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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Computer science students receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The diverse elective courses offered within the curriculum allow students to explore specialties within their field, such as:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computer graphics
• Web/mobile applications
• System/software security
• Usability design
• Data mining

A minor is also available.

WHY STUDY COMPUTER SCIENCE AT GRAND VALLEY?

Computing professionals who want to take their expertise or career to the next level can take advantage of Grand Valley's highly-credentialed and well-connected faculty.

• Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.
• The program offers a variety of electives and minors, so students can tailor their education to their interests.
• The curriculum is a combination of theoretical foundation and applied computing, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
• Students gain practical experience through extensive internship opportunities available through the School of Computing.
• Dedicated computer labs with state-of-the-art equipment ensure relevant, hands-on experience.

COURSEWORK

The computer science program consists of core computer science classes, along with specialized applications. Some of these classes include:

• Algorithms
• Computer architecture
• Database
• Operating systems
• Programming languages
• Software engineering

Required Coursework  Advising Plans  Course Descriptions

SECONDARY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to major standing in computer science is competitive and requires a secondary application. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Overall GPA of 2.5 or above in all Grand Valley State University coursework
• GPA of 2.5 or above in the technical core
• Completion of each course in the technical core with a grade of C or above (C- is not sufficient)
  • CIS 162 - Computer Science I
  • CIS 163 - Computer Science II
  • MTH 225 
  • STA 215 (or STA 312)
  • COM 201

COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAMS

This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.

You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.

CAREER OPTIONS

Job opportunities in the computing and information technology industry are growing rapidly, particularly in occupations such as:

• Computer programmer
• Network administrator
• Software engineer
• Web domain administrator
• Web programmer/developer
• Database developer

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

Hands-on learning and other fieldwork not only deepen your mastery of your discipline but also give you the edge employers seek. Visit our experience matters page to see the work GVSU students are doing in their co-ops and internships.

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

The B.S. in Computer Science at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual computer science job postings.

• Computer Science
• Agile Software Development
• SQL (Programming Language)
• Project Management
• Information Systems
• Automation
• Java (Programming Language)
• Business Requirements
• Software Development
• Trouble Shooting

Source: EMSI, 2020

LOCATION & FORMAT

Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:

• Face To Face

HELPFUL LINKS

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Study Abroad
• General Education Handbook
• Computer Science Programs