Enter a Dynamic Field Rooted in Technology, Creativity and Problem-Solving
The Computer Science major at St. Edward’s provides a strong foundation in computing principles and hands-on technical experience that prepares you to thrive across diverse industries. You’ll apply classroom learning to real-world projects and internships, developing both your analytical and creative problem-solving skills. Through coursework, collaboration and innovation, you’ll learn to design and implement solutions to complex challenges using modern technologies and forward-thinking approaches.
Why earn your Computer Science degree at St. Edward’s?
Get ready to succeed in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. Whether your passion lies in designing innovative software, securing digital systems, managing complex data, or exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to turn ideas into impact. Our program blends technical expertise with a strong liberal arts foundation, encouraging you to think critically, solve problems creatively and communicate with purpose. You’ll grow academically and professionally, discover your strengths, contribute meaningfully to your community, and pursue your aspirations with confidence.
Build relationships with your professors
You’ll learn in small classes taught by award-winning, dedicated faculty-mentors with years of academic and industry experience. They’ll make a point of getting to know you, help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during and after your college years.
Apply knowledge to real-world challenge
You’ll work closely with peers and faculty mentors on your Culminating Experience Project, a capstone that brings together everything you’ve learned in the program. Design, build and present a software solution addressing a real-world challenge, such as AI-powered accessibility tools, secure mobile health apps and data dashboards for nonprofits. This hands-on experience enhances your technical and teamwork skills, resulting in a portfolio-ready project for professional success or graduate study.
Join a vibrant community of coders
The St. Edward’s Computer Science Club brings together students with a shared passion for computer science. Through meetups, workshops and events, students have fun learning from one another while collaborating on exciting projects that help build their résumés.
Get an edge in the job market
Launch your career in the heart of Austin’s thriving tech community. Graduates of St. Edward’s gain the skills, experience and professional network to step confidently into roles in technology and business, or to continue their education at top graduate programs. With hands-on experience, faculty support and real-world connections, you’ll graduate ready to make an immediate impact.
Reap the Rewards of Austin
Austin is a hotspot for technology startups, mid-size companies and industry giants such as AMD, Google, IBM, Apple, Amazon, Dell, Tesla and Samsung. As a Computer Science major, you can explore career paths and practical application of your studies through internships and interactions within the greater Austin community.
What do our graduates do?
Computer Science majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.
- Software engineers for companies like CDK Global, Khoros, Dun & Bradstreet and Duo Security
- Product development specialist at Facebook
- Site reliability engineers for JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Software developers for companies like IBM and Dell
- Entered graduate school at top-ranked programs, such as The University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University, Rice University, Purdue University, Vanderbilt University, Georgia Tech University and Manchester University
Explore Details About a Degree in Computer Science
St. Edward’s offers both BS and BA degrees in Computer Science, with multiple areas of focus depending on a student’s desired outcome. This helpful Computer Science course map shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department.
1. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – This degree track provides rigorous preparation for many possible careers, with a course of study based on computer science theory and its application in various aspects of business and industry. It includes support courses to prepare students for graduate study in computer science.
- In addition to the core courses, students will complete a concentration in either Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or Software Development. View more details about our BS degree concentrations on our Department of Computer Science webpage.
Major Requirements: The BS in Computer Science requires 72 hours of Computer Science major courses, including supporting courses in Mathematics.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for our BS in Computer Science major (PDF).
2. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science – This degree track offers more options to take non-computer-science-related courses than the BS track, which is especially helpful for students who seek a double major or a broader technical degree before advanced study in graduate school. A strong background in mathematics and computer science is recommended.
In this major, you will …
- Study the algorithmic processes that create, describe and transform information.
- Learn to develop software designed to solve problems in a variety of fields.
Major Requirements: The BA in Computer Science requires 58 hours of Computer Science major courses, including supporting courses in Mathematics.
General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.
View and download the full degree plan for our BA in Computer Science major (PDF).
What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain
Our Computer Science degree ensures that you’ll graduate with a strong résumé that showcases your knowledge and skills. Here’s a sample of what you’ll learn:
- Computer programming, software development and engineering
- Algorithmic processes that create, describe and transform information
- Software development designed to solve problems in a variety of fields
- Solid understanding of mathematics and formulas
- Critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Technical writing, and creating and presenting professional-level work
- Teamwork, time management and attention to details
Experiential Learning
Enhance your learning by participating in hands-on projects and student organizations that build your skills. For example …
- In Software Engineering, you’ll work on a large-scale team project — from specification and design, to implementation, to testing, evolution, maintenance and management. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard tools and communicate effectively with clients.
- In Undergraduate Research and Development, you’ll research a computing problem; investigate a possible solution to the problem; and design, evolve and articulate a solution.
- The Computer Science Club on campus helps students build their skills through events like Capture the Flag, a cybersecurity-focused programming competition. Students are also encouraged to participate in national and global computing societies such as the Association for Computing Machinery and the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges.
- The St. Edward’s Maker Club attracts tinkerers and programmers who have worked on projects involving 3-D printing, soldering, programming LED strips and creating art through programming.
Computer Science students have built their professional skills in the following internships. Several were extended full-time job offers afterward.
- Sphere integrated containers internship at VMware
- Technology internship at AIG Insurance
- Digital technology leadership internship at GE
- System validation engineer internship at NXP Semiconductors
- Software engineer internship at Corva
- Software engineering internship at dealership management software company CDK Global
- Software development internship at Emerson Automation Solutions, which builds software for manufacturing and industrial plants
Learn on the job at St. Edward’s.
The St. Edward’s Office of Information Technology hires students to work as support technicians. Help students, faculty and staff with computer troubleshooting; maintain the computer labs; and set up software on new computers for employees. In addition to covering “Help desk” issues, you can specialize in networking or enterprise software and earn credentials like Google Cloud certification.
Land a paid internship through the St. Edward’s i4 Institute.
As a student in the Computer Science program, you are afforded access to the funding programs, including paid internships, offered exclusively to STEM students at St. Edward’s University by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these programs please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4).
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Computer Science webpage.
Earn Two Degrees in Five Years
With our Accelerated Graduate Pathways, you can complete your BA in Computer Science and one of three master’s degrees in as little as five years, saving time and money. See details and requirements.
- Computer Science to Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Computer Science to MS in Business Analytics
- Computer Science to MS in Digital Marketing and Analytics
Success coaches and academic advisors guide you through undergraduate and graduate courses to maximize benefits.