Majors Offered

Text Box: The Department of Computing Sciences at SPU prepares students to employ critical thinking skills and computer-based methods to analyze and solve challenging problems, utilize computing technologies in a socially responsible manner, and apply their expertise wherever they serve in the world. Our graduates are equipped for a variety of careers in engineering, business and scientific computing. The department offers three computing-related degree tracks and collaborates with the departments of Engineering and Mathematics in two others. Which is the right major for you? The answer lies in what YOU want to do with computers!

Computing Sciences

Text Box: Computer Science is the discipline which studies the representation, storage, and transformation of information utilizing computers. The computer scientist develops software and hardware to analyze data and solve problems; our graduates often begin their careers in software design, implementation and testing. Computer scientists also devise new ways of using computers and work to develop effective ways to solve difficult problems using computing technology. SPU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is the traditional degree in computer science. It provides preparation for graduate studies or professional careers in computer science, emphasizing scientific and engineering foundations. Our Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science emphasizes problem solving, organizing and synthesizing ideas, and applications of computing theory. This is a particularly good major for students wishing to double-major or minor in another field, and graduates are well-suited for projects that apply computing to other disciplines.

Text Box: Computer Engineering is concerned with the design and construction of computers and computer-based systems. Computer engineering students not only study software development, but also the design of digital hardware systems including communications systems, computers and devices that contain computers. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering combines strong bases in computer science, digital electronics and engineering. The major is housed in the Department of Engineering.

Text Box: Students interested in careers involving the application of mathematics and computer science should consider an interdisciplinary major in Computational Mathematics. This major emphasizes applied mathematics, mathematical modeling, and scientific programming. The Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics is housed in the Department of Mathematics, though the major contains nearly equal emphasis in computing and mathematics. Students are encouraged to explore undergraduate research opportunities combining these disciplines.

Text Box: Information Systems specialists focus on integrating technology solutions and organizational processes to meet the information needs of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. IS professionals play a key role in determining the requirements for an organization’s information systems and are active in their specification, design, implementation and support. SPU’s new Bachelor of Science in Information Systems is designed to provide students with an understanding of both the technical and organizational factors surrounding information systems.