Computer Science Major (A)

The Computer Science program produces graduates highly skilled in creating, applying, and communicating complex technological solutions to organizational problems in the context of a Biblical worldview.

The BS degree program features 4 concentrations in Software Engineering, AI & Robotics, Cybersecurity, Virtual & Augmented Reality, and Information Systems.  All 4 concentrations share a common technology core which ensures students share an understanding of computer programming, computer hardware, and fundamental topics in Computer Science. The only concentration currently offered face to face in Ann Arbor is Software Engineering, however for all other concentrations, some courses may have to be taken synchronously via zoom with the Mequon campus.

The concentrations allow a student to specialize in a specific area of Computer Science.  Given the number of allowed free electives, students are invited to choose more than one concentration if that is of interest to them.  Our students find high paying jobs in the technology sector of industry in areas involving software development, data science, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, video game design, animation, as well as more hardware based vocations in the IT field.  Students are often recruited by emerging technology firms looking for technology students capable of learning something new.

Our program emphasizes the idea that computer programming does not define Computer Science, but rather is the tool a Computer Scientist wields to solve problems.  We also adopt the notion that the programming language is insignificant as programming is a skill, the language is how that skill is expressed.  Programming is to the Computer Scientists as a tennis racket is to a tennis player.  The grand ideas of Computer Science are then explored through the application of computer programming in the context of the various theoretical subjects offered by the department.

All students interested in problem solving in the world by leveraging technology should consider a major or minor in Computer Science!

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Professional responsibility. Students will recognize and be guided by the professional, legal and worldview issues involved in the use of computer technology.
  • Problem solving. Students will demonstrate how to solve problems in various user domains using the tools of computer science and information technology.
  • Elements of computational thinking. Students will recognize the broad relevance of computational thinking in everyday life as well as its applicability within other domains, and apply it in appropriate circumstances.
  • Modeling. Students will use such knowledge and understanding in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoff involved in design choices.
  • Methods and tools. Students will deploy appropriate theory, practices, and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and maintenance as well as the evaluation of computer-based systems.
  • Critical evaluation and testing. Students will analyze the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.
  • Requirements and Specifications. Students will identify and analyze criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their solution.
  • Knowledge and understanding. Students will exhibit knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles, and theories relating to computer science and information technology (especially the nine grand ideas).

Curriculum

Core Requirements 45
Technical Core36
Major or Concentration16-18
Electives21-23
Total Hours120
Technical Core Courses
MATH 2050Statistics I3
CSC 1070Theory and Fundamentals of Computer Science3
CSC 2000Coding I - Fundamentals3
CSC 2020Computer Architecture3
CSC 2050Coding II - Algorithms3
CSC 3010Computational Dilemmas3
CSC 3020User Experience and Interactive Systems3
CSC 3030Database Fundamentals3
CSC 3050Operating Systems3
CSC 3070Software Engineering3
CSC 4060Advanced Database and Web Development3
CSC 4950Capstone Project3
Total Hours36

Select from the following 4 Concentrations: 

Software Engineering
CSC 3200Systems Programming3
CSC 3210Programming Language Theory3
CSC 4200Theoretical Computer Science3
CSC 4400Coding III - Data Structures3
CSC Elective3
CSC 4900Internship1-3
Total Hours16-18
AI & Robotics
CSC 2400Machine Learning and Robotics3
CSC 3400Artificial Intelligence3
CSC 4400Coding III - Data Structures3
CSC 4410Adv Artificial Intelligence3
CSC Elective3
CSC 4900Internship1-3
Total Hours16-18
Cyber Security
CSC 1800Systems Integration3
CSC 3600Cybersecurity3
CSC 3610Networks & Security3
CSC 4600Penetration Testing3
CSC Elective3
CSC 4900Internship1-3
Total Hours16-18
Virtual & Augmented Reality
CSC 1800Systems Integration3
CSC 2800Animation I3
CSC 3800Animation II3
CSC 4800Animation III3
CSC Elective3
CSC 4900Internship1-3
Total Hours16-18