Computer Science
Grounded in technical skill, Valpo computer science students radiate service.
About Our Computer Science Degrees
Grounded in Valpo’s values, the College of Arts and Sciences encourages students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. All computer science students, except those enrolled in Christ College – The Honors College, must complete the University-wide core curriculum, Valparaiso University Experience (VUE). These intentional courses are designed to strengthen communication, inspire critical thinking, and support cultural awareness. These are essential, highly valued skills that computer science graduates will carry with them into their careers and everyday lives.
Valparaiso University’s program allows students to pursue either a bachelor of arts a bachelor of science in computer science, depending on their professional interests and complementary major or minor. The bachelor of arts requires 32 credits of computer science courses while the bachelor of science requires 36 – in which two-thirds of all courses are exploratory electives. Both tracks take students through all dimensions of computer science, as well as a seminar in professional practices that prepares graduates for communicating in professional settings.
Computer Science, B.A. and Computer Science, B.S.
| Major Requirements | Min 32 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CS 157 | Algorithms and Programming | Cr. 3 |
| CS 158 | Algorithms and Abstract Data Types | Cr. 3 |
| CS 493 | Seminar in Professional Practices | Cr. 2 |
| At least 12 additional credits must be from computer science or allowed elective courses numbered 300 or above. |
|---|
| All remaining credits must be from computer science or allowed elective courses numbered 200 or above. |
|---|
| One Course from the Following Options: | ||
|---|---|---|
| MATH 126 | Calculus and Functions Part II | Cr. 4 |
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | Cr. 4 |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
|---|---|---|
| MATH 220 | Discrete Mathematics | Cr. 3 |
| Non-computer science courses permitted to be taken as computer science electives: | ||
|---|---|---|
| DATA 151 | Introduction to Data Science | Cr. 3 |
| ECE 221 | Digital Logic Design | Cr. 3 |
| MATH 371 | Experimental Mathematics | Cr. 3 |
| DATA 374 | Computational Linear Algebra | Cr. 3 |
| DATA 433 | Data Mining and Applications | Cr. 3 |
In addition to the major requirements listed above, students pursuing a bachelor of science in computer science must complete CS 250 and one course from the following options: CS 354, CS 356, and CS 372.
Non-Majors Welcome!
The 15-credit minor in computer science is a flexible program of study that establishes competency in core areas and allows students freedom in selecting elective courses for further study. Faculty advisors can help students find courses that complement their majors and interests.
| Course No. | ||
|---|---|---|
| CS 157 | Algorithms and Programming | 3 Cr. |
| CS 158 | Algorithms and Abstract Data Types | 3 Cr. |
| Electives | At least nine credits from computer science courses numbered 200 or above. | 9 Cr. |
| Total | 15 Cr. |
Computing is a powerful tool that has transformed research and practice in many fields. To encourage students in other disciplines to learn valuable computing skills, the Valpo CIS department makes an effort to remove barriers to non-majors. Many upper-level CS courses require only a single prerequisite course.
Computer science links to almost every profession, allowing Valpo graduates to shine in industries like healthcare, video game design, manufacturing, and more. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for professions in computer and information technology to grow much faster than the average through 2033 – with a median annual wage of $104,420.
Careers in Computer Science:
- Database administrators
- Information security analysts
- Network and systems administrators
- Network architects
- Programmers
- Software developers/engineers
- Systems analysts
- Web and mobile application developers
Department of Computing and Information Sciences
Program Rankings & Highlights
Computer Science
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Department of Computing and Information Sciences
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