Computer science is the design, implementation, and analysis of software and algorithms that are used to solve problems in a wide range of industries, including business, medicine, communications, entertainment, and manufacturing. The computer science program offers courses that range from entry-level to professional development. These include computer programming, data structures, database management, system analysis and design, operating systems, online information systems, and cybersecurity. The computer science courses are designed to prepare students for a lifetime of learning that will enable them to meet the challenges of future developments in information technology. The program is supported by a variety of computing resources and laboratories which support its educational mission.
About The Program
Computer science is the design, implementation, and analysis of software and algorithms that are used to solve problems in a wide range of industries, including business, medicine, communications, entertainment, and manufacturing. The computer science program offers courses that range from entry-level to professional development. This program fosters a lifetime of learning that will enable students to meet the challenges of future developments in information technology. The program is supported by a variety of computing resources and laboratories which support its educational mission.
The Computer Science major includes two types of degree options: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Each program provides a broad education in fundamentals and problem-solving strategies. The B.A. option offers a basic major in computer science. The B.S. option is designed for students with an additional strong interest in science or engineering. An undergraduate research experience is part of the B.S. option in Computer Science. Both options are appropriate for students who plan to pursue graduate study in the same or related fields. A minor in computer science addresses the fundamentals in computer science including programming languages and computer systems. Students in this minor will gain basic hands-on experience on computer and programming techniques, such as Python or Java programming, data structures, and database systems.
Note: Students may NOT double major in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems.
Majors: Computer Science (BA, BS), Computer Information Systems (BA), Computer Information Systems (Cybersecurity) (BA)
Minors: Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity
Program Chair: Dr. Maynard Schaus
College: Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Why Study at VWU?
Marlins IMPACT Scholarship Program
The Marlins IMPACT Scholarship Program provides need-based scholarships for academically talented undergraduates majoring in STEM disciplines at VWU in a national effort to increase numbers of students graduating in STEM disciplines and joining the U.S. STEM workforce.
Accelerated Degree Options
Pre-Engineering Program at ODU
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Wesleyan University and a Master's degree in Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Modeling & Simulation, or Systems Engineering from Old Dominion University.
Internships/Undergraduate Research
Independent or guided research projects are en couraged and pursued by many students in these programs. Students are offered the opportunity to conduct original research in an area of interest. Students work closely with one or more members of the natural science faculty to develop and conduct a research project, and then present their findings during the semester's Academic Symposium. Students are also encouraged to present their findings at a conference. Qualified students assist mathematics instructors in the classroom. Enrollment as a teaching assis tant is by invitation of the MATH/CS department. Although the course is required for students seeking certification in secondary education, enrollment is not limited to such students.
Beyond the Classroom
Career options in mathematics include:
- actuary
- operations research
- cryptanalyst
- cost estimator
- national security analyst
- statistician
- and education
Career options in computer science include:
- software developer
- programmer
- system analyst
- computer administrator
- and systems consultant