School of Business & Technology · Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Learn how computers think, and how to make them do more.
Want to write software, design algorithms, or understand what happens inside a computer? MVU’s computer science major builds your programming skills alongside the math and theory behind them.
120
credit hours to graduate
47
credit hours in the major
On campus
in Marshall, Missouri
4 years
at a full-time pace
Why computer science at MVU
Code, theory, and the math behind it
Go from your first program to software engineering, algorithms, and operating systems.
Three levels of programming
Build your skills step by step, from basic programming through Programming III.
How computers work
Study computer architecture, data communications, and operating systems.
Math for computing
Take precalculus, calculus, statistics, and mathematical reasoning.
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Write software and solve problems with code.
- Understand algorithms and how computers work.
- Enjoy math and logical thinking.
- Work in software development or continue to graduate school.
What will I learn to do?
Skills you’ll practice and grow
- Explain computer components, programs, and languages.
- Write procedural and object-oriented programs.
- Analyze a problem, then design, build, and test a solution, alone or on a team.
- Apply algorithms and mathematical reasoning.
- Work to industry standards on real projects.
How the degree works
How your 120 credit hours add up
Here’s how the degree is built. Your advisor helps you choose courses each term.
01
General education core
At least 42 credit hours across writing, speaking, math, science, social science, and the humanities.
02
Computing and math courses
47 credit hours of programming, systems, software engineering, algorithms, and math.
03
Electives or a minor
Use the rest of your 120 hours for electives, a minor, or even a second major.
Explore the curriculum
What you’ll study
Here are the courses in the major. Your advisor helps you plan the order.
Computer science courses
- CPSC 100 Introduction to Computers
- CPSC 120 Basic Programming
- CPSC 170 Programming I
- CPSC 250 Systems Analysis and Design
- CPSC 270 Programming II
- CPSC 310 Computer Systems Architecture
- CPSC 320 Data Communications
- CPSC 340 Computer Software Engineering
- CPSC 360 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- CPSC 375 Programming III
- CPSC 405 Operating Systems
Math courses
- MATH 170 Pre-calculus (4 credits)
- MATH 190 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (5 credits)
- MATH 200 Introduction to Statistics
- MATH 250 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
General education core (at least 42 credit hours)
- Social and behavioral science (9 hours) from at least two subjects, including one constitution course: HIST 104, HIST 105, or POLS 100
- Written communication (6 hours): ENGL 130 Rhetoric and Composition, plus ENGL 160 or HONR 190
- Oral communication (3 hours), such as COMM 100 Public Speaking & Introduction to Communication
- Natural science: 7 hours from at least two subjects, including a lab (BS); 3 hours (BA and BFA)
- Mathematics (3 hours)
- Humanities and fine arts: 9 hours (BS) or 12 hours (BA and BFA) from at least three subjects, covering the arts and creativity, ethics, and culture and society
- Additional general education from any area, to reach at least 42 hours
- Plus one Writing Intensive (WI) course and one Service Learning (SL) course, which can overlap with other requirements
Graduation requirements
- Complete at least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Earn a major GPA of 2.0 or higher, with no grade below C and no pass/fail grades in the major.
- Complete at least 36 credit hours of upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses.
- Complete your last 30 credit hours, and at least 12 hours of your major, at MVU.
- Complete the major assessment requirement.
- Apply for graduation and pay the $100 graduation fee.
Getting started
Three steps to begin
Applying to MVU is free, and most students finish the application in a few minutes.
02
Send your transcripts
Send your high school transcript, plus official transcripts from any college or dual credit courses. Transferring? See the transfer steps.
03
Plan how you’ll pay
Explore scholarships, grants, and loans on Tuition & Financial Aid, or request information for current tuition.
How is computer science different from CIS?
Computer science focuses on programming, algorithms, and how computers work, with more math. Computer information systems adds databases, systems design, and business courses.
Can I add a minor or a second major?
Yes. A minor is optional and appears on your transcript; it must be in a different subject than your major. You can also double major by completing all the requirements for both majors. You’ll receive one diploma.
What do I need to graduate?
- At least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- A C or higher in every major course.
- At least 36 upper-division credit hours.
- Your last 30 credit hours at MVU.
- An application for graduation and the $100 graduation fee.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about courses, programming, or how to plan your degree? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
Bachelor’s in Computer Science
