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Computer Science Major

School of Arts and Sciences

Capstone Course

In your senior year, you will have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your culminating course. You can choose between a faculty-approved software development project or an internship as a part of your degree requirements.

Students and mentor working around a computer

Software Project

Working with a team of your peers, you will have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge that you have learned through your coursework in a practical software development project.

Internship

Take advantage of the many tech companies that are headquartered in Irvine and nearby with an internship during your senior year. Your professors will work with you to find an opportunity that matches your interests in computer science.

Materials Needed

For computer science courses, students should have a laptop computer that is running the latest version of either Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, or a Unix-like operating system. For engineering courses, students will often need to work in a Windows environment (non-Windows users may need additional resources, such as Parallels). We recommend a mid-range to upper-end computer system. Our courses are rigorous and we want to avoid the frustrations that come with bargain computers.

Our students report that it is a big benefit to have an external mouse and reasonably-sized display monitor in their dorm rooms, but this is not a requirement.

Most Chromebooks, iPads, and other tablets will not work because they do not allow you to install the proper development tools or only provide limited functionality. A few highly skilled students have managed to get by with a combination of a high-end Chromebook and the desktop computers that are available 24/7 in our computer science and engineering labs; however, this setup is discouraged.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the computer science program, you will be equipped to:

  • Create, implement, and evaluate software systems that meet specified design and performance requirements.
  • Apply algorithmic, mathematical, and scientific reasoning to a variety of complex computing problems.
  • Analyze, articulate, and apply scholarly resources to integrate computer science theory, software development fundamentals, and best practices in the discipline of computer science.
  • Cultivate the Christian teaching of vocations to make wise, informed judgements and practice ethical, honorable decision-making in computer science.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in computer science.
  • Function effectively as a gracious and helpful member or leader of a team.
     

Program Educational Objectives

Program educational objectives (PEOs) describe the professional accomplishments that graduates are expected to achieve within five years of completing the program. Accomplishments for computer science graduates include:

  • Build a professional foundation as wise, honorable, and cultivated computer scientists in industry, government, or academia that leads to stable careers with strong potential for growth.
  • Solve problems from diverse fields that include, but might go beyond, traditional computing fields using computer science algorithms and analysis techniques.
  • Serve other people by applying computer science expertise to the needs of church, family, communities, and society as a whole.
  • Pursue lifelong learning by earning professional credentials and advanced degrees through formal training, independent study, and original research.
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