Majors & Programs
Understanding different dimensions of computing is part of the necessary skill set for an educated person in the 21st century.
To cultivate this skill in our students, we encourage them to gain additional hands-on experience through internships and research with the faculty. Students who wish to participate in undergraduate research may do so by registering for Independent Student courses with particular faculty members.
Our faculty offer a broad range of expertise and are here to help our students grow and succeed. We combine the values of a liberal arts institution with scientific training in order to prepare our students for a wide range of employment and professional programs.
Available Programs
Majors
Computing Science
The Computing Science major is designed to prepare students with a strong programming foundation and a broad perspective of the discipline. Graduates are at work as systems analysts, systems engineers, programmers, project leaders and management information specialists.
Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity major is designed to prepare students with a strong background of computer networks and the best practices to protect information transfer and storage. Graduates are trained to work as network administrators, penetration testers, digital forensics analysts, and network security analysts. This program will also help prepare students for numerous industry certificates offered by leading organizations in cybersecurity, such as Cisco, CompTIA, CERT, and Global Information Assurance Certificate, and are approved by NICCS.
Minors
Computing Science
Students who wish to double major (or minor) in Computing Science and Cybersecurity will only be allowed to double-count courses specifically required for both programs. Upper division electives may not be counted toward both programs simultaneously.
Cybersecurity
Students who wish to double major (or minor) in Computing Science and Cybersecurity will only be allowed to double-count courses specifically required for both programs. Upper division electives may not be counted toward both programs simultaneously.
Student Outcomes
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the "employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations." They report that the median pay in 2012 for Computer Systems Analysts was $79,680, and many of those analysts had bachelor degrees in Computer or Information Systems. Employment of Systems Analysts is projected to grow 25% from 2012 to 2022.
One thing can be said about the career paths: for every CS graduate, there are 3 job openings. The description and salary for each of the common career paths below is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise indicated.
Software Application Developer
Software application developers develop, create, and modify general computer applications software for any type of business or user need. This is a very versatile job that takes into account user experience and business intelligence.
- Median annual wage, 2012: $93,350
- Job outlook 2012-22: 22% (much faster than average)
Web Developer
Web developers are programmers who specialize in the development of World Wide Web applications.
- Median annual wage 2012: $62,500
- Job outlook 2012-22: 20% (faster than average)
Mobile Application Developer
Mobile application developers specialize in the development of mobile applications.
- Average annual salary from indeed.com/salary: $97,000
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. This is another job that changes a lot with the progress of technology and can be an interesting and rewarding career path.
- Median annual wage 2012: $79,680
- Job outlook 2012-22: 25% (much faster than average)
Network And Computer Systems Administrator
Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.
- Median annual wage 2012: $72,560
- Job outlook 2012-22: 12% (as fast as average)
Software Tester
Software testers' job is to 'break' the software, find vulnerabilities in an application by running different tests, and ensure the quality of the end product.
- Average annual salary (indeed.com/salary): $74,000
Computer Game Developer
Computer game developers are programmers who specializes in the development of game applications.
- Average annual salary (indeed.com/salary): $51,000
Database Administrator
Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.
- Median annual salary 2012: $77,080
- Job outlook 2012-22: 15% (Faster than average)
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyber-attacks increase.
- Median annual salary: $86,170
- Job outlook 2012-22: 37% (much faster than average)
Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment.
- Median annual salary: $48,900
- Job outlook 2012-22: 17% (faster than average)
Project Manager
Project managers help plan, organize, and manage resource pools and develop resource estimates for software or other technology projects.
- Average annual salary (indeed.com/salary): $94,000
Data Analyst
Data analysts translate numbers into plain English. Every business collects data, whether it's sales figures, market research, logistics, or transportation costs. A data analyst's job is to take that data and use it to help companies make better business decisions.
- Average annual salary (indeed.com/salary): $66,000