Program Overview

Computer Science, B.A.

Overview

The computer science major at Saint Louis University is excellent for students going into many fields, including technology, business, medicine, and law, due to the emphasis on problem-solving skills. The Department of Computer Science at SLU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The B.A. curriculum includes a broad liberal arts study and can be combined with a second major or minor in fields such as art, criminal science, or psychology.

Program Highlights

• A choice of engaging introductory courses, allowing students to better connect the application of computer science to their interests.
• Courses are taught in computer labs, allowing for hands-on learning.
• Small class sizes allow for rich student-faculty interactions.
• A curriculum that allows students to see the impact and application of computing throughout society.

Curriculum Overview

Students completing the Bachelor of Arts curriculum in computer science obtain a rigorous, comprehensive background in the discipline. This curriculum allows them time to delve into other academic interests, including pre-professional studies or a minor or major in another discipline. Students should consult with their advisors to tailor their computer science electives to their individual goals.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Because of our location in the Midtown area of St. Louis, our students have access to a robust technology community, with operations for many Fortune 500 companies and a vibrant startup community. This provides outstanding opportunities for summer internships, part-time work during the academic year, and future jobs after graduation.

Careers

Careers related to computer science are routinely found on various "best jobs" lists because of their outstanding combination of excellent pay, satisfying work-life balance, and personal reward in seeing the great impact of computing throughout society.

Admission Requirements

• Freshman: Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
• Transfer: Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.
• International Applicants: Demonstrate English Language Proficiency, and all academic records must include an English translation.

Tuition

• Undergraduate Tuition: $56,960
• Additional charges may apply.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership, and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will be able to analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
• Graduates will be able to design, implement, evaluate, and test a software system that meets a given set of computing requirements.
• Graduates will be able to apply computer science theory, knowledge of computer systems, and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
• Graduates will be able to communicate effectively to both professional and general audiences in both oral and written forms.
• Graduates will be able to recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Graduates will be able to function effectively as members of a team in developing computing technology and solving technical problems.

Course List

• University Undergraduate Core: 32-25 credits
• Major Requirements:
  • Select a CSCI 10xx: Introduction to Computer Science: 3 credits
  • CSCI 1300: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: 4 credits
  • CSCI 2100: Data Structures: 4 credits
  • CSCI 2300: Object-Oriented Software Design: 3 credits
  • CSCI 2500: Computer Organization and Systems: 3 credits
  • CSCI 2510: Principles of Computing Systems: 3 credits
  • CSCI 3100: Algorithms: 3 credits
  • CSCI 4961: Capstone Project I: 2 credits
  • CSCI 4962: Capstone Project II: 2 credits
  • Select one Systems Elective course: 3 credits
  • Two additional 3000 or 4000 level CSCI elective courses: 6 credits
• Required Mathematics Courses:
  • MATH 1510: Calculus I: 4 credits
  • MATH 1520: Calculus II: 4 credits
  • MATH 1660: Discrete Mathematics: 3 credits
  • STAT 3850: Foundation of Statistics: 3 credits
• Required Computer Ethics:
  • PHIL 3050X: Computer Ethics: 3 credits
• General Electives: 42-49 credits
• Total Credits: 123

Introduction to Computer Science

• CSCI 1010: Introduction to Computer Science: Principles
• CSCI 1020: Introduction to Computer Science: Bioinformatics
• CSCI 1025: Introduction to Computer Science: Cybersecurity
• CSCI 1030: Introduction to Computer Science: Game Design
• CSCI 1040: Introduction to Computer Science: Mobile Computing
• CSCI 1050: Introduction to Computer Science: Multimedia
• CSCI 1060: Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming
• CSCI 1070: Introduction to Computer Science: Taming Big Data
• CSCI 1080: Introduction to Computer Science: World Wide Web
• CSCI 1090: Introduction to Computer Science: Special Topics

Systems Elective Courses

• CSCI 4500: Operating Systems
• CSCI 4530: Computer Security
• CSCI 4550: Computer Networks
• CSCI 4610: Concurrent and Parallel Programming
• CSCI 4620: Distributed Computing

Non-Course Requirements

• All School of Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program.

Continuation Standards

• After declaring a computer science major, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in computer science courses by the conclusion of their second year as a major and maintain such a GPA at the conclusion of each semester thereafter.
• Students should require at most two attempts to successfully complete any computer science courses required for the major.

Program Notes

• At most, three credit hours of internship with industry courses can be applied to the degree.
• Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.

SLU-Madrid

• The Bachelor of Science degree provides more technical depth and focuses largely on analytical skills and a detailed understanding of computer science.
• The Bachelor of Arts degree is often combined with another major or minor, providing you with an understanding of the application and impact of the computer sciences on society.

Faculty

• The faculty at Saint Louis University-Madrid are experts in their respective fields. They are internationally recognized teachers, researchers, and mentors.

Fieldwork, Internships, and Careers

• Graduates with computer science degrees are in high demand in the international job market.
• Our students master a variety of skills, such as computer hardware and architecture, software analysis, design and build, object-oriented programming, server security and management, database design and applications, and networking technologies.

Admission

• SLU-Madrid Application
• Application Deadlines:
  • May 1 - Fall admission (Aug. 1 for EU students)
  • Sept. 1 - Spring admission (Dec. 1 for EU students)
  • March 1 - Summer sessions (for applicants who require a student visa)
  • April 15 - Summer sessions (for applicants who do not require a student visa)

Tuition and Fees

• SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price.
• Tuition rates at the Madrid campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
  • Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership, and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.