Computer Science
Why Computer Science at Valpo?
Grounded in technical skill, Valpo computer science students radiate service. Our program takes students beyond the logical operations of machines that make up our daily lives, lighting the way to a future of safe, effective technology.
In our computer science program, you’ll learn the inner workings of complex algorithms, modern programming languages, computational reasoning, software development and design, and more. Graduates head into successful careers as informed, educated professionals with a deep understanding of the social and ethical responsibilities of the use of computer technology – prepared to lend their light to impactful roles across every industry.
Computer Science Highlights
>90%
of Valpo computer science graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
Many Valpo computer science students shine in prestigious internships with organizations like the Naval Surface Warfare Center and the Federal Reserve – as well as right here on campus.
Professional Practices Seminar
This course takes junior undergraduate students on a journey of professionalism, philosophical frameworks, and ethical implications of computing and information sciences. Seminar topics include liabilities, privacy, and international discourse.
Computer Science Major Requirements
In order to begin computer science courses, a student must place into MATH 115 or higher. As part of the major, computer science students must eventually complete math courses through Calculus I (MATH 131) in addition to statistics and Discrete Math (MATH 220).
Grounded in Valpo’s values, the College of Arts and Sciences encourages students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. All computer science students, except those enrolled in Christ College – The Honors College, must complete the University-wide core curriculum, Valparaiso University Experience (VUE). These intentional courses are designed to strengthen communication, inspire critical thinking, and support cultural awareness. These are essential, highly valued skills that computer science graduates will carry with them into their careers and everyday lives.
Valparaiso University’s computer science program allows students to pursue either a bachelor of arts in computer science or a bachelor of science in computer science, depending on their professional interests and complementary major or minor. The bachelor of arts requires 32 credits of computer science courses while the bachelor of science requires 36 – in which two-thirds of all courses are exploratory electives. Both tracks take students through all dimensions of computer science, as well as a seminar in professional practices that prepares graduates for communicating in professional settings.
Computer Science, B.A. and Computer Science, B.S.
| Major Requirements: Minimum 32 Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| CS 157 | Algorithms and Programming | Cr. 3 |
| CS 158 | Algorithms and Abstract Data Types | Cr. 3 |
| CS 493 | Seminar in Professional Practices | Cr. 2 |
| At least 12 additional credits must be from computer science or allowed elective courses numbered 300 or above. | ||
| All remaining credits must be from computer science or allowed elective courses numbered 200 or above. | ||
| One Course from the Following Options: | ||
| MATH 126 | Calculus and Functions Part II | Cr. 4 |
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | Cr. 4 |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| MATH 220 | Discrete Mathematics | Cr. 3 |
| One Course from the Following Options: | ||
| BUS 205 | Business Statistics | Cr. 3 |
| CE 202 | Statistical Applications in Civil, Engineering | Cr. 3 |
| PSY 201 | Statistical Methods | Cr. 3 |
| STAT 140 | General Statistics | Cr. 3 |
| STAT 240 | Statistical Analysis | Cr. 3 |
| Non-computer science courses permitted to be taken as computer science electives: | ||
| DATA 151 | Introduction to Data Science | Cr. 3 |
| ECE 221 | Digital Logic Design | Cr. 3 |
| MATH 371 | Experimental Mathematics | Cr. 3 |
| DATA 374 | Computational Linear Algebra | Cr. 3 |
| DATA 433 | Data Mining and Applications | Cr. 3 |
In addition to the major requirements listed above, students pursuing a bachelor of science in computer science must complete CS 250 and one course from the following options: CS 354, CS 356, and CS 372.
Computer Science Career Outcomes
Computer science links to almost every profession, allowing Valpo graduates to shine in industries like healthcare, video game design, manufacturing, and more. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for professions in computer and information technology to grow much faster than the average through 2033 – with a median annual wage of $104,420.
Careers in Computer Science:
- Database administrators
- Information security analysts
- Network and systems administrators
- Network architects
- Programmers
- Software developers/engineers
- Systems analysts
- Web and mobile application developers
