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Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
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Earn A Degree In Computer Science - Discover. Engage. Lead.

Computer Science

About the Program

The Computer Science Program offers a bachelor of science degree and a minor in computer science. The major is designed to meet two goals: first, to prepare the student to enter the job market upon graduation, and secondly to provide a solid background in computer science for those who wish to pursue an advanced degree.

See the Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes for Computer Science.

Careers

Numerous job opportunities exist for students who complete the Computer Science major at Southwest. One particular occupational field, which is open to Computer Science majors, is Software Engineering. The field of Software Engineering ranks among the top occupations nationwide in terms of the most number of current openings, the highest rate of growth in the number of openings, and the highest starting salaries. The multinational Schwan’s Food Company, with home offices located in Marshall has been a tremendous source of internships and entry-level employment for students who wish to remain in southwestern Minnesota. For those who wish to look elsewhere, computer-related jobs are abundant in the metropolitan areas of Minnesota as well as in national and international settings. In addition, several students have chosen to continue their education at the graduate level.

Majors & Minors

VIEW CATALOG PAGE

Computer Science

Activities

The Mathematics/Computer Science Club provides an outlet for activities that are more focused. Professors also encourage students to attend and participate in the professional conferences that are available. Each year teams of students participate in the Association of Computing Machinery’s International Programming Contest. Normally, the department/faculty provide the transportation and registration fees as a further indication of the importance of these activities. Computer science students are encouraged to take part in other university-wide activities including music, theatre, student government, athletics, and much more.

Facilities

Computer Science majors and minors study methods of applying mathematics and technology to solve a very wide variety of societal problems. Students in the Computer Science program have access to the Schwan’s IT Learning Center, which has a system of networked Raspberry Pi devices serving as thin clients and a virtual server running the Ubuntu Linux operating systems. Student have access to multiple programming languages and other software packages on the Linux system and in several microcomputer laboratories running Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OS. All computer laboratories are upgraded on a regular basis so that students are always using current technology

Campus Clubs related to Major

Internships

Internships are not required as part of the computer science curriculum; however, almost all students have an opportunity for an internship. The Schwan’s Food Company has proven to be a ready source of part-time employment and internships for SMSU computer science students. Other internships with insurance companies/ agencies and hospitals in Marshall and surrounding communities are also available.

Numerous other opportunities exist within the Computer Science Department for scholarships, workstudy and part-time employment

Contact Information

Dept of Mathematics and Computer Science

SM 178, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

Undergraduate Research Conference

The Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) was established in 2006 for science majors to engage in a professional exchange of scientific ideas, as well as a means to showcase and celebrate their hard work and accomplishments. The URC is held annually on campus to include all disciplines across campus and continues to grow each year as we celebrate the intellectual achievements of our students.

FRESHMAN ADMISSION PROCESS

  • Complete Application
  • $20 Non-refundable Application Fee
  • Official High School Transcript(s)
  • ACT or SAT Test Scores

Schedule Your Visit Today!

FRESHMAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Rank in the upper half of graduating class
  • or
  • Score a composite of 21 or above on the ACT or 990 on the SAT

Last Modified: 6/14/24 3:35 PM | Website Feedback