Computer Science
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts
Xavier University’s computer science major enhances your understanding of complex programming languages, software development and much more. Whether you pursue your B.S. or your B.A. degree, you graduate ready to tackle new challenges and enter the workforce as a qualified professional.
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.
Top employers for computer science graduates: Apple, American Express, AT&T and Great American Insurance Group
Exciting career opportunities: Software Engineer, Computer Programmer, Mobile App Developer, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst, Netowork Administrator, Web Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Project Manager, Software Developer
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.
Software Engineering (CSCI 260)
In this course, you'll learn how to define requirements, craft effective designs, implement robust code, and ensure the quality of your software through rigorous testing and validation.
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. Learn 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)
Explore 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.
Program Features
Develop your practical skills through participation in cyber defense competitions and real-world penetration testing exercises with our student-led Cybersecurity Team.
Connect with mentors who are software engineers, IT professionals, programmers and developers, providing real-world insights and shaping your future career path.
At a Jesuit university, you’ll learn to apply your skills for the greater good, from developing technologies that improve people's lives to protecting user privacy.
From Kroger to Procter and Gamble and Fifth Third Bancorp, you'll have prime access to internships, mentorships and computer science career opportunities.
Turbulent times in his home country of Sri Lanka inspired Deep Ramanayke to pursue education in the U.S. As the director of Xavier’s cybersecurity program, he’s teaching ethical cybersecurity.
Hear what Xavier student Alan Apraku loves most about the Xavier community, the computer science major and living in Cincinnati, Ohio.
FAQ
Prepare for a successful career in the field of computer science by earning your BA or BS in Computer Science at Xavier. Discover more.
- Computer programmer
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Data scientist
- IT project manager
- Mobile app developer
- Network administrator
- Software developer/engineer
- Systems analyst
- Web developer
At Xavier, we recognize that you have a unique set of academic and professional goals. To help create a course of study that suits your interests, you can choose between the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science or the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science.
- If you opt for the B.S. in Computer Science, you can expect more in-depth coursework in computer science, mathematics and science and fewer free elective credits.
- In the B.A. in Computer Science degree path, there are fewer course requirements than the B.S., allowing more elective hours to apply toward a second major or minor.
Whichever computer science degree program you choose, you become well-acquainted with popular programming languages such as Python, Java and C++. You develop essential skills in data harvesting and management, software development and more.
Xavier University's cybersecurity and computer science programs offer a strong foundation in computer science principles, but they have distinct focuses:
Computer Science
- Broader scope: Covers a wider range of computer science topics, including programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering and operating systems.
- Foundation for various careers: Prepares students for roles in software development, systems analysis, database management and other IT-related fields.
- Flexibility: Allows students to explore different areas of computer science and specialize in a particular area of interest.
Cybersecurity
- Specialized focus: Emphasizes the security aspects of computer systems and networks, including threat analysis, risk assessment and incident response.
- Practical skills: Equips students with hands-on experience in ethical hacking, penetration testing and digital forensics.
- Career-oriented: Prepares students for careers in cybersecurity, such as information security analyst, cybersecurity engineer and penetration tester.
Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers students in the computer science major 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 Program 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."