Become who you're meant to be in this undergraduate computer science major. While earning your computer science bachelor’s degree, you'll receive a comprehensive introduction to the field through hands-on coding projects and real-world applications. You will study core areas such as programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and databases—skills that allow you to solve complex problems for modern organizations. While the B.S. is recommended for students who intend to pursue advanced degrees, the B.A. offers more flexibility if you wish to double major. It’s also a great option if you plan to pursue software development and more technical fields. You’ll also learn how to manage technical institutional resources such as servers and websites, and to write custom software—skills most organizations need today.
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Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
Nearly every organization needs computer science majors as technology continues to reinvent our lives. You'll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person and a technical leader.
Strong foundational IT skills
Build a solid understanding of core areas like computer architecture, networking, and operating systems. These foundational skills will enable you to design, implement, and manage complex IT infrastructures.
Develop programming expertise
Become proficient in major programming languages such as C/C++, Java, and Python. Along with web development and computer graphics skills, you’ll be equipped to create custom software solutions and develop dynamic websites.
Explore advanced technologies
Delve into cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, software engineering, and algorithms. These advanced topics will prepare you to tackle innovative projects and lead in tech-driven environments.
Hone problem-solving abilities
Enhance your critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. By working on real-world projects, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge to develop practical solutions, manage databases, and improve organizational IT systems.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
Research
You'll have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on original, paid research projects in growing fields like high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and computability and complexity. You may even participate in programs like Edgren Scholars or summer research.
Hands-on experiences
You’ll get to practice what you learn by being a peer tutor, student grader, working in Bethel’s IT department, or participating in internships with leading tech firms and financial institutions.
Student clubs and organizations
Expand your network and skills through peer learning in student-led organizations. Participate in Bethel’s student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for coding competitions, hackathons, and collaborative tech projects. You can also join Sigma Zeta (a national honor society for math and science) or the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) student chapter. Our students even compete in the COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM), ACM ICPC, and data analysis competitions like MinneMUDAC.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a computer science degree?
The employment rate for software developers is increasing faster than many other occupations. By earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you'll have skills in high demand across multiple industries.
IT and data management
Pursue careers as an information technology architect or a data scientist, where you manage and analyze complex systems. Or as a database administrator, manage and secure vital organizational data.
Software development
Work as a software developer writing custom software and implementing business logic. This role is a primary path for computer science graduates and often focuses on custom application builds.
Graduate school
You'll be prepared to follow in the footsteps of graduates who have earned a master's or doctoral degree at prestigious schools. Advanced research or specialized engineering roles may require this further graduate study.
Technical client relations
Serve as a technical account manager, using comprehensive IT knowledge to support clients and ensure their technical goals are met.
Business careers
Work as a management consultant or project manager, implementing IT solutions that enhance business operations. Note: Some management roles may benefit from additional certifications or experience.
Education
Graduates are also prepared for positions in middle and high school mathematics teaching. This requires specific state teaching licensure, which is available through Bethel.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions.
Department of Math & Computer Science
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Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
A path with promise
Clear price. Clear outcomes.
Know what your education costs—and where it’s taking you. You’ll start with a clear price so you can focus on what truly matters: your education and your future. And you’ll graduate with confidence through the Bethel Career Commitment, which includes built-in career coaching and additional support for eligible graduates who still need help.
Become A Bethel Student
Apply now
You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
Explore the full lists:
Frequently Asked Questions
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An undergraduate computer science major provides a strong introduction to computing technology and software development. Students explore how to manage technical resources, such as websites and servers, while learning to write custom software for diverse organizations, industries, and applications. The curriculum covers foundational IT skills—including computer architecture, networking, and operating systems—which are essential for designing complex infrastructures.
Later on in the program, you’ll get into more advanced topics like artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and software engineering. The program also emphasizes mathematical foundations, requiring courses in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Mathematics of Computer Science to ensure students have the analytical tools needed for technical innovation. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is a great foundation for many different career paths or graduate school.
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A bachelor’s degree in computer science opens doors to a wide variety of high-demand roles because nearly every modern organization relies on math and technology. You can pursue careers in data management, IT architecture, or software development. You might analyze data to drive business decisions or build custom applications to solve specific problems. Collaborative thinking and complex problem-solving skills are applicable in fields as diverse as engineering, consulting, and communications.
This degree is also specifically designed to prepare you for graduate-level study. Whether you aim to enter the workforce immediately or pursue a master’s or doctoral degree, you will have the technical fluency and academic preparation necessary to succeed.
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The B.S. in Computer Science at Bethel is a comprehensive 122-credit program. Some courses are specific to the major, including core requirements like Data Structures, Computer Systems, and Algorithms and Advanced Data Structures. The remaining credits are General Education courses and electives, giving you a well-rounded liberal arts education alongside your more technical training.
The program is designed to be supportive and career-focused from day one. Students participate in a Careers in Mathematics and Computer Science Seminar and benefit from a built-in support system that includes academic advising, peer tutoring, and career coaching through Bethel’s Studio for Vocation and Calling.
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Yes, computer science is an excellent choice for those who enjoy critical thinking and creative problem-solving. The program challenges you to take theoretical knowledge and apply it to real-world projects, developing practical solutions for organizational IT systems and database management. Because technology is constantly reinventing how we live, students with these skills are in high demand across almost every industry.
Beyond just technical skills, the major helps you become a well-rounded person. You’ll learn to distill complex ideas into applicable information and work collaboratively, making you an effective problem-solver in both technical and business environments.
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Students in this major develop proficiency in major programming languages like C/C++, Java, and Python, which provide the foundation for understanding how software interacts with hardware. But languages are constantly changing! Most importantly, you’ll gain an understanding of programming theory, which will serve you well no matter which specific languages are being used in the future.
The bachelor’s in computer science program also equips you with skills in web development and computer graphics programming. You will be well prepared to create custom software solutions and manage dynamic digital platforms.
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Absolutely. The major provides a strong introduction to software development, designed to help you write custom software and implement business rules for organizations. Courses like Software Development Fundamentals give you the core principles of building reliable applications from the ground up.
The program’s focus on programming and software engineering ensures you are ready for the professional world, where the employment rate for software developers has been increasing faster than many other occupations. You’ll gain the hands-on experience needed to tackle innovative projects and lead in tech-driven environments.
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In Bethel’s Christ-centered learning community, faith is integrated into everything students learn and do. This means technology isn't studied in a vacuum; instead, it is explored through the lens of faith-fueled learning, encouraging students to use their technical skills to accomplish meaningful things.
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are not only distinguished scholars but also faithful Christians who invest in your personal and professional success. Through courses like Humans and Computers, you’ll examine the intersection of technology and your values, helping you lead with integrity in the tech industry.
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Undergraduate majors have numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world application. Students can participate in internships, work within the university’s IT department, or serve as peer tutors. These experiences allow you to practice what you’ve learned in a professional or semi-professional setting.
Students also collaborate with faculty on paid research projects in cutting-edge fields like high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and computability and complexity. Or, you can get involved in student chapters of professional organizations like the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), which provide further opportunities for projects and networking.
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Graduates with a B.S. in Computer Science can pursue a wide range of specialized career paths, including:
- Information technology architect: designing and managing complex IT infrastructures.
- Data scientist: analyzing and managing data to drive innovation.
- Software developer: writing custom software and implementing business logic.
- Technical account manager: supporting clients' technical needs and goals.
- Senior database administrator: managing and securing vital organizational data.
- Project manager or management consultant: implementing IT solutions to enhance business operations.