The Computer Science Club has 147 active members on-campus.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Learning to code is only part of it. Computer science at the University of ÖØ¿ÚζSM goes beyond programming to explore how technology can support communities, empower people, and solve real-world problems. It offers the rare opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary department that emphasizes hands-on learning with modern technology.
Why Study Computer Science at ÖØ¿ÚζSM?
You will acquire technical, analytical, and human-centered skills needed in a variety of careers by learning from faculty with expertise in artificial intelligence, computer security, graphics, human-centered interaction, cryptography, software engineering, and so much more. Whether you go on to work for a Silicon Valley powerhouse, stay in the Twin Cities at a local company, or seek an advanced graduate degree, you have the power to shape your career to your interests. Our alumni have gone on to work in tech roles for the FBI, Meta, Target, and more.
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.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Minor in Computer and Information Sciences
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
Students pursuing a degree in Computer Science have the opportunity to gain valuable experience as on-campus tutors for introductory courses and as research assistants supporting faculty projects. Our program encourages students to collaborate with faculty across disciplines, applying their computing expertise to support projects in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Faculty within the department hire students to participate in cutting-edge research, including projects in areas such as:
- Applied machine learning / deep learning
- Human-AI interaction and cognitive science
- Virtual reality and immersive technologies
- Cybersecurity and encryption
- Scientific and high-performance computing
- Computer science education
- Human-computer interaction
- Software engineering and maintenance
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.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Minor in Computer and Information Sciences
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
Students pursuing a degree in Computer Science have the opportunity to gain valuable experience as on-campus tutors for introductory courses and as research assistants supporting faculty projects. Our program encourages students to collaborate with faculty across disciplines, applying their computing expertise to support projects in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Faculty within the department hire students to participate in cutting-edge research, including projects in areas such as:
- Applied machine learning / deep learning
- Human-AI interaction and cognitive science
- Virtual reality and immersive technologies
- Cybersecurity and encryption
- Scientific and high-performance computing
- Computer science education
- Human-computer interaction
- Software engineering and maintenance
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 ÖØ¿ÚζSM, 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 ÖØ¿ÚζSM, 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
You will develop technical and human-centered skills that give you a career edge. Our graduates pursue diverse and rewarding careers in a variety of roles.
- Web Developer
- AI Architect
- Software Developer
- Database Administrator
- Information/Cyber Security Analyst
- Cloud Computing Architect
Get Engaged
Introductory computer science classes are capped at 24 students and include a lab session.
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.
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 ÖØ¿ÚζSM.
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.
Program Advantages
The Computer & Data Sciences Department has access to cutting-edge technology, meaning you will challenge yourself and develop your skills at every stage of your undergraduate career.
- Our classes are small and hands-on: every computer science classroom is taught in dedicated labs, and instructors combine theory with immediate hands-on learning.
- We own and maintain high-performance research and computer resources, such as an ultra-high-resolution display wall, dedicated servers for training and running deep learning models, and virtual reality headsets.
- Students learn at least four programming languages and a variety of other useful technologies before graduating.
- Study abroad opportunities in Barcelona, Ireland, Scotland or other locations.
It's More Than Coding
Computer science at ÖØ¿ÚζSM 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 ÖØ¿ÚζSM; 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.