Computer Science
Program Details
Computer science helps explain the world around us, from how apps on smartphones work to how hospital ultrasound machines function. As a 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.
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.
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
- Computer Science 170: Computer Science I............ 3cr.
- English 101: English Composition............ 3cr.
- Math Thinking for CSCI............ 3cr.
- Second Language I............ 3cr.
- Theology 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: GOA............ 0cr.
Spring
- Computer Science 180: Computer Science II............ 3cr.
- First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- Foundations of Mathematics............ 3cr.
- Second Language II............ 3cr.
- Philosophy 101: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- CORE 102: GOA............ 0cr.
Fall
- Computer Science 220: Data Structures and Algorithms............ 3cr.
- Statistics or Linear Algebra............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- English 205: Literature and the Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
Spring
- Computer Science 260: Software Engineering............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Computer Science 250: Languages and Automata............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
Fall
- Computer Science 210: Machine Organization and Assembly Language............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- Software Engineering II............ 3cr.
- Major Level Science/Lab............ 4cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Computer Science 340: Networking............ 3cr.
- Programming Languages............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Major Level Science/Lab............ 4cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Computer Science 320: Operating Systems............ 3cr.
- Computer Science Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Computer Science 390: Senior Project............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- Computer Science 335: Databases............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Sample Courses
Xavier is known for providing an education that's both challenging and personal. Here are some courses that are part of the computer science major at Xavier:
Software Engineering (CSCI 260) - Software development process; software requirements and specifications; software design and implementation; verification and validation.
Programming Languages (CSCI 300) - History of programming languages; virtual machines; sequence control; data control; scoping; parameter passing; sharing and type checking; run-time storage management; programming language semantics; programming paradigms. Includes a brief introduction to several different languages as examples of paradigms.
Operating Systems (CSCI 320) - Operating system software and hardware design and implementation; tasks and processes; process coordination, synchronization, and scheduling; physical and virtual memory organization; file systems and naming; security and protection.
Databases (CSCI 335) - Database systems are the software systems used to manage large volumes of data. The principles of database systems are studied from both a theoretical and practical viewpoint. The emphasis will be on solving the problems encountered in designing and using a database system, regardless of the underlying hardware and operating system on which the database system will run.
Career Outcomes
98% of Xavier students, including those in the computer science major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2021).
Top Jobs: Software Engineer, Actuarial Analyst, Associate Consultant, Chemist, Developer, Electrical Engineer, Research Engineer
Top Companies: Good Samaritan Hospital, The Christ Hospital, AT&T, 84.51, TBM Consulting, ScribeAmerica, GE Aviation
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshop series on interviewing and resume writing techniques and maintaining an educational, vocational and employer information resource center. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for positions in business and industry.
Student Clubs
The following clubs are popular choices for students in the computer science major.
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.
Take the Next Step
Cybersecurity Concentration for Computer Science Majors
A concentration in cybersecurity provides students in the computer science major with the fundamentals at the hardware, systems and compliance levels. Students graduate from the program ready to plan and execute security measures to protect computer networks.
Cincinnati: A City of Opportunity for Computer Science Majors
Cincinnati, Ohio features some of the largest companies in the world, which means students in the computer science major have countless opportunities for careers, internships and mentorships at places like Kroger, Procter & Gamble and Fifth Third Bancorp. The city is ranked the #1 Best City for College Graduates (smartasset.com) and the #15 Best Place to Start a Career (WalletHub).
What is Jesuit Education?
A Xavier education is more than your typical college experience. Drawing on a Jesuit Catholic educational model 400 years in the making, students in the computer science major get the personal attention and support they need to succeed and make a difference in the world. The result is an education that’s as encouraging as it is challenging, and as enriching as it is demanding.
Faculty Spotlight: Deep Ramanayake - Computer Science
Get to know Deep Ramanayake, professor in the Department of Computer Science at Xavier University.
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.
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."