Computer Science Degree

Computer Science Degree

Learn the highly technical training and real world experience you need to succeed in both the industrial sector and scientific lab environments.

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McKendree University’s computer science program provides you with a strong foundation in mathematics and science and includes critical coursework in calculus, linear algebra, and physics to increase your understanding. Our small class sizes ensure that you will receive one-on-one guidance from experienced faculty as you develop crucial skills in systems programming, problem solving, and analysis. McKendree’s computer science program is a blend of theory and real-world application, which will give you a strong basis in current programming languages while allowing you to quickly notice emerging trends in computing.

Learn more about the computer science program by viewing the catalog.

McKendree is also proud to offer minors in Computer Information Systems and Computer Science.

Quick facts/facts at a glance:

100% placement in full-time, regular employment or freelance employment, military service opportunities, and graduate school.
Average class size: 12 students
Shape your coursework to match your career interests by choosing an emphasis in economics and finance, biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics.
93.3% of our graduates are currently employed or are continuing their education in graduate schools.

Why a Computer Science Degree?

Computer science degrees are one of the most in-demand degrees in today’s increasingly high-tech world, one that could lead to a lucrative and satisfying career. Nearly every industry uses technology to some degree to conduct business. You could be the educated professional employers are seeking – someone who can develop software, design websites, manage databases, and much more. The computing industry is continuously growing, which means that hundreds of thousands of high-paying job opportunities are waiting to be filled by someone like you!

Program Highlights at McKendree University

McKendree’s computer science program gives you the highly-technical training and real-world experience you need to succeed in your future career. Here are just a few reasons why our computer science program is right for you:

- Our dedicated faculty and in-depth coursework ensure that you have the strong technical foundation you’ll need to succeed and adapt in a growing workforce.
- Use virtual reality (VR) to help you complete exciting projects in specific courses.
- Upsilon Pi Epsilon and Sigma Zeta Honor Societies give you the chance to present your own research findings at national conferences.
- Take part in a variety of clubs, including the Cybersecurity Team, the Association of Computing Machinery student chapter, and the Robotics Club.
- Gain hands-on network administration experience as a student worker in the Department of Computing’s student lab.

Enjoy opportunities to present your research during McKendree’s Academic Excellence Celebration and gain experience through a wide variety of exciting internships before you graduate.

Employment Opportunities

Our computer science graduates often find jobs using their analytical and interpersonal skills in the industrial sector and scientific lab environments. They are hired as software applications developers, computer systems analysts and engineers, database administrators, business intelligence analysts, computer programmers, web developers, and more.

Some of the companies our recent graduates are working for include:

TekSystems
Boeing
Scott Air Force Base
Lockheed Martin
The Defense Information Systems Agency (U.S. Air Force)
NCI Information Systems
A.G. Edwards
Anheuser-Busch
AT&T
Centene Corporation
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
DuPont Pioneer
Intel
Scottrade
World Wide Technology

Our computer science students have also attended graduate school at:

Southern Illinois University
Washington University
Iowa State University
Purdue University
Western Illinois University
University of Louisville

Internship Opportunities and Partners

Our students have interned with a number of major corporations and agencies, including:

Scottrade
Anheuser-Busch
AT&T
Centene Corporation
Monsanto
National Security Agency (NSA)

What Our Faculty Are Saying

Our faculty believe that our computer science major prepares students for success in their careers. The foundation courses that we teach in the computer science major builds the required knowledge base so students may use the concepts and basics within their degree and their career. The curriculum is based on the Association for Computing Machinery’s recommendations, and all the assignments given throughout the program are directly correlated to daily duties today. Our students join many companies while they are still in the program, utilizing the internships available to them throughout the big industries around the area in Illinois and the St. Louis region.