Computer Science BA/BS

The BA/BS in Computer Science is a software-oriented program that provides a solid foundation in the breadth of core computer science knowledge and skills, such as software engineering, networks, and data structures. Upper-division electives build upon this foundation, allowing students to explore advanced topics of interest. The program culminates in our year-long Capstone Sequence. Students work in teams to design and implement software solutions for real-world clients, providing them with important resume-building experience.

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 a 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.

Interdisciplinary Course of Study

SOU’s CS program regularly asks 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 as 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 applied learning is key. All SOU Computer Science majors complete a three-term capstone sequence that requires a hands-on, real-world project, often in the community, to better prepare themselves for success in future job assignments. Additionally, CS majors are strongly encouraged to complete at least one 4-credit internship at a business or industry site performing technical projects as assigned to them. Internships are a key way to gain applied learning skills and industry experience.

In addition, SOU faculty maintain close connections with the local business and technology community. There is a synergy here as business leaders regularly visit campus and meet with students in a variety of classroom and non-classroom settings thus connecting students with local career opportunities. Southern Oregon University offers rich opportunities for skilled technology workers and is supported by active technology and economic development groups, connected to SOU:

• 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.
• Rogue Hack Lab is a community of makers with roots extending throughout Southern Oregon.
• Southern Oregon Geek Group (SOGGY) offers an informal but active forum for techies to get together, share information, and learn about cool things other people are working on in the local area.

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 fulfill the major requirements, students must complete 84 credits, including 76 credits in computer science coursework and 8 credits in math. After completion of the Math requirements and the lower division core Computer Science sequence, CS I, II, and III, (including attaining a B grade or better in Computer Science I and II), students then complete an additional 44 credits of required upper division (300 and above) computer science course. This includes the three-term capstone sequence. In addition, all majors complete another 20 credits of electives, approved by their faculty advisor. The curriculum provides students with a core of lower and upper division courses, while allowing them to develop skills in specific areas of interest.

CS majors also have access to and ownership of an open Computer Science lab, available for all students to explore and to apply on their own what they learn in the classroom.