Major & Minor

Computer Science

Computer science is the development and testing of software and software systems, working with mathematical models, data analysis and security, algorithms, and computational theory.

Resources

New TabCourse Requirements

PDFMajor Checklist

PDFMinor Checklist

Students Coding

About the Computer Science Major

A rapidly growing field, computer science majors have ample opportunities to apply their skills in virtually any industry. A program that pairs well with additional minors and concentrations, computer science majors at Southern Virginia University have a history of high placement in their preferred employment and higher paying starting positions than the industry standard.

Students studying computer science develop proficiency in Python and Java Script, two of the most in-demand programming languages, work closely with professors and classmates on projects for practical experience, and develop a solid foundation in theory, practical application, communication, programming, and collaboration.

Learning Outcomes

What you’ll learn in the Computer Science major:

  1. Ability to formulate and express software solutions to complex problems in programming languages, including the selection of appropriate data structures, efficient algorithm design, and development of system architectures.
  2. Ability to apply mathematical tools such as mathematical logic, algorithmic analysis, models of computation, and computability theory to problem analysis.
  3. Ability to follow a structured engineering process in the development of software, including analyzing a problem, planning the development process, designing a solution, implementing the solution, and validating the final product.
  4. Skilled in communicating both orally and in writing.

Career Opportunities

There is a wide array of potential careers with a computer science degree, including jobs in software development, cybersecurity, information technology, and more depending on your personal and professional goals.

  • Web Developer
  • Computer Programmer
  • Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Security Engineer
  • Clinical Systems Analyst

Getting Started in the Computer Science Major

Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the
Computer Science Major today.

Enroll

Begin by taking Programming Fundamentals (CSC 120) in your first year

Contact Your Advisor

Get in touch with New tab, Opens Bio of: Professor Michael Griffiths to discuss your interests and goals

Declare

Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Major Form to the Registrar’s Office

Questions? Contact the Registrar at emailregistrar@svu.edu.

Computer Science Faculty

Professor Mike Griffiths

Michael Griffiths

Associate Professor of Computer Science; Computer Science Program Coordinator

“The ultimate purpose of computer science is to create computer based solutions to solve real world problems. In the context of current topics such as AI, Data Science, Engineering, Business Applications, and Full-stack Development, Students learn contemporary tools, methods, and principles to analyze problems, design systems architecture, build software applications, administer database systems, and implement cloud based infrastructure services. ”

—Michael Griffiths, Associate Professor of Computer Science
Graduate Andrew King
Alumni Success

Andrew King (’16)

Master’s Degree in AI, emphasis in neural networks at the University of Georgia

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Students holding winning T-shirt prize
In the News

Knights Awarded Best Domain at NCSU Hackathon

Competing in their first ever hackathon at the North Carolina State University ‘Pack Hacks’ event, four Southern Virginia University computer science students earned Best Domain honors for their app, Vicinia— a localized chat service that connects friends within a close radius.

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