Type of Offering
Major
Minor
College
Engineering
Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree
Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can chat with you and share its knowledge. Cloud computing infrastructure that makes high performance computing resources available anywhere there’s an internet connection. Hollywood movies and video games with mind blowing special effects. Credit these and many other technologies to computer scientists!
More info?
If you are interested in getting more information about the Computer Science program, click below and fill out our form.
In the T.J. Smull College of Engineering, you’ll obtain a strong foundation in the field of computer science. You’ll take courses in software design, programming languages, machine learning, game design, mobile apps, networking, security and databases. If you’re passionate about a particular subject – like AI, cybersecurity, blockchain technology, or robotics – you can choose from a variety of upper-level elective courses in these areas.
Your computer science education will blend foundational principles with hands-on, real-world learning experiences. You’ll work on team projects and solve software challenges for actual clients as early as your first year. You’ll apply the knowledge you learn in class, and have the opportunity to hone skills in leadership, teamwork, creativity and entrepreneurship. These skills will help you find a job and land that promotion.
Our program emphasizes getting to know the individual student for personalized mentorship and academic advising in a supportive and collaborative environment. Your professors and fellow students in the college will become part of your academic support network, working for your success. You will have the opportunity to connect with ONU alumni and they will also help you succeed and open doors for you.
Upon graduation, you’ll be ready for whatever the future holds, whether it’s working in cybersecurity, designing software, cloud infrastructure, or starting your own company!
Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life
We would love to meet you and show you around!Your health, safety and future are in good hands at Northern. We offer a host of services to keep you informed and meet your needs while you are on campus.
ABET Accredited
ABET is a nonprofit, ISO 9001 certified organization that accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. The computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES, CURRICULUM & PROGRAM RESOURCES
You’ll need 128 credit hours to earn your Bachelor of Science (BS) in computer science. We encourage you to use your elective hours to pursue a minor of your choice or a concentration in robotics that will align with your interests and passions.
Concentrations
Concentrations are a great addition to your major allowing for a deeper exposure to a specific area of interest. Learn about the different major/concentration combos for Computer Science below.
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- Why Choose This? Robotics is no longer just about hardware; it’s about the software that powers intelligent machines. This concentration will prepare you to develop the algorithms and software that bring robots to life.
- Career Path: Enter roles as a robotics software developer, automation engineer, or in industries like tech and manufacturing where robotics is key.
- Robotics academic page
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- Why Choose This? In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. This concentration prepares you to defend systems from cyber threats, ensuring the safety and integrity of data and networks.
- Experiential Learning: Work in labs like Computer Security and Networks and Data Communications, where you’ll learn how to secure systems from the ground up. Advanced courses like Security and Vulnerability Testing will further sharpen your skills.
- Career Path: Pursue careers as a cybersecurity analyst, software security engineer, or work in roles focused on protecting critical infrastructure in tech, finance, or government.
- Cybersecurity academics page
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- Why Choose This? Combine your love for computing with a desire to improve healthcare. This concentration equips you to develop software for medical devices, health applications, and biotech innovations.
- Career Path: Step into roles as a biomedical software developer, health tech innovator, medical database developer, or work in companies that are leading the way in medical technology.
- Biomedical engineering academic page
Guided education
Our expert computer science faculty is what sets us apart. This field is more than just writing code: it's about understanding the ways that computers are used to solve important problems, appreciating how computing has evolved over time, and anticipating where computers can take us in the future. There is a lot to learn, and we have just the faculty to teach it all.
Competing to win
Strong experiential learning opportunities abound in competitions such as the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Programming Contest, which challenges teams of students to solve specific computing problems and submit these solutions as programs written in C, C++ or Java. In addition, computer science students may participate in other design competitions like our annual gridiron matchups as part of an intercollegiate robotic football tournament or join one of the teams participating in local hackathons. In case you’re wondering, the Polar Bears always compete to win at these challenging contests.The ultimate learning environment
We were overjoyed to open the brand new James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building in 2019. The 105,000-square-foot facility is able to accommodate 600 students and includes more than 10,000 square feet of large-scale project and design space for capstone projects, competitive design projects and other direct industry engagement. Further, it provides flexible space that can be adjusted to various projects and features more than 2,000 square feet for research labs that can exist on their own or can be combined into larger spaces for bigger projects.
Solid outcomes
We boast a 100 percent placement rate for students in co-op employment opportunities, which begin in the second semester of the junior year and continue for one year. Our computer science students co-op at Microsoft, RoviSys, Raytheon, Honda and other well-known companies. Over the last five years, 96 percent of our computer science majors found full-time positions or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.Get involved
In the College of Engineering, we have a variety of active and award-winning student organizations. Through participation in one or more of these groups, you’ll have the opportunity to network, be a leader, make lifelong friends, gain knowledge about your chosen profession, volunteer, travel to regional and national conferences, and more. Click on the headlines below to learn more.
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This group represents the study body of the College of Engineering. Members work closely with the dean of the College of Engineering, the faculty and our student organizations. Its purpose is to cultivate greater cooperation and communication between all groups.
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This group of students designs and builds multiple robotic football players (quarterbacks, centers, linemen, running backs, wide receivers and a kicker) to compete in an annual robotics football match up against undergraduate engineering students from the University of Notre Dame.
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This honorary recognizes outstanding talent in the field of computer science, promotes high scholarship and encourages individual contributions to society through computing science.
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This group is a social sorority for women in engineering or engineering technology. Sisters develop the highest standard of personal integrity, strive for academic excellence and build friendships that last a lifetime.
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This professional organization promotes the advancement and exchange of information in the computing field. Members have access to the latest publications and online resources to stay up-to-date in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of computing.
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This professional organization is open to male and female engineers who are dedicated to making known the need for more female engineers and for encouraging young women to consider majoring in engineering. ONU’s chapter provides support for its female students and hosts social activities.
My time at ONU prepared me for the decision-making and problem-solving I encounter in the workplace. Knowing that I am involved in creating innovation and change in health care is rewarding and gives me a passion for coming to work.Erin Radigan, BS ’14
Computer science degree FAQ
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Computer science is the science and application of computing and information to develop innovative solutions to problems. Computer science is a rapidly evolving field that has a profound impact on nearly every aspect of modern life, from communication and entertainment to healthcare and transportation.
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According to the job search website Handshake, the top 10 jobs for someone with a computer science degree are software developer, web developer, UX designer, mobile app developer, IT project manager, information security analyst, systems architect, AI engineer, computer hardware engineer, and video game developer. Some other job examples include cloud computing engineer, user interface designer, and web developer.
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ONU computer science majors take courses in software design, programming languages, machine learning, game design, mobile apps, networking, security, and databases. They can also pursue particular passions in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain technology and robotics.
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The median annual wage for computer scientists was $136,620 in May 2022.
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Computer scientists are highly valued in nearly all sectors and industries. For instance, they work as data analysts to inform business decision-making, protect financial institutions from security breaches, create video games and interactive simulations, design mobile applications, and conduct AI research for companies. We often think of computer scientists working for tech giants such as Apple and Google, but they also serve critical roles at healthcare systems, nonprofits, schools and more, where they perform important functions such as designing digital programs to enhance advocacy and increase community engagement, building customized job training software to combat poverty, and creating interactive visualization tools to help news organizations make sense of large data sets for the public.
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Computer science and computer engineering are related. Computer science is more focused on software development, algorithms, and theoretical aspects of computing, while computer engineering involves working with both hardware and software, with an emphasis on designing and developing computer-based systems.
End game: A fulfilling computer science career
Our graduates make a difference all over the world.
Whether you enter the workforce right after graduation, or continue your education in graduate school, the Smull College of Engineering prepares you for success.
