- CSCI 295 Object-Oriented Programming II
- CSCI 360 Database Management Systems
One programming course from:
- CSCI 294 Contemporary Programming
- CSCI 310 Data Structures
- CSCI 330 Web Programming
Career Opportunities
Computer science graduates typically work in software and technology or continue with graduate studies in the computer sciences. Computer network administration professionals may work as network administrators, systems administrators, network engineers, or systems integration senior technicians. Computer and network investigations graduates gain positions in the growing fields of computer security and digital investigations and forensics.
Career Outlook
- According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (B.L.S.), computer and mathematical occupations will grow by 18% compared to an overall occupational growth rate of 10% between 2012 and 2020.
- The position of information security analyst is among the 20 fastest growing jobs in America, projected to grow by 37% between 2012 and 2022 according to the B.L.S. The median salary for information security analysts was $86,170 in 2012.
- The B.L.S. projects 222,600 new jobs in the field of software development through 2022. The median salary for software developers was $93,350 in 2012. An additional 17,900 database administrator positions will be needed through 2022. Median pay for such jobs was $77,080 in 2012.
- Network and computer system administrator jobs are projected to grow by 42,900 through 2022 by the B.L.S. Another 20,900 new jobs are projected for computer network architects. The position paid a median salary of $91,000 in 2012.
- The B.L.S. projects a need for 50,000 information technology manager positions to be added through 2022. Median pay for IT managers was $120,950 in 2012.