Computer Science - Bachelor's Degree Program

Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the bachelor’s degree programs in computer science and computer information science at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio build a strong technical and ethical foundation of knowledge and skills for a variety of jobs in computer science and computer information science. Through hands-on projects, relevant course work, and small class sizes, you’ll learn how technology works and how people use it in order to design, make, and maintain computers while respecting the dignity of the human person. Explore topics such as web programming with databases, nursing informatics, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

What is computer science or computer information science?

As a computer science major at Franciscan University, you’ll build a foundation in applying computing to mathematics, statistics, and operations research while studying in depth the operation, design, and use of modern computer hardware and software systems. Following guidelines set by the Association for Computing Machinery, the curriculum includes math, economics, English, and a senior thesis.

As a computer information science major at Franciscan University, you’ll study hardware and software operations, as well as business operations, to help companies and organizations get the most out of their technology. Following guidelines set by the Association of Information Technology Professionals, the curriculum includes accounting, business administration, math, English, economics, and a senior thesis.

Here are just a few other ways Franciscan’s computer science and computer information science bachelor’s degree programs stand out from the rest:

• Financial aid and scholarships: Learn more about how to apply for scholarships and other awards that help pay for college from the Franciscan Office of Financial Aid.
• Internships: Gain hands-on experience working in the field with companies and organizations throughout Ohio. Past internship opportunities have been available for computer science and computer information science majors in computer software, web design, and information technology. Catholic nonprofits looking for faith-filled students with specialized technical skills have also offered internships to Franciscan students. Many internships turn into job opportunities for students after graduation.
• Cross-disciplinary studies: With a variety of electives to choose from, you can enhance your bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer information science with a double major, minor, or certificate in a related field of study. Many undergraduate students are interested in other STEM fields, business, or fields in which they can form their Catholic faith, such as theology.
• Expert faculty: Sharing their wide range of knowledge and experience, professors have time for you as a student and get to know you as a person. Their specialties include computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, information technology, and more.
• Faith-based, Catholic education: Following the teachings of the Catholic Church, you’ll learn to apply sound moral and ethical reasoning to questions of computer design and use in order to ensure that technology always respects the innate dignity of the human person.

Computer science and computer information science jobs are available in a variety of fields, including computer technology, computer programming, cybersecurity, machine learning, software engineering, and more. Work for companies and organizations large and small, such as medical centers, financial institutions, and aerospace and defense contractors. The average starting salary for computer science or computer information science majors is more than $44,000 per year.

Graduate Schools or Programs for Computer Science or Computer Information Science Majors

• MS in Computer Science

Potential Employers for Computer Science or Computer Information Science Majors

• Microsoft
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Riot Games
• The Five Stones Group
• Lockheed Martin
• TriHealth
• Decypher
• Rowe Price
• Prime Numbers Technology

View the Computer Science Program on the Undergraduate Catalog