Computer Science (B.S.)
Bethel offers both B.A. and B.S. degrees in computer science. The computer science major is a perfect starting place for many careers in software development. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science is for students interested in software development, (especially in more technical fields such as scientific computing) or who intend to continue on with a master's or doctorate degree. It includes a mathematics minor within the standard coursework.
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
85
students in the department
9
full-time faculty in the department
Recent News
Bethel Alumnus Leading in Fast-Changing Smart Home Market
April 20, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.
Driven by Data and Design
February 07, 2022 | 11 a.m.
Research Team Probes History with Cutting-Edge Tech
November 19, 2021 | 9:30 a.m.
Upcoming Events
JUNE 14 2022
8 a.m.
Core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in a high school computer science class.
JUNE 15 2022
8 a.m.
Core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in a high school computer science class.
JUNE 16 2022
8 a.m.
Core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in a high school computer science class.
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 '12Founder 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 '10Current job: Data Scientist / Scientist III R&D, Honeywell Aerospace
