Computer Science
Bachelor of Science
BJU’s Computer Science team won first place in the 2016 Division II ACM Southeast USA Competition.
Overview
Computers and the Internet are integral parts of business, ministry, education and just about every facet of life. If you’re interested in creating solutions as part of this ever-changing technology field, BJU’s computer science program is for you.
You’ll learn common programming languages and fundamental concepts as recommended in the ACM’s 2013 Computer Science Curriculum Guidelines. Also, you will learn to evaluate and access software technologies and then communicate this information effectively. Our Christ-centered, knowledgeable faculty and hands-on courses will equip you to excel in your field, be flexible in your job and live a God-honoring life.
Program
In the competitive field of computing, you need the skills and knowledge to provide solutions to the real-world problems and the ability to present the solutions to employers. BJU’s computer science program is designed to give you the necessary foundational knowledge in math and computing and then to give you hands-on opportunities to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
During the freshman year, students learn two programming languages, C# and C++, and are given overviews of various software development skills such as web applications, GUI programming and team programming. Throughout the rest of your program, you will take low-level computing courses including microprocessor architecture, operating systems and assembly programming. Students analyze and create a compiler and interpreter for various programming languages.
Computer security is a highlight of the senior year. Internships and student work experiences are generally available as well. BJU’s computer science program will equip you for graduate studies and a wide variety of computing, programming and software research and development job opportunities.
BJU Core
Having a broad base of knowledge and experience will help prepare you for whatever opportunities the Lord brings your way. Bible and the liberal arts courses (such as history, economics, English and speech) will give you the tools to relate to a wide range of people and to clearly communicate. We want to equip you to be a fruitful, flexible servant of Christ.
Electives
The computer science program gives you entrance into an array of occupations. Your electives may be taken to strategically position you, as in the case of business, criminal justice or the sciences. They may also prepare you for specific jobs in the field, such as management, technical documentation or design. College is also a time to challenge yourself. So don’t hesitate to use electives to explore a field of interest that’s not related to computer science. Those courses may be just what God will use to specifically prepare you for work and service.
Success
Kyle Gutschow, ’15
Information Security Specialist
I am an associate information security analyst with Prisma Health, and I’ve been employed here for almost two years. When I onboarded, I was responsible for Active Directory account provisioning, but after a few months of doing that, I was given new responsibilities. Since then, I have managed the network firewalls, network IDSs (NIDS), network vulnerability scanners and endpoint anti-malware protection. Most of my days are spent analyzing the logs of the systems I manage, and I discover and investigate suspicious behavior on the network. Based on the findings of my investigations, I make improvements to our existing security controls to help prevent the network and patient data from being breached. I recently received my CompTIA Security+ certification in August 2016, and prior to that I acquired the Palo Alto Networks Accredited Configuration Engineer (ACE) certification in December 2015.
BJU helped me prepare for my career by giving me the opportunity to learn a lot more about computers and networks, not only through the courses I took, but through working for the IT service desk with experienced and knowledgeable staff. The courses take you down into the inner workings of how computers function and provide you with insight into how devices can be manipulated and used for malicious purposes. I’ve had the opportunity to use that knowledge to help protect my organization, its patients and their health information from harm.
Your Future
Jobs
Our computer science graduates are employed in a variety of computing jobs, from programming to network administration to computer support. The following is a sample of careers our graduates have pursued.
- System administrator
- Web developer
- Independent consultant
- Programmer
- Cryptographer
- Statistician
- Network manager
Graduate Schools
Our computer science graduates have been accepted into graduate schools such as:
- University of Arizona
- University of Virginia
- Clemson University
- Purdue
- Carnegie Mellon
Graduate Experience
Our graduates have gone into top companies and have become leaders in their fields. They are ready to use what they’ve learned at BJU to serve God in whatever capacity He directs them to. Organizations include:
- NASA Ames Research Center
- Microsoft
- Hewlett Packard
- Department of Defense
- Apple
- Dell
- MIT
- IBM
- Michelin
- Broadcom
- Infor
- Mitre
- 3Com
Career Options
While there are many jobs in the computer science field, not all of our graduates go into computer science jobs. Some go into other math-related fields, such as statistics, or into graduate studies in other fields. Some choose to use their skills to assist churches, missionaries, Christian ministries and Christian schools.
Career Support Assistance
BJU offers students a variety of ways to network with employers and organizations. A multitude of job opportunities are posted each year on Career Central, our online job board. In addition, over 60 businesses and 150 Christian schools/mission boards/Christian organizations come on campus to recruit students through on-campus interviews and job/ministry fairs. The Career Services office also helps students by holding seminars on resume preparation and interview techniques.
Learning Experience
Computer Labs
You’ll have access to multiple well-equipped computer labs around campus. BJU provides both standard industry hardware and software and cutting-edge technology so you will have a firm grasp of the basics and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing field.
Lab Assistantships
Our upper-level computer science students gain on-the-job experience as lab assistants. You will benefit from their knowledge as you become familiar with the major. Eventually, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for the position and share your experience with others.
Internships
Employers in the Greenville area recognize the high caliber of our students and often seek them out. Our students have interned at local and out-of-state companies including Booz Allen, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Answers in Genesis, Worthwhile, and Follet Software Corp/Tetradata.
Intercollegiate Programming Contests
BJU students have the opportunity to compete alongside other Southeastern universities including Georgia Tech, Mercer, Wofford and Emory. In recent contests, several of the BJU teams have placed in the top five out of 20-30 teams.
Faculty
Division of Mathematical Sciences
Our faculty members have plenty of practical experience in addition to their work as professors. They’ve spent time in the industry in consulting, directing web development, software developing and information technology work.
One of our faculty members even holds a patent for the networking capability our vending machines use. You’ll be sure to receive a down-to-earth education in preparation for your postgraduate future.
Courses & Objectives
Sample Course Outline
1st Year
2nd Year
- Computer Systems
- The Making of the Modern World
- Hermeneutics: Interpreting the Bible for Life
- Christianity & the Arts
- Mathematics Elective (202/400)
(3 credits)
- Essential Science
- Data Structures
- Unix Programming
- Fundamentals of Technical Writing
- Electives
(3 credits)
3rd Year
- Discrete Math
- Introduction to Operating Systems
- Ideas & Their Consequences
- Bible Doctrines
- Computer Science Elective (300/400)
(3 credits)
4th Year
- Language Translation Systems
- Worldview & Apologetics
- Mathematics Elective (202/400)
(3 credits) - Computer Science Elective (300/400)
(3 credits) - Electives
(3 credits)
- Program
- BJU Core
- Elective
Program Objectives
Each student will:
- Design and implement efficient solutions to problems in various domains.
- Apply fundamental concepts in computer science.
- Communicate technical information effectively, including software design and requirements documents.
- Evaluate and assess software technologies for use in solving specific problems.
- Apply biblical principles of ethics to computing.