Northwestern’s Computer Science program will prepare you for a successful career in software development, cybersecurity, or web/mobile development. But more than just a career, our clearly Christian computer science program will provide you with a strong ethical commitment for ministry for Jesus Christ.
This might be the right degree for you if
- you enjoy working with computers and information technology
- have strong mathematical skills
- want a degree that provides you with the flexibility to work in any industry
Why study computer science at Northwestern?
Computer science requires expert levels of information knowledge, broad experience, and unshakable ethics to navigate a variety of roles in technology. You will learn from Christian professionals who will provide personal instruction. You will grow in your spiritual and ethical commitment while increasing your technical knowledge.
You will learn about
- application development including software design and use of algorithms
- systems analysis and design techniques for customizing each project you develop
- integration of databases, cybersecurity, and data communications in your projects
Northwestern is close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. With 16 local Fortune 500 companies, students take advantage of great internship opportunities.
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During the Summer of 2022, I interned as a software engineering intern at Research Innovations. This experience gave me insight into what working with a software team is like and the process of building real-world programs. I worked on the development of a meaningful issue and learned how to use tools that the industry uses for development along the way.
Careers in computer science
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in computer science.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Technical support
- Teaching (non-licensure)
- Instructional technology
- Software design and development
- Systems development/analysis
- Web design/maintenance
- Programming
- Systems integration
- Intranet maintenance
- IT consulting/analysis
- Database administration
- Research and development
- Sales and marketing
- Technical writing
What will I learn?
You will learn to analyze, think critically, and program computers.
COS 2269
Computer Security Fundamentals
This course covers an introduction to the concepts of security. These concepts are applied to areas such as programming, databases, networks, systems and applications. The course covers general concepts and specific instances of security related threats. In addition, compliance issues are discussed such as Sarbanes-Oxley reporting and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
COS 3267
Operating Systems Concepts
This course provides the student with an overview of the principles upon which all operating systems are built. The concepts of file, processor, input/output and memory management are explored. In addition, higher-level concepts such as security, multiple processors, multitasking, concurrency and transaction processing are covered. Specific instances of popular operating systems are examined and put into context in light of the principles learned.
COS 3272
Programming I – Java
This course presents sequential, functional, and object-oriented programming using a popular computer language in the context of an open-source community. Topics include classes, objects, events, methods, properties, syntax, program structure, data types, functions, loops, and conditional statements. Investigations of applications in data analysis and artificial intelligence.
COS 2005
Python Programming
This course uses a popular computer language for the development of many types of computer applications. Topics include program design, program structure, debugging programs, computer language syntax, computer commands, assignments and expressions, system inputs and outputs, variables, data types, loops and structured control. The course continues with additional topics such as object types, numerical types, strings, lists, using files, data analysis, functions, scope of variables, arguments, modules, object-oriented programming, exceptions, and developing larger applications for data analysis.
CYS 3065
Systems Analysis and Design
This course presents an overview of the systems-development life cycle with emphasis on the analysis and design phases of software development. The student learns to use one of the popular analysis and design methodologies and a software tool supporting the methodology.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
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Discover the Department of Computing, Analytics, & Mathematics
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
