department of computer science

susan hammond, associate professor and academic chair

steve nordstrom, associate professor

bryan crawley, associate professor
dwayne towell, associate professor

the department of computer sciences houses two academic programs: computer science and software engineering. these programs encompass student learning and engagement in all aspects of the design, creation, and delivery of innovative and accessible software.

career opportunities

application programmers
software engineers
full stack web developers
start-up company partners
technological research scientists
game developers
ai/ml developers
academics

program educational objectives

the computer science department expects that its graduates will, within a few years of graduation:

have professional careers in industry or academia or advance in graduate studies;
apply knowledge and skills to solve problems effectively and efficiently, contributing to the technical advancement of the discipline;
conduct themselves with integrity and incorporate proper ethical considerations in their work;
continue to seek knowledge to thrive in an increasingly globalized society;
effectively lead, work and communicate in cross functional teams;
serve their communities, whether locally, nationally, or globally.

computer science majors

the computer science major and minor provide the opportunity to explore the theoretical and scientific aspects of computing. the program provides preparation both for employment and for graduate programs in computing.

computer science is mathematically rigorous and spans the range from theory through programming to cutting-edge development of computing solutions. the computer science major, or degree program, is broad, rigorous and structured in a way that supports in-depth and systematic study of algorithmic processes-their theory, analysis, design, efficiency, implementation and application. it trains students to think creatively and logically to solve large and complex problems and to communicate with clarity and precision. it sets the stage for graduate study or immediate employment in a wide variety of careers in scientific research, industry, business and government and is an attractive major for the incoming freshman and also for the continuing student who is considering a new field of study. it is the ideal major for the student who is passionate about developing the ability to:

find elegant solutions to problems;
use mathematical analysis and logical rigor to evaluate such solutions;
model complex problems through the use of abstractions, attention to details and hidden assumptions;
recognize variants of the same problem in different settings;
retarget known efficient solutions to problems in new settings;
adapt to new technologies and new ideas; and
devise new and better ways of using computers to address particular challenges.

the computer science minor introduces the concepts of data organization and software construction and gives the student a basis to continue further study. the minor is a good partner for any of the majors offered in the raymond b. jones college of engineering as well as several majors in the college of liberal arts and sciences.

all students majoring in computer science are required to attend engr 0xy0 professional development (pd) each semester they are enrolled, with limited exceptions. students not enrolled in lipscomb classes on the day that engr 0xy0 is offered are exempt from pd, as are students who are enrolled in the cct 395v internship course.

software engineering

the b.s. in software engineering degree program prepares students to contribute to software that supports businesses of all sizes and domains. the hiring outlook for software engineers is favorable; the u.s. bureau of labor statistics projects that job opportunities in the field of software engineering will continue to expand through the next 10 years and a bachelor’s degree will be a prerequisite for many of these positions.

the program provides a curriculum that encompasses behavioral and technical aspects of software engineering, focusing on the most advanced practices, including the equally critical human factor in software development, testing and validation for producing high quality, sophisticated and dependable software products. the program is designed specifically for students interested in a range of application domains including enterprise applications, database systems and security, information technology entrepreneurship, programming theory and applications, and web application development.

the minor in software engineering combines a core programming sequence with fundamental software engineering courses to prepare students for a career in which software development skills and software project planning and execution may be required.

all students majoring in software engineering are required to attend engr 0xy0 professional development (pd) each semester they are enrolled, with limited exceptions. students not enrolled in lipscomb classes on the day that engr 0xy0 is offered are exempt from pd, as are students who are enrolled in the cct 395v internship course.

program of study requirements

major

minor