Majors in Computer Science and Information Systems are designed to prepare you to
- Employ critical thinking skills and efficient computer-based methods to analyze and solve challenging problems.
- Utilize computing technologies in a socially responsible manner.
- Apply your expertise wherever you serve in the world.
We offer a balanced program of studies in the theoretical and applied aspects of modern computing-related disciplines, informed by a Christian worldview. Our goal is to graduate students equipped for continued professional development and service.
The computing sciences encompass a broad and evolving group of related disciplines. SPU’s Engineering and Computer Science Department offers majors in Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Information Systems, plus minors in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. We also collaborate with Mathematics through their Applied Mathematics major with emphasis in Computational Mathematics, and with Philosophy through its Technical Track, as well collaborating in two interdisciplinary minors: Interactive Computing and Art; and Data Analytics.
Transfer students are welcome in our programs. Learn more about the quickest path to completion of a Computer Science or Information Systems major at the Engineering and Computer Sciences Department website.
Which is the right program for you? That depends on what you want to do with computers. Additional information on career paths in the computing disciplines can be found at the ACM Computing Degrees and Careers website.
Find out more about this department’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
Internship program
All Computer Science and Information Systems majors are required to participate in an internship in their respective field with industry or another career entity.
- Your internship must include a minimum of 200 hours of work. In most cases, you will be paid by the employer.
- Normally, students complete internships during the summer between their junior and senior years.
- The Engineering and Computer Science Department will provide information to help you find internships, but you are individually responsible for locating and completing an appropriate internship.
The BA in Computer Science is a particularly good major if you wish to double-major or minor in another field. This major emphasizes problem-solving, organizing and synthesizing ideas, and applications of computing theory. Graduates are well-suited for projects that apply computing to other disciplines.
- A minimum 80 credits are required for this major, including 40 upper-division credits.
- You will complete 15 courses total in Computer Science, encompassing the major topics of the discipline.
- A senior project and required internship provide opportunities to apply computer-based problem-solving techniques in an area of interest.
- Mathematics courses in applied calculus, computer math, and statistics complete the major requirements.
The BS in Computer Science is the traditional degree in computer science, and prepares you for a professional career or graduate studies in the discipline. The major emphasizes scientific, quantitative, and engineering problem-solving.
- A minimum 108 credits are required for this major, including 40 upper-division credits.
- The BS in Computer Science includes a core that provides you with a broad background in the topics of computer science, plus a choice of two senior-level technical electives that allow you to explore these or other topics in greater depth.
- A Senior Project and required internship provide opportunities to apply your core knowledge to more advanced problems.
- This computing curriculum is supported by related coursework in mathematics, computer engineering, and the natural sciences.
The BS in Information Systems is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in both the technical and organizational aspects of information systems. Graduates are well-prepared to help both for-profit and nonprofit organizations define and achieve their technology goals.
- A minimum 86 credits is required for this major, including 40 upper-division credits.
- The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving skills and computing technologies through a breadth of computer science courses.
- A quantitative background is provided by studies in applied calculus, computer math, and statistics.
- Coursework in organizational/management topics helps you make the connection between the information needs of people in organizations and the technologies that can help meet these needs.
- A senior project and required internship provide opportunities to apply computer-based problem-solving techniques to larger problems.
A Computer Science minor allows you to apply computing technologies and problem-solving strategies to your chosen major or to explore computing as a second discipline.
- A minimum 34 credits are required for this minor, including 15 upper-division credits.
- A typical minor curriculum includes courses in programming, software and system design, and electives tailored to your computing interests.
Data Analytics
Data analytics (DA) uses data-driven techniques to transform raw data into useful information — information that may be used to identify and solve problems, evaluate claims and make inferences, and influence human decisions and machine models. Learn more about this interdisciplinary minor.
Interactive Computing and Art
The Interactive Computing and Art minor gives you an introduction to the disciplines of art and computer science, providing core concepts, vocabulary, and foundational skills. Learn more about this interdisciplinary program.
Entering and completing the major or minor
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major or minor, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.
We encourage you to enter your computer science or information systems major as soon as
you have decided on it, and then select a faculty advisor corresponding to your
major to guide you in completing your degree. If you plan to pursue a minor or
an additional major, you should enter those programs by the start of your
junior year and select a faculty advisor for each program.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major.
- To change to or add a major or minor in this department, follow these instructions.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.
Time Schedule:
Course Planning: Suggested course sequences