What you will study
Get started in software development with two hands-on computer programming classes
and a data structures course. After you have this foundation for your Computer Science
minor, you’ll select what interests you most from an extensive list of electives.
Even better, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize your minor for the greatest
impact on your career. Some popular pathways include:
- A specific programming language
- Game development
- Software engineering
- Cyber security
Complete your Computer Science minor in as few as two to three semesters. Our classes
are sized just right for direct, personalized support from faculty and collaborative
projects with peers.
Excellence in Computer Science
- #1: Most Focused College for Computer Science in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 3.5%: Most Focused Colleges for Computer Science (College Factual, 2022)
- #1: Most Popular Colleges for Computer Science in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 4%: Most Popular Colleges for Computer Science (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 15%: Best Value Colleges for Computer Science (College Facutal, 2021)
- Ranked: Best Computer Science Degrees (Learn.org, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in computer science
Get the maximum value from your minor in Computer Science at the University of Central
Missouri. We help ensure that you develop valuable skills and support for your professional
success through benefits such as:
- State-of-the-art facilities: Get hands-on programming experience and learn new skills in UCM’s six computer classrooms,
which are regularly updated and host languages and tools in high demand in the industry.
You’ll also have access to two study areas for computer science students, as well
as lounges and a computer lab.
- Free resources: Continue your work at home when you take advantage of UCM’s major software license
agreement, which lets you download and install licensed software — at no cost — to
your personal computer.
- Network with industry professionals: Gain real-world experience in the classroom when you interact with high-tech industries
through projects that apply your software development skills. You’ll participate in
competitions sponsored by industry partners, such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas
City Code-A-Thon, which also provide valuable networking opportunities.
- Get involved with student organizations: Join UCM’s student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery or earn your
spot in Upsilon Pi Epsilon, an international honor society for Computing and Information
students. You can learn from guest speakers who work in software development, attend
regional and national conferences and participate in state and national programming
competitions to enhance your education and college experience.
What can you do with a minor in Computer Science from UCM?
Gain experience and skills that give you an advantage over other job candidates with
a Computer Science minor from the University of Central Missouri. Consider the impact
your software development knowledge can have in these fields:
- Cybersecurity: Advise software developers on ways to make software and applications more secure and
even handle some of the development yourself.
- Mathematics education: Expand your knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) topics
and enhance your value to school administrators.
- Actuarial science: Create apps to manage and analyze data and streamline business operations.
Enhance your major with a Computer Science minor
UCM’s Computer Science program faculty are available to help you understand how a
Computer Science minor can strengthen your major area of study. To see what a career
in computer science can look like, use the interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for your Computer Science minor
If you’re ready to take steps to get the most out of your college education and reach
your career goals, the University of Central Missouri puts a high-caliber education
within your reach. We have some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates and
we’re a top-ranked university by LendEDU for our low student debt. We also offer options
to help finance your degree.
Are scholarships available to me?
Use the UCM Scholarship Finder to learn more — you may qualify for scholarships offered by UCM, alumni, industry
partners and other supporters.
Learn From Expert Faculty
Experienced computer science pros
Not only does UCM boast one of Missouri’s largest Computer Science programs, but our
impressive faculty have extensive experience in teaching and working in the industry.
They’re active in research and have authored peer-reviewed journal articles. Better
yet, they’re committed to sharing information with you and helping ensure your success.
Read Faculty Bios
Meet Gregory B.
BS Digital Media Production, Computer Science Minor ’24
“As someone looking to pursue a career in the visual/art design aspect of the gaming
industry, I feel that a minor in Computer Science gives me a unique understanding
of what is needed from someone like myself in regard to the technical side of development.”
Put Your Skills to the Test
Computer programming competitions
Apply your coding skills when you take part in programming competitions, including
the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Code-A-Thon. Previous UCM competitors have
remarked on the training they receive as it relates to real-world challenges and opportunities
— as well as the camaraderie and team-building they experience in the process.
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