Computer science
The Computer Science major combines programming, problem-solving, and application development with an understanding of how technology affects people and organizations. Students gain hands-on experience building software and developing the technical, communication, and ethical skills needed to create effective technology solutions.
Students in Computer Science develop the programming and computational skills necessary to design and implement software solutions. They learn to write clear, well-commented code and consider factors such as scalability, usability, and computational efficiency as they build programs in common programming languages.
Students progress from foundational programming concepts to the development of complete applications. Through coursework in web development, backend and frontend application development, students gain experience working with modern frameworks, relational databases, and the technologies that support functional digital products.
The major also develops students’ ability to approach software development as a process rather than simply a coding task. Students learn to scope projects, identify needs and constraints, work through product lifecycles, and use software development best practices to create products that serve a clear purpose.
Computer Science students also develop the communication and ethical reasoning skills needed to work effectively in the technology field. They learn to communicate technical concepts with different audiences, articulate the value of development projects to stakeholders, and apply ethical theories and professional codes of ethics to questions involving technology and computer science.
The Computer Science major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and provides students with a comprehensive foundation in both the theory and practice of computing. Coursework spans programming, discrete mathematics, statistics, web development, computer systems, data structures, algorithms, backend and frontend development, software development, and modern technologies.
The major culminates in a Senior Seminar and Capstone Project, giving students the opportunity to bring together the technical, problem-solving, communication, and project-development skills they have developed throughout the program. Students also complete coursework in ethics and technology, reinforcing the importance of responsible decision-making in the development and use of technology.
A majority of the Computer Science courses may be taught online through William Jewell’s partnership with RIZE Education, providing flexibility while maintaining a focused pathway through the major.
Computer Science graduates are prepared for careers in software development and other technology-focused fields where organizations need people who can understand problems, build effective solutions, and communicate across technical and non-technical teams. Their combination of programming, application development, systems knowledge, and product development skills can translate across industries.
Potential career paths include:
Computer Science students gain experience applying their technical knowledge through application development, software development projects, and the senior capstone experience. These opportunities allow students to move from individual programming exercises to larger projects that require planning, collaboration, problem-solving, and attention to user and stakeholder needs.
Students can use these experiences to develop a portfolio of applications and projects that demonstrates their programming ability and approach to software development. Career exploration and navigation coursework also helps students connect their academic preparation to potential roles and opportunities in the technology industry.
Students can build a professional portfolio throughout the major by documenting applications, websites, software projects, and other products they develop in their coursework. A strong portfolio can demonstrate not only what a student can code, but how they approach problems, design solutions, communicate with stakeholders, and respond to constraints.
Computer Science can also be paired with interests in business, mathematics, data science, communication, or other disciplines. This interdisciplinary perspective can help students apply computing skills to specific industries or areas of interest, from developing business applications to creating technology for healthcare, education, finance, or nonprofit organizations.
