Computer Science, BS - Computer Science Option

What you will study

Gain the practical and theoretical principles you’ll need to be successful in computer science jobs from the University of Central Missouri’s bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Throughout the undergraduate program coursework, you’ll apply what you’ve learned as you dive into algorithms and data structures, network programming, software engineering and much more. You will also build strong foundations in calculus, probability and statistics. 

Core courses in our bachelor’s of Computer Science program include:

• Computer Programming
• Database Applications
• Operating Systems
• Programming Languages

Broaden and deepen your knowledge and skills with a wide variety of electives in mathematics, science and other areas that interest you. Delve into artificial intelligence, cloud computing, game development, mobile apps, software security and more. 

At the end of our bachelor’s degree in Computer Science program, you’ll take part in a senior project course. This will be an opportunity for you to apply what you’ve learned to a real-world project with our industry partners — valuable experience as you prepare for computer science jobs.

The program has state-of-the-art computing labs to support both instruction and research needs. The main lab for computer science program consists of forty Dell computers running both Linux and Microsoft windows operating systems. Six computer classrooms, with more than thirty computers each, are ideal for upper classes and special lab sessions. Lab computers are upgraded regularly. Three student common areas provide a space for students to collaborate on homework and projects, as well as relax between classes. These rooms are conveniently located near faculty offices to help establish a community of learners.

The program strives to provide our students with the latest technologies. We offer both Windows and Linux platforms so that our students are well-prepared for a career as a software professional under those two leading industry-standard platforms. The program is a member of the Azure Dev Tools for Teaching, Oracle Academy, and VMWare Academic Program.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in computer science

Learn from leading minds and use the latest technologies to prepare for a field that is constantly evolving. The University of Central Missouri’s bachelor’s degree in Computer Science program gives you hands-on experiences that will help you succeed in today’s tech-driven world. Here are a few examples:

• Internships: Experience matters when you’re looking for computer science jobs. Gain valuable expertise — and college credit — with an internship. We have ample opportunities through our faculty networks and industry connections.
• Senior capstone projects: During your final year as a student in any of our degrees in Computer Science, you will team up with fellow majors to design, plan, implement, test and launch a development project. Your project can be related to software development, group dynamics, project management, ethical and professional responsibility or another topic you’re passionate about. 
• Undergraduate research: Pursuing research can be a career-changing experience within UCM’s BS in Computer Science program. In fact, some of our undergraduate students are currently tackling research related to data science and artificial intelligence. Our faculty will work with you to find the research project right for you — whether it be joining ongoing research pursuits, designing an independent study or creating a specialized, 1-on-1 class. 
• Programming competitions: All majors earning bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science are encouraged to take part in programming competitions, including the International Collegiate Programming Competition (ICPC), 48-hour Code-A-Thons and our on-campus Game Jams. These are fun and rewarding opportunities to challenge yourself, solve problems with your fellow classmates and gain valuable experience for computer science jobs.
• Study abroad: Take your bachelor’s of Computer Science to a global level. The University of Central Missouri offers scholarships and grants to students studying abroad. You can take coursework in computer science and other areas while living and experiencing life and culture in France, Germany or the Netherlands.

• Esports: School of Computer Science and Mathematics sponsors UCM Esports team. For more information, please visit UCM Esports

 

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UCM?

Computer science professionals continue to be in high demand. UCM graduates with degrees in Computer Science are employed at Amazon, Boeing, Cerner, Federal Reserve Bank, Garmin, Hallmark, Honeywell, Microsoft, Mutual of Omaha, Sprint and many other businesses and organizations throughout Missouri and across the United States. 

Plan your future career in computer science 

Discover all the possibilities with a bachelor’s of Computer Science. Use the interactive tool below to explore job outlooks, salary expectations and more.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your BS in Computer Science degree

Earning a valuable degree can be extremely important to your job outlook, but you also want college to be affordable. The University of Central Missouri has some of the most competitive tuition rates in the state.

We also offer several ways to finance your college education, including scholarships specifically for Computer Science majors. Here are a few examples:

• ACM Scholarship
• Brown Scholarship
• Computer Science Achievement Award
• Griffith Scholarship
• Harmon Scholarship
• Kennedy Scholarship
• Moore Scholarship