Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science
Program Overview
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science
A degree in computer science enables you to understand the technology that powers the world around us, and provides the tools you need to design new kinds of technology. You’ll develop skills that can translate to virtually any industry or interest, helping you solve problems in cybersecurity, finance, transportation, education, healthcare, retail, energy, or public safety. You might work on algorithms that detect financial fraud, interpret data from MRIs, or propel self-driving cars.
You can learn computer science anywhere, but at John Carroll University, where class sizes are small and a major comprises only 40% of your total credits, you’ll get the broad liberal arts background and individualized attention that makes for a well-rounded citizen and job candidate. You’ll learn all the technical skills that other schools offer, and gain knowledge in a breadth of other subjects from your core curriculum.
Computer Science at John Carroll
As a computer science student, you’ll learn critical skills for understanding and developing technology and communicating your ideas. For example, you will:
- Learn specific programming languages like Java, Python, and SQL
- Develop the foundational skills that will allow you to learn other programming languages quickly on the job
- Practice technical writing skills
- Master the many elements of software development
- Discover how to apply these skills to different problems and industries
You’ll have opportunities to test these skills in labs, projects, research, and internships.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science Degree
With a bachelor of science in computer science, you’ll learn critical skills in programming and software development, and be prepared to understand and develop new technologies. All students take the same core classes, but are given the opportunity to specialize their interests through upper-level coursework and research.
$85,000
The starting salary for the average computer science major who graduated in 2020
32,270
The number of computer and mathematics jobs in Cleveland
22%
The predicted increase in jobs in Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers by 2030
BS in Computer Science Program Highlights
- Real Teaching
- Amazing Experience
- Jobs and Opportunity
- Clubs and Organizations
- Featured Faculty
Real Teaching
At JCU, you’ll be more than just a number. Faculty get to know students and their interests, and often help connect them with job and education opportunities. You’ll take entry-level classes with professors who may one day oversee your research project, advise your capstone, or write a letter of recommendation for your graduate school application.
Amazing Experience
At JCU, computer science isn’t just taught through lectures and readings. Hands-on experience comes from classes like CS 470 Software Engineering Project, in which students fulfill the role of a software developer working in a team on a large software project for a real client or for an open-source community. Some students participate in local and national research conferences, like the Midstates Conference on Undergraduate Research. Recently, two JCU computer science students placed in the Medical Capital Innovation Competition for the development of an algorithm that helped identify errors in blood tests even before doctors saw results.
Jobs and Opportunity
Cleveland is a hub of technological innovation, particularly in the healthcare Information technology industry. It’s home of the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, where computer science students have an opportunity to complete a for-credit internship during the junior year. Beyond healthcare, Cleveland is the 10th fastest-growing market for software development, and is home to more than 170 health-tech companies.
Clubs and Organizations
- It starts with STEM: brings STEM exposure to elementary and middle school kids through weekly lessons and experiments. The program hopes to expose kids, who wouldn't otherwise have access to STEM professions and the idea of college. In addition, lesson plans and experiments are based on Ohio Science Standards for the students' respective grade levels. This requirement is meant to help prepare students for state testing and the grade above them.
- LaunchNET: funded by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, will work with you to promote entrepreneurial thinking, innovative mindset, creative collaboration, and venture creation through advising, events, and connections to the greater Northeast Ohio community. LaunchNET is free to all students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Featured Faculty
Our Computer Science graduates serve many roles: translators of remarkable technological breakthroughs to society; builders, makers, and protectors of the digital world; integrators of computing ideas, technology, and economic tools. Students and faculty engage in interdisciplinary research and internship programs in business, scientific explorations, and medicine.
— Elena Manilich
Featured Courses
CS 360 GAME DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING
Exploration of game engine(s) and computer techniques that create both animated imagery of objects and interactive agent behavior, including artificial intelligence concepts. Graphical and game design followed by implementation via a large-team development of a class-designed game.
CS 435 NETWORKS AND CYBERSECURITY
OSI model for networking with an emphasis on how vulnerabilities at each layer of the network stack could be exploited; ethical concerns in cybersecurity and modern methods used to secure networks against attack. Creation of a secure application that communicates over the internet.
Notable Alum
Ernest Petti, '97
Ernest graduated from JCU with a degree in physics and computer science in 1997. After completing graduate school at the University of Iowa, he was hired as a software developer at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Today he’s a studio supervisor, and has credits on several Oscar-winning animated films including Wreck It Ralph, Tangled, and Zootopia.
Computer Science Alumni Across the Region
John Carroll University alumni live, work, teach, and support communities throughout the region from Northeast Ohio to Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Columbus, Buffalo, Rochester, Pittsburgh, New York City, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
- Top Employers
Research & Internships Scholarships & Awards
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John Carroll University
JCU provides you a formative way forward to become an inspired leader with the knowledge, character, and heart to serve the greater good.
Services
Student services
The Center for Service and Social Action offers many great ways for students to get involved.
CSSA sponsors an average of 120 weekly service activities throughout the Cleveland community each semester.
Housing services
Welcome! Our staff is committed to helping you succeed at JCU. We can tell you about University resources that may be available to you, and help you determine if you are eligible for services from our office. SAS provides services to students currently enrolled at the University. In order to qualify for services, a student must send us general information as well as disability documentation from a healthcare professional. For details, see the links below.
Library services
The mission of Grasselli Library & Breen Learning Center is to support the teaching and research needs of our community, collaborate with our campus partners, provide the best possible access to information, and be an intellectual and cultural resource to our community.
Medical services
The Student Health and Wellness Center provides the John Carroll University community with a comprehensive approach to optimum health and wellness. This is achieved by encouraging skill-building and individual capacities in each unique student while recognizing the impact of social and environmental conditions.
Student Life
Campus life
Click Here to access a Self-Guided Campus Walking Tour brochure of the beautiful 60 acre John Carroll University campus located in University Heights, Ohio. The brochure includes a map and descriptions of a number of notable stops along an approximate 1 mile walking route on interior of campus.
Sports facilities
Athletic facilities at John Carroll University are some of the finest in the Ohio Athletic Conference. It starts with Don Shula Stadium at Wasmer Field, home to JCU football, soccer and track & field. In 2001, construction began on this outdoor facility to transform it to Don Shula Stadium, in honor of the John Carroll graduate who is the National Football League's all-time winningest head coach.
The stadium has a new playing surface (AstroPlay brand artificial grass), and features brand new locker room facilities, grandstands on both home and visitor sides, offices, a memoribilia room, and a press box for both football and baseball.
Student clubs
Student Organizations are a great way to get involved on campus within your particular area of interest. At John Carroll University we have student organizations representing a variety of interests and categories such as : service, social, fraternities/sororities, cultural, academic and more! Check out the list of Student Organizationsand contact the president to get more involved.
Accreditation
John Carroll University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CLICK HERE for more information about the 2019 visit preparations.
