Computer Science

BA or BS in Computer Science

Studying Computer Science at SOU offers a rigorous course of study, providing opportunity for a stimulating career in any of several technical professions, in one of the country's leading employment sectors. Specifically, the SOU Computer Science program, based in the public liberal arts university of the West, offers an interdisciplinary course of study along with small classroom sizes, access to faculty, and opportunities for real-world applications. 

Strong Projections for Career Growth

In the most recent Occupational Outlook for Software Developers, the median pay of software developers in 2010 was $90,530. And, 30% growth or 270,900 new jobs are expected to be added in the U.S. between 2010 and 2020. Here are salary projections for similar occupations.

Consumers and business professionals are not slowing in their interest for new, better, faster and easier applications of technology in their personal lives and work environments. Thus, continued growth in technology jobs is expected in the foreseeable future. A degree in Computer Science provides a wide range of career opportunities: software programming, database development and management, networking, security, mobile technologies, web development, games, IT administration - across all industry sectors from small businesses to big industry, government, non-profit, education, consulting, or self employment. 

Interdisciplinary Course of Study

We regularly ask hiring businesses what skills and attributes they want when hiring technical employees. They consistently state they require excellent technical skills as well as training and experience in business, marketing, and accounting as well solid people and communication skills. Technical staff, in any organization or industry, do not work in a vacuum and are required to solve business problems related to other departments. At SOU, students are required to complete studies throughout their program in: communication, humanities, social science, citizenship and social responsibility, and diversity and global awareness. SOU also offers a wide variety of minors for students interested in broadening their technical studies: business administration, emerging media and digital arts, math, psychology, sociology, military science, education, women's studies, and more.

Real World Applications

At SOU "real-world application" is key. All SOU Computer Science majors complete a two-term capstone sequence that requires a hands-on, real-world project, often in the community, to better prepare them for success in future job assignments. Computer Science majors also have access and ownership of an "open" Computer Science lab, available for all students to explore and apply what they learn in the regular classroom. In addition, SOU faculty stay in touch with the local business and technology community, creating a synergy between connecting students with local career opportunities and business leaders speaking to students in a variety of classroom and non-classroom settings.  Southern Oregon offers a rich opportunities for skilled technology workers and is supported by active economic development groups, connected to SOU. The Sustainable Valley Technology Group (SVTG) mission is to "help establish the region as a center for sustainable technology and business development". Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc. (SOREDI) is another key regional organization offering support in the form of networking for e-commerce businesses, assistance to start-up and emerging businesses, among many other efforts aimed at advancing economic opportunities.

Course of Study

Students majoring in Computer Science will learn to develop, test, debug, and maintain detailed source code for an array of real-life business applications or for the management of computer and network systems. To complete the major, students are required to complete 76 credits for the major, including 68 credits in computer science courswork and 8 credits in math. Students must complete Computer Science I and II with a B or better and complete Computer Science III before declaring the major. Beyond this core sequence, students complete another 36 hours of required upper division (300 and above) computer science courses including the two-term capstone sequence. In addition, all majors complete another 28 credits of elective credits, approved by their faculty advisor. Students may choose any two courses in math from discrete structures, statistics and Calculus I and II. The curriculum provides students with a core lower and upper courses division studies while allowing them to develop skills in specific areas of interest. 

Download the Coursework Requirements Chart.

Contact Information:

Greg Pleva

Chairman and Associate Professor

Department of Computer Science

Phone: (541) 552-6973

E-mail: pleva@sou.edu