Why should I study computer science?

The major in Computer Science prepares students for a career in software development.  Nearly every organization needs, and will continue to need, computer science graduates to manage their technical institutional resources such as servers and websites and to write custom software to implement the business rules of that organization and manage marketing databases.

And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software developers is projected to grow 30 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, first-year salaries for students graduating with 4-year degrees in computer science are among the highest of any career. This has been our experience with our 100% placement of our Computer Science graduates and recent starting salaries from $60,000 to $95,000.

What can I do with this degree?

• Information technology architect
• Network architect
• Data scientist, IT
• Senior database administrator
• Management consultant
• Project manager
• Technical account manager

Our graduates have gone on to study:

• Computer science at the University of Minnesota
• Biostatistics at the University of Michigan
• Applied statistics and research methods

Visit our alumni page to see what our recent graduates have been doing.

What skills will I develop?

• Computer architecture
• Networking
• Web development
• Several major languages, including C/C++ and Java
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer graphics
• Software engineering
• Database systems
• High-performance computing
• Operating systems

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

• Semester-long projects in courses like Web Programming and Software Engineering
• Competitions in the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
• Membership in Bethel’s ACM chapter
• Internships for academic credit or to earn income
• Original research with faculty

Recent News

The Beginning of a Beautiful Partnership

January 19, 2023 | 10:45 a.m.

Bethel Launches Anticipated Actuarial Science and Finance Major

December 16, 2022 | 11:30 a.m.

From Industry to Academia: Professor with Industry Experience Prepares Graduates to be Ready for Industry 4.0

November 18, 2022 | 11 a.m.

Bethel University Foundation Announces 2022 Strategic Growth Award Recipients

November 01, 2022 | 2 p.m.

Upcoming Events

JUNE 20 2023

Computer Game Development Camp

The core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in high school.

JUNE 21 2023

Computer Game Development Camp

The core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in high school.

JUNE 22 2023

Computer Game Development Camp

The core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in high school.

Bethel served as a launchpad for me to eventually discover my purpose in Jesus' kingdom, which includes my career as a budding entrepreneur founding Laminera, as well as how I've evolved in my faith and integrated the two.

Lauren Otto '12
Founder and CEO of Laminera

Mathematically-talented Christians need to think of mathematics as a path in which they may live out their faith. We can use our knowledge to further God's kingdom and live as lights in this world.

Megan Hawley '10
Current job: Data Scientist / Scientist III R&D, Honeywell Aerospace