Enter a Dynamic Field Rooted in Technology, Creativity and Problem-Solving
The Computer Science major at St. Edward’s provides a strong foundation and technical knowledge that equips you to work across numerous industries. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to projects and internships. And you’ll be challenged to create solutions to multi-faceted problems using existing technologies and technological tinkering.
Why earn your Computer Science degree at St. Edward’s?
Whether you’re interested in a career in web or software development, cybersecurity, database management, robotics or other computer-focused field, one thing is certain: The advantages of your St. Edward’s education will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. And your mentors will support you every step of the way.
Build relationships with your professors
You’ll learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors with years of academic and industry experience. They’ll make a point of getting to know you, help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during and after your college years.
Conduct advanced research
You’ll have the opportunity to engage in independent and faculty-mentored research in the university’s state-of-the-art Advance Computing Lab with the aim of presenting your findings at conferences and submitting your work for publication.
Join a vibrant community of coders
The St. Edward’s Computer Science Club brings together students with a shared passion for computer science. Through meetups, workshops and events, students have fun learning from one another while collaborating on exciting projects that help build their résumés.
Get an edge in the job market
Be part of a degree program known for strong job placement, especially within Austin’s vibrant tech scene. More than 75% of Computer Science students at St. Edward’s find work or enter graduate school within six months of graduation.
Reap the Rewards of Austin
Austin is a hotspot for technology startups, mid-size companies and industry giants such as AMD, Google, IBM, Apple, Amazon, Dell, Tesla and Samsung. As a Computer Science major, you can explore career paths and practical application of your studies through internships and interactions within the greater Austin community.
What do our graduates do?
Computer Science majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.
- Software engineers for companies like CDK Global, Khoros, Dun & Bradstreet and Duo Security
- Product development specialist at Facebook
- Site reliability engineers for JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Software developers for companies like IBM and Dell
- Entered graduate school at top-ranked programs, such as The University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University, Rice University, Purdue University, Vanderbilt University, Georgia Tech University and Manchester University
Explore Details About a Degree in Computer Science
St. Edward’s offers both BS and BA degrees in Computer Science, with multiple areas of focus depending on a student’s desired outcome.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – This degree track provides rigorous preparation for many possible careers, with a course of study based on computer science theory and its application in various aspects of business and industry. It includes support courses to prepare students for graduate study in computer science.
- In addition to the core courses, students will complete a concentration in either Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or Software Development.
Major Requirements: The BS in Computer Science requires 72 hours of Computer Science major courses, including supporting courses in Mathematics.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for our BS in Computer Science major (PDF).
- The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science – This degree track offers more options to take non-computer-science-related courses than the BS track, which is especially helpful for students who seek a double major or a broader technical degree before advanced study in graduate school. A strong background in mathematics and computer science is recommended.
In this major, you will …
- Study the algorithmic processes that create, describe and transform information.
- Learn to develop software designed to solve problems in a variety of fields.
Major Requirements: The BA in Computer Science requires 58 hours of Computer Science major courses, including supporting courses in Mathematics.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for our BA in Computer Science major (PDF).
What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain
Our Computer Science degree ensures that you’ll graduate with a strong résumé that showcases your knowledge and skills. Here’s a sample of what you’ll learn:
- Computer programming, software development and engineering
- Algorithmic processes that create, describe and transform information
- Software development designed to solve problems in a variety of fields
- Solid understanding of mathematics and formulas
- Critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Technical writing, and creating and presenting professional-level work
- Teamwork, time management and attention to details
Experiential Learning
Enhance your learning by participating in hands-on projects and student organizations that build your skills. For example …
- In Software Engineering, you’ll work on a large-scale team project — from specification and design, to implementation, to testing, evolution, maintenance and management. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard tools and communicate effectively with clients.
- In Undergraduate Research and Development, you’ll research a computing problem; investigate a possible solution to the problem; and design, evolve and articulate a solution.
- The Computer Science Club on campus helps students build their skills through events like Capture the Flag, a cybersecurity-focused programming competition. Students are also encouraged to participate in national and global computing societies such as the Association for Computing Machinery and the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges.
- The St. Edward’s Maker Club attracts tinkerers and programmers who have worked on projects involving 3-D printing, soldering, programming LED strips and creating art through programming.
Research
- Conduct independent research and present your work at meetings like the Consortium for Computing Sciences, the National Conference for Undergraduate Research and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers national convention.
- Participate in Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), in which students join the lab of a professor at a major research university over a summer. A St. Edward’s Computer Science major recently secured an REU at Carnegie Mellon University’s Institute for Software Research, where she worked with some of the top minds in the world — including Mary Shaw, who created the field of software architecture and was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by former President Barack Obama.
Computer Science students have built their professional skills in the following internships. Several were extended full-time job offers afterward.
- Sphere integrated containers internship at VMware
- Technology internship at AIG Insurance
- Digital technology leadership internship at GE
- System validation engineer internship at NXP Semiconductors
- Software engineer internship at Corva
- Software engineering internship at dealership management software company CDK Global
- Software development internship at Emerson Automation Solutions, which builds software for manufacturing and industrial plants
Learn on the job at St. Edward’s.
The St. Edward’s Office of Information Technology hires students to work as support technicians. Help students, faculty and staff with computer troubleshooting; maintain the computer labs; and set up software on new computers for employees. In addition to covering “Help desk” issues, you can specialize in networking or enterprise software and earn credentials like Google Cloud certification.
Land a paid internship through the St. Edward’s i4 Institute.
As a student in the Computer Science program, you are afforded access to the funding programs, including paid internships, offered exclusively to STEM students at St. Edward’s University by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these programs please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).