computer science students working on projects

Computer Science Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Design and develop tomorrow’s technology solutions.

UND has the top online computer science degree in the Upper Midwest. You'll be in demand with fundamental system and computer programming skills.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
124

Why earn a Computer Science degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Learn problem solving and computer programming at the University of North Dakota. Our program will teach you how to model and analyze problems, design solutions, and verify results using with today’s most exciting technology.

UND's bachelor's degree in Computer Science is truly unique. You will have opportunities to:

  • Create web and mobile apps.
  • Develop computer animations and virtual reality systems.
  • Analyze imagery and data from unmanned and manned aircraft systems.
  • Influence the design of systems for aerospace.
  • Develop expertise in cybersecurity, big data, software engineering, information technology, computer animation, and game design.

The Computer Science major provides a strong mathematical and scientific background. It is recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate studies or employment in technical or scientific computing.

Bachelor's in Computer Science

  • The B.S. in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

  • Collaborate with engineering, aerospace, and medical students, as well as other disciplines.

  • Conduct research, develop software and manage systems for many schools and departments.

  • Flexible course offerings and specializations allow for a tailored educational experience.

  • Gain access to on-campus computing power. We have two computer labs, a set of diverse servers and a high-performance computing (HPC) system.

  • For those who are Active Duty, this program is AU-ABC degree eligible.
     

What can you do with a Computer Science bachelor's degree?

130k

Median annual salary for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

17%

Projected job outlook for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of the Computer Science program often go on to successful careers in today's fastest-growing and dynamic industries and sectors including:

  • Cyber security
  • Gaming
  • Mobile app development
  • Software development
  • Telecommunications

UND Computer Science graduates can expect a range of opportunities in careers like:

  • Computer Scientist
  • Computer System Engineer
  • Database Administrator
  • Games Developer
  • Network Architect
  • Software Engineering
  • Systems Analyst

Skills with a Bachelor's in Computer Science

A Computer Science degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • C++
  • Hypertext Markup Language/HTML
  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • SQL

Jobs with a Computer Science Degree

Our student have conducted internships across North Dakota and Minnesota at companies such as:

  • Cruise Aunonomous Vehicles
  • Digi-Key
  • HGST
  • John Deere
  • Honeywell
  • IBM
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Microsoft
  • Collins Aerospace
  • Epic Systems

Computer Science Degree Courses

CSCI 280. Object Oriented Programming. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the concept and execution of Object-Oriented programming, using an appropriate language. Includes an introduction to object creations, classes, inheritance, interfaces, exceptions, overloading, and more. Prerequisite: CSCI 265 with a grade of C or better. S.

CSCI 242. Algorithms and Data Structures. 3 Credits.

This course introduces fundamental concepts in data structures and algorithms, and their roles in efficient problem solving in computer science. Topics include basic data structures such as priority queue, heap, hash table, search trees, and graphs; introduction to classic algorithms such as searching, sorting, and selection; theoretical modeling techniques including time and space complexity analysis, classification, upper bounds, lower bounds, exact bounds, and divide-and-conquer approaches. Prerequisite: CSCI 161 with a C or better and MATH 208. F,S.

CSCI 363. User Interface Design. 3 Credits.

A study of the design and implementation of user interfaces for software applications. Students will apply principles of interface design to build applications using a toolkit of graphical interface components. Required coursework includes a team project. Prerequisite: CSCI 265 with a grade of C or better. F.

CSCI 364. Concurrent and Distributed Programming. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on concurrent object oriented programming and modern distributed/parallel programming models (such as OpenMP, CUDA, OpenCL and Actors). Students will utilize various high performance distributed computing technology. Topics covered will include shared and distributed memory systems, sockets, threads, and message passing. Prerequisite: CSCI 330 with a grade of C or better. S.

CSCI 455. Database Management Systems. 3 Credits.

Database concepts, database design (ER, UML), database programming languages (SQL), NoSQL Database, Database Concurrency and recovery techniques, and Database security. Prerequisite: CSCI 242 with a grade of C or better. S, even years.

CSCI 463. Software Engineering. 3 Credits.

This course teaches software engineering principles and techniques used in the specification, design, implementation, verification and maintenance of large-scale software systems. Major software development methodologies are reviewed. As development team members, students participate in a group project involving the production or revision of a complex software product. Prerequisite: CSCI 242 and CSCI 363. S.

Online Computer Science Degree

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

The entire online Computer Science degree program is offered 100% online. You’re not required to come to campus at any time. Our flexible online courses are designed to help you earn your bachelor of Computer Science with minimal disruption. Compare our Computer Science degree cost and reputation, and you'll find UND is the best program in the region. We offer the same affordable online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency.

Flexible Online Computer Science Degree Courses

Every course is available in an asynchronous format. For those who prefer real-time interaction, select courses offer an optional synchronous lecture option.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture.
  • Ask questions.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Conduct group activities.
  • Participate in video-sharing.
  • Have chat conversations.
  • Use interactive whiteboards.
  • Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

UND's Online Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

With a Computer Science degree, you can work in virtually any field, as computing skills are integral across industries. Computer Science graduates can work in areas such as artificial intelligence, databases, gaming, automation, web development, robotics, data mining, computer security and mobile computing.

Computer science poses its own set of challenges, though the level of difficulty varies from person to person. Students with diverse skills and backgrounds may find different aspects of the field either challenging or engaging. Overall, with commitment and consistent effort, the intricacies of computer science can be effectively mastered.

Successful completion of a Computer Science degree requires skills like attention to detail, curiosity, resourcefulness, persistence, creativity and logical and creative thinking. While some areas may require a strong mathematics background, many positions only need a basic college-level understanding.

Bachelor’s level Computer Science degrees are designed for a four-year completion, depending on credit load. However, the timeframe can extend to four and a half to five years if students choose to add minors, double majors or enroll in extra classes.

Using Technology for Good

Initially drawn to UND by the Esports program, Mario Medeles is now pursuing his Computer Science degree to make a positive impact with technology.

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