Computer Science Degree Program
The world has an increasing reliance on data for search engines, internet shopping, social media and computer streaming. A bachelor’s degree in computer science from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) will help you gain the skillset necessary to excel in the data driven world of computer programing. This unique program, offered on campus, is designed to prepare you for both front- and back-end processes with an emphasis on data analysis and rapid prototyping, and has a built-in collaboration with Google. Available concentrations in management, frontend (user interface) and data structures, allow you to pave your own career path. 
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science Overview
Computer science is one of the fastest growing in-demand careers according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This program is structured with courses that focus on data analysis, product development and web design, which will prepare full-stack developers.
As a computer science major, you will analyze problems and create unique solutions for budgeted computing requirements. You will practice writing clear and efficient code. With small class sizes and one-on-one attention from professors, you will work directly with the data from search engines and social media that are helping shape our world.
Students will benefit from a curriculum developed in partnership with Google and consultation with leading global companies such as Fortna Inc. and Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
It is recommended that a computer science major choose a concentration area which focuses on their career intention. The three concentrations are Management, Frontend (User Interface) or Data Structures and each is explained below.
Management Concentration (24 credit hours)
The management concentration consists of 24 credit hours of business and leadership courses. This concentration will prepare students to step into leadership roles, and team organization on large projects. As new startups in the digital sector are popping up more and more rapidly, the need for an employee posed to step into leadership roles is highly desired.
- BU 241 – Principles of Management
- BU 251 – Principles of Marketing
- BU 281 – Managerial Communications
- BU 343 – Organizational Behavior
- LS 275 – Intro to Leadership
- LS 375 – Leadership and Change
- LS 400 – Leadership in Teams and Community Organizations
Front-End (User Interface) Concentration (24 credit hours)
The frontend concentration emphasizes graphic design totaling 24 credit hours. With this concentration the student will learn how to implement and design a brand identity to work into front-end development. This concentration will distinguish our graduates with the knowledge and ability to create stunning, user friendly and practical user interfaces.
- AD 110 – 2D Foundations
- AD 157 – Digital Imaging
- AD 257 – Digital Illustration and Design
- AD 350 – Layout & Typography
- AD 351 – Design Principles and Application
- AD 357 – Web Design
- AD 449 – Visual Communication & Cognition
- AD 450 – Identity and Application
- BU 251 – Principles of Marketing
Data-Structures Concentration (24 credit hours)
The data-structures concentration will give students more training in the theoretical underpinnings of relational data structures, computer logic and algorithms. This concentration is designed for students wishing to peruse a post graduate degree or work in data science or logic-based programing. The courses included in this concentration include:
- MA 220 – Logic
- MA 253 – Statistics
- MA 322 – Calculus III
- MA 331 – Abstract Algebra I
- MA 431 – Abstract Algebra II
- MA 421 – Seminar
- MA 422 – Analysis
- MA 440 – Graph Theory
What is computer science?
Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. It is a wide umbrella that includes everything having to do with software. Writing algorithms, developing and designing software, analyzing how it interacts with hardware and much more. This also includes programming, artificial intelligence, mathematical algorithms, security, database systems, coding procedures, vision and graphics and so much more.
Why get a degree in computer science?
A degree in computer science from SMWC teaches you to work through real-world problems that actually matter and to partner with the people out there who are actually doing it. Our collaboration with Google means that their multi-billion-dollar expertise is reflected in everything you’ll study. Computer science encompasses a wide variety of skills. If sci-fi-inspired possibilities for the future excite you, it may be artificial intelligence. If you would like to be a jack of all trades, you may point towards full-stack programming or web development. As a computer science grad, the high-paying possibilities available to you across industries are essentially endless.
What can you do with a computer science degree?
The world of digital marketing continues to soar. The exploding growth in the field has molded a high demand to fill the amount of marketing jobs. Whether your skills lie more with strategy or the numbers side of digital marketing, there is a wide variety of career paths out in the world.
- Software Engineer
- Web Developer
- Computer Programmer
- Systems Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Data Analyst
More career opportunities can be found on our blog: 8 professions you can pursue with a computer science degree
What is the average annual salary of someone with a business degree?
As you look at starting salaries, keep in mind that the cost of living and opportunities to move with a career or industry sector should also factor into your decision. For instance, Indiana is known for job growth due to the lost cost of living. Your dollar simply goes further here.
National: $93,000
