Program Overview

Computer Science Degree Program Overview

Purdue University Northwest's computer science degree program teaches students to apply computer science principles to everyday problems, including developing new software, managing databases, and analyzing data. Students will also learn to create data visualization solutions that help other engineers and scientists interpret information.

Why Study Computer Science at PNW?

The university offers small class sizes, allowing students to develop strong connections with instructors and classmates. Dedicated faculty members provide individualized academic support, and students will have plenty of applied learning opportunities to prepare them to solve real-world problems.

Computer Science Major Curriculum

As a computer science student, individuals will take a balance of general education courses, College of Engineering and Sciences core courses, and a range of courses that cover all fundamental areas of computer science. To graduate with a BS in Computer Science, students must complete a total of 120 credit hours, with a minimum grade of C for all Major Core courses and electives.

Year One

Year one courses will build a foundation for success in Computer Science, including:

• CS 10000 – An Introduction To Computer Science
• CS 12300 – Programming I: Java
• MA 16300 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry I

Year Two

Year two courses will develop computing and problem-solving skills, including:

• CS 27500 – Data Structures
• CS 22300 – Computer Architecture and Assembly Language
• CS 30200 – Operating Systems
• CS 30900 – Discrete Mathematical Structures

Year Three

Year three courses will focus on advanced problem-solving skills and explore focused areas of computer science, including:

• CS 31600 – Programming Languages
• CS 33200 – Algorithms
• CS 41600 – Software Engineering
• CS 45500 – Computer Graphics

Year Four

Year four courses will dive deep into specific fields of computer science, including:

• CS 40400 – Distributed Systems
• CS 41000 – Automata and Computability
• CS 42000 – Senior Design Project
• CS 44200 – Database Systems

Computer Science Degree Program Highlights

The computer science field is rapidly growing, and with a degree from PNW, students will be in high demand with employers in a wide range of industries and fields. The university offers small classes taught by dedicated faculty, as well as research and internship opportunities that set students apart in the marketplace.

Computer Science Degree Program Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate a mastery of core Computer Science concepts and gain the essential knowledge and skills required to solve real-world problems. The depth of the program will allow students to stay current in this dynamic field.

Computer Science Degree Program Career Paths

There are a wealth of opportunities available to computer science graduates, including:

• Junior Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Technology Rotational Development Associate
• Technical Support Engineer

Computer Science Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

Students will find plenty of opportunities to connect with faculty and peers in extracurricular activities, such as:

• Association for Computing Machinery
• IEEE Computer Society

Computer Science Degree Program Employers

PNW computer science majors have successful careers at companies like:

• Amazon Web Services
• Metra Commuter Rail
• Crossroads YMCA
• Omnibus Software

Computer Science Degree Program Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships available through Financial Aid and CES, students can apply for:

• Clark Memorial Scholarship
• Thompson Endowed Scholarship

Meet the Faculty

The Department of Computer Science is led by:

• Shuhui Grace Yang, Ph.D., Department Chair, Computer Science
• Hairong Zhao, Ph.D., Professor of Computer Science; Graduate Advisor

Related Programs

Other related programs include:

• Applied Mathematics and Statistics: Statistics & Data Science (BS)
• Applied Mathematics and Statistics: Secondary Teaching (BS)