Computer Science

Why Major in Computer Science at ONU?

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science (CS) program nurtures your curiosity while guiding you through an exciting journey of technical discovery and innovation. Connect with us to uncover your potential.

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Pursue career success with strong critical thinking, programming, leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial mindset in ONU’s CS program through:
●    Faculty mentors serve as your compass guiding your pursuit of innovation.
●    Personalized exploration in areas such as software design, game design, mobile apps, and security.
●    Concentration options in AI, Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, and Cybersecurity.
●    Immersive co-op program to develop professional experience in the field.

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Tap Into Your Potential Through Hands-On Learning

Immerse yourself in cutting-edge computer science education that blends fundamental computing principles with real-world experiences. From your first year in the program, you collaborate with classmates on team projects and solve software challenges for actual clients. These hands-on applications spark your intellectual curiosity, refine your problem-solving abilities, and strengthen your leadership and entrepreneurial mindset.

Computer Science faculty member teaching a class

Blaze Your Trail with Support from CS Faculty

As a computer science major at ONU, you'll never be just another face in the classroom. You learn in an uplifting community that champions your success through personalized mentorship. ONU’s distinguished faculty offer career guidance and share their years of hard-earned wisdom to help you discover not just what you want to do but also who you want to become.

Freshman Logan Reichling is photographed in the classroom of John Estell, professor of computer engineering and computer science, in the James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building on the campus of Ohio Northern University.

Career Exploration With Proven Outcomes

At ONU, you have the opportunity to experience immersive learning such as co-op, internships, and research before you graduate. Recent computer science students have earned co-op opportunities at top-tier companies like Microsoft, RoviSys, Raytheon, and Honda, sharpening their competitive edge and strengthening their résumé.

Co-op Program

ABET is a nonprofit, ISO 9001 certified organization that accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. The computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for computer science.

12th in the Nation, by U.S. News & World Report 2024 Badge

COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES, CURRICULUM & PROGRAM RESOURCES

ONU’s computer science major allows you to investigate cutting-edge technical concepts while cultivating programming mastery and robust communication and critical thinking skills. To earn your BS in Computer Science, you need to complete 128 credit hours.

Throughout the program, we incorporate general and CS technical elective openings, empowering you to tailor your education to suit your personal and professional interests. We encourage you to use your elective hours to pursue a minor or a concentration that matches your career aspiration.

Students typically graduate within four years. If you choose to participate in co-op, you complete the Bachelor of Science degree in five years

Our computer science program begins with covering the fundamentals, which include programming languages, digital logic, and the foundation of design. The introductory programming courses lay the groundwork for your upper-level classes and our dedicated professors guide you every step of the way.

Throughout the remainder of the degree program, you explore the many dimensions of computer science. You venture into classes including software development, machine learning, game design, mobile apps, networking, security, and databases courses. You can also pursue advanced training in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain technology, and robotics to sharpen your competitive edge and distinguish yourself as an innovative computer scientist.
To transform your theoretical knowledge into practical expertise, you complete a two-part capstone design course, collaborating with fellow students to work on a comprehensive project. Under the guidance of your faculty mentor, you gain confidence in facilitating advisor/client meetings and tackling real computer challenges. You also give oral presentations and deliver written reports, refining your communication abilities.

Computer Science Concentrations

Concentrations are a great addition to your major, allowing for a deeper exposure to a specific area of interest. Discover how these major and concentration combinations can help you forge your own path:

Robotics is no longer limited to just learning about hardware. Now, robotics has grown to include the software that powers intelligent machines.
- Why pair Robotics with your CS major? Adding a robotics concentration to your CS degree gives you the technical skills and practical experience to develop the algorithms and software that bring robots to life.
- Career paths: Equipped with this knowledge, you can explore thriving career paths as a robotics software developer or automation engineer or pursue employment in tech and manufacturing industries where robotics is essential.
  
  Robotics academic page
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive data and information for companies, organizations, governments, and individuals.
- Why pair Cybersecurity with your CS major? Specializing in cybersecurity builds your expertise and prepares you to defend systems from cyber threats, ensuring the safety and integrity of data and networks. Earning a cybersecurity concentration also opens up a number of experiential learning opportunities. From working in labs like Computer Security and Networks and Data Communications to taking advanced coursework, you can refine your coding skills and ability to problem-solve and assess risk ethically and efficiently.
- Career paths: With your bachelor’s degree in computer science and cybersecurity, you’re ready to begin your career as a cybersecurity analyst or software security engineer or work in roles focused on protecting critical infrastructure in tech, finance, or government.
- Cybersecurity academics page
Biomedical engineering is a booming field where technologies intersect with medicine. Combine your love for computing with a desire to improve healthcare and save lives.
- Why specialize in Biomedical Engineering? By integrating a biomedical engineering concentration into your CS degree, you gain a highly specialized level of expertise that equips you to develop software for medical devices, health applications, and biotech innovations.
- Career paths: After graduation, you can step into various career roles, including biomedical software developer, health tech innovator, or medical database developer.
- Biomedical engineering academic page
AI is changing everything from business to entertainment. Discover the latest automation technology to supercharge your technical skills.
● Why specialize in AI? Adding this concentration to your CS major, you’ll be at the forefront of that revolution. You’ll learn how to develop intelligent systems that can analyze, learn, and make decisions.
● Career Path: Pursue roles as an AI software developer, data scientist, or work in tech companies that are pushing the boundaries of AI innovation.

Mentored by Computer Science Experts

At ONU, you learn from the best. Computer science extends beyond writing code. It's about understanding how we use computers to solve significant problems, appreciating how computing has evolved, and anticipating where computers can take us. There is a lot to explore, and our faculty are eager to teach you and set you up for success.

Meet ONU’s Faculty

Professor engaging students in computer science class

Students working on project in computer science

Working on a project for computer science class

Female student requesting help from a computer science professor

Student working with a professor in class for computer science

Computer science student working on a project in class

Students working hard in computer science class

What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science empowers you to make a lasting impact in a rapidly evolving field.

ONU’s computer science graduates have gone on to make a difference worldwide at leading companies, and you can be one of them.
● Amazon
● RoviSys
● Microsoft
● Boeing
● Cardinal Health
● Red Hat
● Charles Schwab

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a favorable employment outlook for the next decade and projects a 26 percent growth rate for computer and information research scientists. This estimation is nearly six times higher than the national average, highlighting the broad range of career opportunities for computer science majors.

Computer scientists earn a median annual salary of $145,080, significantly outpacing the average. However, with more education and experience, their wages can extend upward of $233,110 as they progress in the field.

Curious Minds, Collaborative Challenges

Further your experiential learning by participating in friendly engineering competitions like the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Programming Contest and hackathon challenges.

You can also engage in other design competitions, like our annual gridiron matchups as part of an intercollegiate robotic football tournament. You may join the IEEE Student Activities Conference to compete in SumoBot or MicroMouse competitions. Fueled by our pursuit of excellence, the ONU Polar Bears always compete to win at these contests.

Join Competition Teams

Study in Cutting-Edge Facilities

While in the computer science degree program, you learn, research, and innovate with your peers and mentors in the 105,000-square-foot James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building. It offers more than 10,000 square feet of large-scale project and design space for capstones, competitive design projects, and other direct industry engagement. Additionally, it provides 2,000 square feet of modern research laboratories where supportive faculty guide your hands-on exploration.

The James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building is a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building.

college of engineering students studying

college of engineering professor and student

Get Involved in Our On-Campus Engineering Community

Find your passions with supportive mentors and curious peers in our award-winning student organizations. These collaborative communities empower you to discover leadership potential, investigate diverse career paths, and make meaningful connections at regional and national conferences — all while receiving the encouragement you need to venture beyond your comfort zone and develop both professionally and personally.

This group represents the College of Engineering's student body. Members work closely with the dean, faculty members, and student organizations. JEC aims to cultivate greater cooperation and communication between all groups and support a positive on-campus experience.
Join your fellow ONU engineering students and start designing multiple robotic football teams. You build players in all positions — quarterbacks, centers, linemen, running backs, wide receivers, and a kicker — and compete in an annual robotics football matchup against undergraduate engineering students from the University of Notre Dame.
ONU’s chapter of Upsilon Pi Epsilon is an honorary organization that recognizes outstanding talent in computer science. Our group also promotes high scholarship and encourages individual contributions to society through computing science.
Become a member of ONU’s Phi Sigma Rho chapter. Created for women in engineering or engineering technology, this group cultivates a sisterhood that upholds the highest standard of personal integrity, strives for academic excellence, and builds friendships that last a lifetime.
This professional organization promotes the advancement and exchange of information in computing. As a member, you have access to the latest publications and online resources to stay up-to-date in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of computing.
SWE is a professional organization open to all engineers dedicated to raising awareness of the need for more female engineers and encouraging young women to consider majoring in engineering. ONU’s chapter provides support for its female students and hosts social activities.

My time at ONU prepared me for the decision-making and problem-solving I encounter in the workplace. Knowing that I am involved in creating innovation and change in health care is rewarding and gives me a passion for coming to work.

Erin Radigan, BS ’14

The Future Is Written in Code. Write Yours at ONU.

Ohio Northern University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program delivers a high-quality education rooted in more than 100 years of academic excellence and engineering innovation. With a hands-on approach and personalized faculty mentorship, you cultivate a solid knowledge base and technical skill set that drives your success.

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life.

Computer science degree FAQ

Computer science is the science and application of computing and information to develop innovative solutions to problems. As a rapidly evolving field, computer science profoundly impacts nearly every aspect of modern life, from communication and entertainment to healthcare and transportation.
While the fields of computer science and computer engineering are related, computer science focuses more narrowly on software development, algorithms, and theoretical aspects of computing. Alternatively, computer engineering involves working with hardware and software, emphasizing designing and developing computer-based systems.

Explore the computer engineering major.
Computer scientists play an integral role in nearly every sector and industry. They work as data analysts to inform business decision-making, protect financial institutions from security breaches, create video games and interactive simulations, design mobile applications, and conduct AI research for companies.

Computer scientists also serve critical functions in healthcare systems, nonprofits, schools, and other organizations. Their responsibilities include designing digital programs to enhance advocacy and increase community engagement, building customized job training software to combat poverty, and creating interactive visualization tools to help news organizations make sense of large data sets for the public.
The admission process is streamlined at ONU, and you can start your journey by:
● Completing your online application
● Submitting official transcripts

ACT and SAT scores are not required.

Learn more about undergraduate admissions.

Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree

Why Major in Computer Science at ONU?

Tap Into Your Potential Through Hands-On Learning

Blaze Your Trail with Support from CS Faculty

Career Exploration With Proven Outcomes

COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES, CURRICULUM & PROGRAM RESOURCES

Computer Science Concentrations

Mentored by Computer Science Experts

What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science empowers you to make a lasting impact in a rapidly evolving field.

Curious Minds, Collaborative Challenges

Study in Cutting-Edge Facilities

Get Involved in Our On-Campus Engineering Community

The Future Is Written in Code. Write Yours at ONU.

Computer science degree FAQ

Information for:

Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree

Why Major in Computer Science at ONU?

Tap Into Your Potential Through Hands-On Learning

Blaze Your Trail with Support from CS Faculty

Career Exploration With Proven Outcomes

ABET Accredited

COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES, CURRICULUM & PROGRAM RESOURCES

Multifaceted Development — More Than Just Programming

Test Your Skills in Capstone

Computer Science Concentrations

Computer Science (CS) + Robotics

Computer Science (CS) + Cybersecurity

Computer Science (CS) + Biomedical Engineering

Computer Science (CS) + Artificial Intelligence

Mentored by Computer Science Experts

What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science empowers you to make a lasting impact in a rapidly evolving field.

Curious Minds, Collaborative Challenges

Study in Cutting-Edge Facilities

Get Involved in Our On-Campus Engineering Community

Joint Engineering Council (JEC)

Polar Robotics Club

Upsilon Pi Epsilon

Phi Sigma Rho

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

The Future Is Written in Code. Write Yours at ONU.

Computer science degree FAQ

What is computer science?

What is the difference between a computer science and computer engineering degree?

Where do computer scientists work?

What are the admission requirements?

Information for: