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.
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:
- 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.
- Ability to apply mathematical tools such as mathematical logic, algorithmic analysis, models of computation, and computability theory to problem analysis.
- 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.
- 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
Major Tracks
- Open dropdown
Business Track
Leverage computers for data analysis and design effective online platforms for business. With this track, you will be prepared to build and manage marketing and finance applications utilizing relational or distributed databases.
- Open dropdown
Data Science/AI
Develop a deep understanding of data science through a series of math courses culminating in our Computational Data Science and Artificial Intelligence classes. Learn how to scrape data for innovation and scientific research, then use formulas to find insights and results.
- Open dropdown
Full Stack Developer
Take on the skills to develop and deploy a web application from the front and back ends. This will include designing effective user interfaces, interacting with databases, and working with APIs to meet the needs of users.
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 Ammon Hepworth 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
Ammon Hepworth
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Stories from the Program
Andrew King (’16)
Master’s Degree in AI, emphasis in neural networks at the University of Georgia
Links to news articleRead More
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.
Links to news articleRead More