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Computer Science

Undergraduate
|
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts

Program Details

Computer science helps explain the world around us, from how apps on smartphones work to how hospital ultrasound machines function. As a student in the computer science major at Xavier, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of computer processes and algorithms through challenging academics, guided research and co-op and internship opportunities.

Courses in Xavier's nationally-recognized computer science major are focused on real-world learning, so you’ll graduate with the skills needed for a career as a computer programmer, systems analyst, software designer, network administrator, web designer or technical consultant.

Degree Awarded

Students choose between the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science combines in-depth coursework in computer science, mathematics and science. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science has fewer course requirements than the Bachelor of Science in computer science, allowing more free elective hours that can be applied to a second major or minor.

Concentrations

Cybersecurity

The National Security Agency (NSA) recently designated Xavier as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) for the University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Cybersecurity Concentration. Read the story.  

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Curriculum

The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Computer Science major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.

Fall

  • CSCI 170: Computer Science I............ 3cr.
  • ENGL 101: English Composition or ENGL 115: Rhetoric............ 3cr.
  • MATH 156: General Statistics (or MATH 222/256)............ 3cr.
  • THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
  • Second Language I............ 3cr.
  • CORE 101: GOA............ 0cr.

Spring

  • CSCI 180: Computer Science II............ 3cr.
  • MATH 225: Foundations of Mathematics............ 3cr.
  • PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
  • First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
  • Second Language II............ 3cr.
  • CORE 102: GOA............ 0cr.

Fall

  • CSCI 220: Data Structures and Algorithms............ 3cr.
  • MATH 156: General Statistics (or MATH 222/240/256)............ 3cr.
  • ENGL 205: Literature and the Moral Imagination (or CLAS 205 or SPAN 205)............ 3cr.
  • Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Scientific Perspectives............ 3cr.

Spring

  • CSCI 260: Software Engineering............ 3cr.
  • CSCI 250: Languages and Automata............ 3cr.
  • Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
  • Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.

Fall

  • CSCI 210: Machine Organization and Assembly Language............ 3cr.
  • CSCI 261: Software Engineering II............ 3cr.
  • Major Level Science/Lab............ 4cr.
  • Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
  • Humanities Elective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • CSCI 335: Databases or CSCI 340: Networking............ 3cr.
  • CSCI 300: Programming Languages............ 3cr.
  • Major Level Science/Lab............ 4cr.
  • CSCI Elective............ 3cr.
  • E/RS Elective............ 3cr.

Fall

  • CSCI 320: Operating Systems............ 3cr.
  • Computer Science Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • CSCI 390: Senior Seminar and Project............ 3cr.
  • Computer Science 335: Databases or CSCI 340: Networking............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.

Sample Courses

Sample courses within the computer science major curriculum:

  • Software Engineering (CSCI 260) - This course covers the intricate process of software development, from defining requirements to crafting designs, implementation and verification and validation techniques.
  • Programming Languages (CSCI 300) - This course explores the breadth of programming languages, covering their historical evolution, virtual machine concepts and essential topics such as control sequences, data management and runtime storage. Delve into programming paradigms and gain insight through introductory examples of various languages, enriching your understanding of language semantics and design principles.
  • Operating Systems (CSCI 320) - Learn about how operating system software and hardware come together, manage tasks and processes, organize memory, handle file systems and ensure security.
  • Databases (CSCI 335) - Delve into the principles of managing vast amounts of data, blending theory with hands-on practice to tackle real-world database design and utilization challenges, irrespective of hardware or operating system constraints.

Career Outcomes

99% of Xavier students, including those in the computer science major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.

Career Opportunities: Software Engineer, Computer Programmer, Mobile App Developer, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst, Netowork Administrator, Web Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Project Manager, Software Developer

More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.

Student Clubs

  • Computer Science Club- From game nights to hackathons and coding classes, these technology enthusiasts love all things digital. Members meet to discuss the latest in computer science and connect with each other.
  • Xavier University Gaming Club- Members of this club meet weekly to hang out and play games together. The club holds tournaments, gaming sessions and charity livestreams.
  • Minorities in STEM Succeeding Together- Become part of a supportive community dedicated to empowering minority STEM majors. Discover a space where you can thrive, connect with peers and build confidence in your identity while pursuing excellence in STEM.

Additional Resources

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All for One

Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is nationally recognized as a top university by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. 99 percent of our students, including those in the computer science major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022).

Safeguard Networks With a Cybersecurity Concentration

Computer science majors working on desktop computers with headphones on

With a concentration in cybersecurity, you'll gain the fundamentals at the hardware, systems and compliance levels. You'll graduate from the program ready to plan and execute security measures to protect computer networks.

Cybersecurity Concentration

Kickstart Your Computer Science Career in Cincinnati, Ohio

A photo of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio at night. Lights from the buildings reflect on the Ohio river.

Cincinnati, Ohio features some of the largest companies in the world, which means you'll have countless opportunities for computer science careers, internships and mentorships at places like Kroger, Procter & Gamble and Fifth Third Bancorp.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Experience a Transformative Education

Students in the computer science major working together in a classroom

Studying computer science at a Jesuit university not only equips you with technical skills but also emphasizes ethical considerations, social responsibility and a global perspective, ensuring you're not just a skilled professional but also a socially conscious one.

Jesuit Education

Graduate With Honors

Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.

University Scholars Honors Program Details

Computer Science Major at Xavier University

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a traditional program that combines computer science, mathematics, and science. It involves more in-depth course work in these main areas producing graduates with a thorough knowledge of Computer Science. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science allows students room to pursue a second major or minor combined with computer science. This encourages inter- and multi-disciplinary study, developing well-rounded students ready to contribute to an increasingly interdisciplinary world that utilizes computation.

Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."