Computer Science

Investigate your interest in computer technologies with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

Pursuing a major in Computer Science at Loras College will prepare you for a successful career in one of the hottest industries. If you like to be challenged, if you tend to think logically, if you are curious and creative, this may be the major for you. You will have the opportunity to learn to handle large data sets, program and build Internet connected systems that are secure, and build machine learning systems.

Learn About Our Major in Computer Science

Student Experience

Our Computer Science major allows you to investigate those technologies that most interest you and to study other areas such as mathematics, business, engineering, and the fine arts. Coupling your Computer Science degree with other studies makes you a strong candidate for today’s fast changing and agile computing industry.

Within the last decade, nearly 100% of those who graduated from the Loras College Computer Science program reported obtaining employment or entry into graduate school within one year after graduation.

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GETTING INVOLVED – STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTING MACHINERY
What is ACM?
The Loras College ACM organization is a student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. Its purpose is to enhance the appreciation for computer science in both students and faculty, to encourage further study in computer science and to provide opportunities to explore new developments and careers in the field of computer science.

What does the ACM do?
The Loras ACM Club has many events throughout the year, ranging from the informative to the fun. The club takes trips to places of interest, including IBM in Rochester, MN. In addition, the club sponsors talks by faculty from Loras and other colleges. Each year, several social gatherings are held to allow students to mingle with faculty along with their peers. Traditionally, the club enjoys Christmas caroling and the Year-End Picnic with the Loras College Mathematics Club. The club is also involved in a service project each year.
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Mathematics and Computer Information Technology annually offer several awards and scholarships to students taking related courses. Some are available only to those majoring in Mathematics or Computer Information Technology while others are available to first-year students, regardless of their intended major. Winners are selected by Mathematics and Computer Information Technology faculty, and awards are presented at a ceremony each spring.

Computer Information Technology Awards and Scholarships

  • McKesson HBOC Scholarship — awarded since 1999.
    Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Candidates must be in their final year of study in Computer Science or Management Information Systems (MIS). Eligible candidates usually apply in April of each year and are required to submit a current transcript and an essay regarding their qualifications. A successful candidate will have excelled academically, been involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrated financial need. The recipients are chosen by representatives of McKesson HBOC along with Loras Accounting and Business, Mathematics and Computer Science faculty.
  • Computer Information Technology Alumni Award — awarded since 1986.
    Candidates must be graduating seniors and nominated by a faculty member teaching a computer science-related course. Each candidate is asked to submit an essay detailing how they plan to use their experience in the future. The winner is selected by faculty vote. Recently, winners have garnered $100, a certificate and a nameplate engraved in their honor and displayed in Hennessy Hall.

Mathematics Awards and Scholarships

  • First-Year Mathematics Award — awarded since 1980.
    Recent winners have received $100 and a certificate in addition to the coveted handshake from the department chairperson. Candidates must be first-year students and nominated by a department faculty member. Each nominee is asked to submit a mathematical autobiography, and the winner(s) are chosen by department vote. Winners’ names are proudly displayed on nameplates near the main entrance of Hennessy Hall.
  • Droessler Scholarship — awarded since 1994.
    A scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded annually from the endowment graciously provided by Dr. Earl Droessler, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at North Carolina State University. Dr. Droessler is a 1942 graduate of Loras College. A candidate for this scholarship must have either junior or senior standing, have declared a mathematics major and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in all courses. Strong candidates will have shown creativity and devotion to their study of mathematics and the liberal arts in general, and be involved in extracurricular activities. Candidates are nominated by department faculty members, and winners are selected by a vote of the department faculty.
  • Sullivan Applied Mathematics and Science Award — awarded since 2001.
    Recipients receive $500. The Sullivan award is intended to reward and provide further motivation for female majors in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or Engineering. Candidates for this annual award must maintain a 3.5 GPA and have demonstrated quality course selection in the pursuit of a liberal arts education.
  • Father Louis Ernsdorff Senior Math Award — awarded since 1980.Winners of the award receive $100, a certificate and a nameplate engraved in their honor and displayed in Hennessy Hall. Candidates for this award must be graduating seniors nominated by a faculty member in the department. The winner is then selected by a vote of the department faculty.

DUHAWK DISTINCTION: ONCE A DUHAWK – ALWAYS A DUHAWK
Over 150 alums have graduated with a related information technology major over the past 20 years. Loras College alums are important contributors to their communities, states and country. Many continue a life of service starting during their college days and lasting throughout their professional lives.

Computing alums have gone on to successful careers in large, mid-sized and small businesses including organizations such as:

  • Allstate Insurance: Northbrook, IL
  • Cottingham and Butler: Dubuque, IA
  • CUNA Mutual Group: Madison, WI
  • IBM Corporation: Rochester, MN
  • John Deere & Company: Moline, IL
  • McGladrey & Pullen: Dubuque, Davenport, IA
  • Principal Financial Group: Des Moines, IA
  • Rockwell Collins: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Walgreens: Chicago, IL
  • Wells Fargo: Des Moines, IA

    Student Learning Outcomes

     

    Student Learning Outcomes – Computer Science
    1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
    2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
    3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
    4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
    5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
    6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

    Curriculum

    View Highlighted Courses

     

    Artificial Intelligence
    This is an upper-level course focused on the development of intelligent agents. This course covers what an intelligent agent is, how intelligent agents view the world, and how intelligent agents solve problems. The types of agents discussed include those that search for solutions, those that analyze data, and those that learn from their surroundings.

    Computer Graphics
    This course provides an introduction to computer graphics. This will include some of the fundamental algorithms as well as experience in graphics programming using OpenGL.

    Web Programming
    Students learn a programming language designed to be used on the internet. Then, by working on projects that use the language students learn about the different technologies used on the World Wide Web, such as network and inter-network protocols, process-to-¬process communication, interfacing to databases, human-computer interaction, and intelligent agents.

    Human Computer Interaction
    This course provides an introduction to the discipline of Human Computer Interaction. It is concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of effective computing systems for human use. Topics that will be covered are: history, principles for design, understanding users and their task, designed with the user, basic human factor, and designing visual interfaces.

    Machine Learning
    This course introduces students to topics in the Machine Learning area of Artificial Intelligence. It will include an introduction to some popular algorithms computers use to make decisions and predictions based on problems consisting of varied types of data. In addition to utilizing the algorithms themselves, students will learn about different methods of evaluating these algorithms and how to choose an algorithm for a particular problem.

    View All Computer Science Course Offerings PDF

    Major & Minor Requirements

    Students will complete the following requirements in order to achieve a major or minor in Computer Science. 

    Degree Requirements

    Requirements for the major in Computer Science (B.S.):
    A minimum GPA of 2.00 in all CIT and MAT courses is required.

    Req Course Cr’s
    1 Calculus of One Variable I-FM 4
    2 Discrete Mathematics 4
    Select one from Req 3
    3 Introduction to Programming 4
    3 Intro to Programming with Robotics 4
    4 Data Structures and Algorithms 4
    5 Computer Organization and Architecture 4
    6 Algorithm Design & Analysis 3
    7 Database Programming 3
    8 Capstone Project I 3
    9 Capstone Project II 3
    Select at least ten credits from Req 10
    10 Artificial Intelligence 3
    10 Human Computer Interaction 3
    10 Web Programming 3
    10 Machine Learning 3
    10 Computer Graphics 3
    10 Network Security 3
    10 Operating Systems 3
    10 Big Data Analytics 3
    10 Learn a Language 1
    42 total required credits

    Requirements for the minor in Computer Science:

    Req Course Cr’s
    Select one from Req 1
    1 Introduction to Programming 4
    1 Intro to Programming with Robotics 4
    2 Data Structures and Algorithms 4
    Select four from Req 3
    3 Artificial Intelligence 3
    3 Human Computer Interaction 3
    3 Computer Organization and Architecture 4
    3 Algorithm Design & Analysis 3
    3 Web Programming 3
    3 Database Programming 3
    3 Machine Learning 3
    3 Computer Graphics 3
    3 Network Security 3
    3 Operating Systems 3
    3 Big Data Analytics 3
    20 to 21 total required credits

    View Full Requirements & AdditionalInformation PDF

    Career Opportunities

    “What can you do with a Computer Science degree?”

    As a Computer Science major, you will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers.

    • Insurance Software Development
    • Avionics Software Development
    • Back-Office to Point-of-Sale Hardware
    • App Development
    • Video Game Development

    Supporting Your Investment

    Loras takes great pride in supporting your investment – both through providing an exceptional learning experience and in sharing the cost of your degree. 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We have scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long will it take me to earn my Loras degree?

    Most students earn their undergraduate degree in four years or less. If you have questions about transferring any previously earned credits or degrees, please see our Transfer Student Information.

    How much is tuition?

    At Loras College, financial access to education is one of our defining values. We are committed to helping all of our students make their degree affordable. We partner with every student and family to understand their unique financial needs ensuring 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We offer Scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need. Loras is consistently ranked as one of the best universities for return on investment.  View our Tuition and Fees page.

    How do I apply for financial aid?

    Submit your federal FAFSA, apply to Loras College and visit loras.edu/financial-aid for information, scholarship opportunities and much more.