Program(s) Available: B.S., Minor
Develop websites. Train the next big AI model. Code video games. No matter your aspiration, Northwest’s computer science programs help you make it happen. Here, you’ll work on projects for real businesses, explore machine learning and AI and have the opportunity to participate in research as an undergraduate. You’ll learn in cutting-edge labs, study the latest technologies, and build the skills you’ll need to start your computer science career – all with the community and support that set Northwest apart.
In this traditional four-year bachelor’s in computer science program, you’ll get exposure to theory and hands-on experience in programming, data management, networking and software development. You’ll also develop the technical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills you need for your future computer science career, including foundational experience in Java, C, Python, JavaScript, SQL, Unix and Assembly along with critical thinking and communication.
B.S. in computer science degree courses include:
Other computer science skills you’ll develop for your career:
Northwest computer science courses are developed in collaboration between Northwest faculty and a professional advisory team. This partnership ensures courses are industry-aligned, comprehensive and flexible to effectively prepare you for computer science careers.
This program provides a path that allows you to earn your M.S. in applied computer science concurrently with your bachelor’s in computer science. If accepted to the M.S. program, you’ll take the same courses as the traditional bachelor’s in computer science while completing graduate coursework in high-demand areas such as web services and applications, software development and app design. You’ll earn both degrees within five years, speeding up your path to your career and positioning you for success in the job market.
This degree option provides a career-focused bachelor’s degree in computer science designed for transfer students with an Associate of Applied Science degree. This program helps you make the most of your technical or vocational credits, saving you time and money on your path to your bachelor’s degree.
Build additional expertise in a field transforming nearly every industry. The applied AI minor gives you the foundation you need to leverage AI in your future career, offering courses such as:
Whether you’re a computer science major or pursuing a different degree at Northwest, the applied AI minor helps ensure you can take full advantage of these powerful tools as AI continues to evolve the workplace.
The computer science minor provides you with additional skills to help you stand out in your field when you enter the job market. It’s a natural complement for majors in business technology, data science, digital media, graphic design, and pre-engineering and adds value to nearly any course of study.
Courses include:
School of Computer Science and Information Systems
660.562.1600
timmel@nwmissouri.edu
From our status as a GitHub partner to our focus on every student, Northwest’s computer science program provides you with the technology, practice and support you need to graduate career-ready.
Get the tools, technology and opportunities you’d get at a bigger school with the community and support that comes with attending Northwest. With Northwest’s GitHub partnership, you’ll have access to the same platforms and tools that industry professionals use. You’ll also get exposure to a variety of development tools, gain programming experience in Java, C, Python and other programming languages, and receive a university-provided laptop that allows you a consistent technology environment. Tour Colden Hall, home to our computer science classrooms.
Practice core computer science skills in programming, data management, networking and software development while exploring specialized areas like information security, mobile computing, machine learning, big data and generative AI. In your courses, you’ll engage in hands-on activities in labs and projects, and you’ll complete a capstone in software engineering. You’ll also have opportunities to put your skills to work for real organizations through internships and our student-run agency, Knacktive.
At Northwest, you don’t have to wait for a master’s program to get research experience in computer science. You’ll have opportunities to work with leading computer science faculty to research topics that interest you and present that research at regional conferences like CCSCP: Central Plains and MINK-WIC. These opportunities help you set yourself apart on graduate school applications or in the increasingly competitive job market.
Join a community that celebrates women in tech. The Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas Women in Computing (MINK-WIC) Conference connects students, educators and professionals from across the region to share experiences, build skills and inspire one another. With 200+ attendees each year, it’s an excellent opportunity for women computer science majors to find mentors, make connections and see where your computer science degree can take you.
Whether you want to compete in programming challenges, design and print 3D projects, or join a club around computer science, at Northwest, learning and community don’t stop in the classroom. Gather with other computer science majors weekly in the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), join our programming contest group, compete in cybersecurity competitions at the state-of-the-art Center for Cybersecurity or work on computer science-related projects in the Maker Space.
With skills in programming, software engineering, AI, problem-solving and more, Northwest computer science majors can go into a wide range of careers. Graduates of our computer science programs hold positions at leading companies like Garmin, Herzog and Hudl.
Specific computer science careers include:
We understand that college is an investment, which is why we’re invested in you. Our program has several scholarships available for computer science majors. Search computer science scholarships or browse all aid below.
With over 200 programs, you can find what sparks your curiosity and combine majors and minors for a marketing education that’s as unique as you.
Whether you want to join the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) or Cyber Defense Club, rally around a cause or compete in Esports, there’s an option for you at Northwest. Browse student organizations.
With the most national titles in DII football history, 12 different sports teams and a community that cheers them on, you’ll feel Bearcat pride wherever you go – and experience a campus that truly feels like home.
“Northwest has an incredible student-to-teacher ratio, which really allows you to have those personal connections with professors and get a very high-quality education as well as the college experience you are looking for.”
David Curtis | Software Engineer 2, Garmin | B.S. Computer Science | 2021
Learn from faculty with a commitment to keeping their courses relevant, industry-focused, practical and up to date. Northwest faculty bring a wealth of industry experience to the classroom and actively research within their fields. They’re also invested in you – and our 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures they can create the close-knit environment that supports your success.
Yes – computer science is one of the most versatile and in-demand majors you can choose, and it has a promising career outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2034. About 317,700 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently. The median annual wage was $105,990 in May 2024.
Computer science majors learn to design, build and improve the technology we use every day. As a computer science major at Northwest, you can:
At Northwest, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in programming contests, present research at conferences and join student organizations around computer science.
At Northwest, earning your bachelor’s degree in computer science is designed to be affordable and high value. While tuition varies based on residency, year and other factors, Northwest offers one of the most cost-effective four-year degrees in the region, with textbooks and laptops included in your tuition and fees, and access to numerous scholarships for computing and STEM majors. View current costs and a breakdown of expenses on our Cost, Aid & Affordability page.
To complete the traditional B.S. in computer science at Northwest Missouri State University, you must complete the Northwest Core and Institutional Requirements along with 66-69 credit hours in the computer science major.
Core courses (42 credit hours) for the B.S. in computer science include:
You’ll also need to complete 15 hours of approved electives, which include:
A computer science degree from Northwest prepares you to design software, analyze data, secure systems and build the technology that powers everyday life.
You’ll qualify for computer science major jobs such as:
With Northwest’s opportunities to conduct and present undergraduate research, you’ll also be prepared to apply for graduate programs in computer science or related fields.
If you enjoy solving problems, being creative and working with technology, computer science is an excellent choice. At Northwest, you’ll gain the technical skills and real-world experience to develop apps, design smart systems and train artificial intelligence, to name a few. If any of those or related paths interest you, the computer science major is right for you.
Most computer science majors start with courses that build a strong foundation in math, logic and programming. At Northwest, prerequisite courses include high school algebra and Foundations of Computing before starting your required courses.
Other high school math or computing courses are helpful, but not required. Northwest’s curriculum is designed to scaffold content step by step to prepare you for more advanced concepts in computer science and information systems.
