Computer Science, B.A.

Program Overview

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science emphasizes problem-solving skills and prepares graduates for diverse careers in technology, business, medicine, and law. The program offers a broad curriculum in computer science theories and applications, including programming, data structures, algorithms, and systems electives. With a focus on small class sizes and hands-on learning, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of computer science.

Program Outline

It is designed for students interested in various fields, including technology, business, medicine, and law.

• Objectives: The program aims to equip graduates with the following abilities:
• Analyze complex computing problems and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, evaluate, and test software systems that meet specific computing requirements.
• Apply computer science theory, knowledge of computer systems, and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
• Communicate effectively with both professional and general audiences in oral and written forms.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as members of a team in developing computing technology and solving technical problems.
• Program Description: The B.A.
curriculum includes a broad liberal arts study and can be combined with a second major or minor in fields such as art, criminal science, or psychology. SLU's accelerated master's program allows students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. Students can combine a B.A. or B.S. in computer science with a master's degree in computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, or bioinformatics and computational biology.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a wide range of computer science theories and applications, including:
• Introduction to Computer Science
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Data Structures
• Object-Oriented Software Design
• Computer Organization and Systems
• Algorithms
• Computer Ethics
• Systems Electives (e.g., Advanced Operating Systems, Computer Security, Computer Networks, Concurrent and Parallel Programming, Distributed Computing)
• Structure: The program requires a minimum of 53 credits for the major, including:
• 32-25 credits for University Undergraduate Core courses
• 3 credits for a CSCI 10xx: Introduction to Computer Science course
• 4 credits for CSCI 1300: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
• 4 credits for CSCI 2100: Data Structures
• 3 credits for CSCI 2300: Object-Oriented Software Design
• 3 credits for CSCI 2500: Computer Organization and Systems
• 3 credits for CSCI 2510: Principles of Computing Systems
• 3 credits for CSCI 3100: Algorithms
• 2 credits for CSCI 4962: Capstone Project II
• 3 credits for a Systems Elective course
• 6 credits for two additional 3000 or 4000 level CSCI elective courses
• 4 credits for MATH 1520: Calculus II
• 3 credits for MATH 1660: Discrete Mathematics
• 3 credits for STAT 3850: Foundation of Statistics
• 3 credits for PHIL 3050X: Computer Ethics
• 42-49 credits for General Electives
• Course Schedule: The program is typically completed in four years, with a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study provided in the "Roadmaps" section.
• Introduction to Computer Science:
Students can choose from a variety of introductory courses, such as:
• CSCI 1010: Introduction to Computer Science: Principles
• CSCI 1020: Introduction to Computer Science: Bioinformatics
• CSCI 1025: Introduction to Computer Science: Cybersecurity
• CSCI 1030: Introduction to Computer Science: Game Design
• CSCI 1040: Introduction to Computer Science: Mobile Computing
• CSCI 1050: Introduction to Computer Science: Multimedia
• CSCI 1060: Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming
• CSCI 1070: Introduction to Computer Science: Taming Big Data
• CSCI 1080: Introduction to Computer Science: World Wide Web
• CSCI 1090: Introduction to Computer Science: Special Topics
• Systems Electives:
Students choose one course from a list of systems electives, such as:
• CSCI 4500: Advanced Operating Systems
• CSCI 4530: Computer Security
• CSCI 4550: Computer Networks
• CSCI 4610: Concurrent and Parallel Programming
• CSCI 4620: Distributed Computing

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Courses are taught in computer labs, allowing for hands-on learning.
• Faculty: The Department of Computer Science at SLU has faculty who are actively involved in research and have integrated students into their research programs.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the technology industry, including:
• Software Developer
• IT Manager
• Data Scientist
• Web Developer
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer Network Architect
• Enterprise Architect
• Full Stack Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Engineer
• Java Developer
• Back End Engineer
• Cloud Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• UX Designer
• Opportunities: The program provides students with opportunities for summer internships, part-time work during the academic year, and future jobs after graduation.
SLU's location in the Midtown area of St. Louis provides access to a robust technology community, including Fortune 500 companies and a vibrant startup community.
• Outcomes: Careers related to computer science are often found on "best jobs" lists due to their combination of excellent pay, satisfying work-life balance, and personal reward.

Other:

• Fieldwork and Research Opportunities: Students have access to the Cortex Innovation Community, a technology district that houses SLU's Research Innovation Group and the weekly Venture Cafe.
They also have access to the T-REX Technology Entrepreneur Center.
• Program Notes: At most, three credit hours of internship with industry courses can be applied to the degree.
• Continuation Standards: Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in computer science courses by the end of their second year as a major and maintain that GPA throughout their program.
They are also expected to make adequate progress in the major by enrolling in at least one computer science course per semester.
• Madrid Campus: Students can complete a B.A.
in computer science at SLU's campus in Madrid and transfer freely between the Madrid and St. Louis campuses.
• 2+SLU Programs: The program offers a guided pathway for students transferring from partner institutions, such as St. Louis Community College.