As technology grows throughout the world, the need for individuals who have successfully completed accredited computer science degree programs in Utah has also grown. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 36,000 computer and mathematical positions in the state in May 2013. Nationwide, positions in computer science are expected to grow by 15 percent, which is faster than the average growth expected in other professions. There are a wide variety of positions available in the computer field as well. Those who successfully complete an accredited computer science degree program in Utah and other states are qualified for positions that include:

  • Computer and Information System Management
  • Computer Scientist
  • Support Specialist
  • Systems Analyst
  • Systems Designer
  • Computer Programmer
  • Database Administrator
  • Network Administrator
  • Network System Administrator
  • Software Engineer

Obtaining a degree in computer science can prepare individuals for many different professions in the computer industry.

Brigham Young University

College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

At Brigham Young University, the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences includes seven departments. The mission of the college is to provide an environment where students can become lifelong learners and contribute to their fields of study, as well as provide students with a reverence for the complexity of the universe in order to give thanks to the Creator. The focus of the college is to unravel the knots many students see when they enter the field of physical and mathematical sciences while allowing them to develop the skills to become the creators of tomorrow.

Bachelors of Science Degree in Computer Science

Computer Science majors develop creative thinking skills that they can use to solve complex problems while also learning to communicate effectively. Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Program at Brigham Young are actively recruited by major corporations in the computer science, software and research industries. The program requires 73 to 77 hours of instruction that include general education requirements. Students take courses in such areas as:

  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Data Structures
  • Theory of Computation
  • Computer Architecture
  • Operating Systems
  • Algorithm Analysis
  • Software Design

Students may also choose from a wide variety of electives. Students may also concentrate studies with emphasis on:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Animation

Students obtain the knowledge and skills to gain positions as software developers and in other areas of the computer field with a solid foundation in fundamental computer science principles.

MS Program

The mission of the Masters in Computer Science Program at Brigham Young is to allow students to be exposed and participate in cutting-edge research. Students are able to develop critical thinking skills that allow them to analyze results, as well as the skills to write technically and articulately about those results. Students not only develop research ideas, but also produce viable research results based on those ideas. Team-building skills are also incorporated into the curriculum as students work to develop software for problems found in a variety of industries throughout the world. The program is at least 30 hours, including a thesis. Students must provide an Ecclesiastical endorsement as well as official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited universities or colleges attended. Students must also provide official GRE Scores and recommendation letters. Students for whom English is a second language must also provide their official TOEFL scores as well.

PhD Program

The PhD program at Brigham Young prepare graduates to generate new ideas, convince others that those ideas are worth pursuing and conduct research to demonstrate the viability of the ideas. In addition, students are able to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally. The program requires at least 66-credit hours for completion, including a thesis and dissertation. Students of the program must be a resident for the full duration of the program in order to perform research of sufficient quality to merit the doctoral degree. In addition, students must teach at least one Computer Science course and be evaluated by the graduate faculty at least three times per year. Students must have a Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a closely related field in order to apply for the PhD program.

Accreditation

  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

Contact

Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
Telephone: 801-422-4636 or 801-422-1211
Email: web.ugrad.cat@byu.edu
Website: https://cs.byu.edu

Southern Utah University

Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering

The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering is named in honor of a Southern Utah University graduate with a strong history in physics and chemistry. Mr. Gibson graduated from SUU with an associate’s degree in chemistry and continued his studies at the University of Utah. He served in the Air Force while earning his bachelor’s in chemistry, which he received in 1954. He earned his Ph.D. in nuclear chemistry in 1956 and went to work for Bell Telephone Laboratories. While there, he conducted groundbreaking research in semiconductor detectors, radiation effects and ion channeling which led to the success of the Telstar satellite. The college focuses on creating a customized, stimulating science learning environment for students through a talented faculty and staff.

Computer Science Composite, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science includes a background in humanities education. The program of study is similar to that of the Bachelor of Science Computer Science composite and is designed for students with a strong mathematical background who wish to focus studies not only in computer science, but also in the humanities, which include literature and social science. Courses must be passed with a “C” or better and all computer science students must take an approved comprehensive examination in computer science during their senior year, scoring in at least the 25th percentile.

Computer Science Composite, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science Composite degree in Computer Science is designed for students with backgrounds in mathematics and science who wish to seek careers in computer science. There are 33 credits of general education courses as well as three credits in university requirements. Students must also take 36 CSIS Common Core and 36 or 37 CS Core courses. In addition, there are 15 credits in electives required for completion of the program.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science not only provides students with a strong background in computers, but also focuses on humanities that include literature, sociology and other social sciences. Students are provided in-depth skill s in areas of computer science and information systems along with communication, arts and social science courses that help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s increasingly technological world.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Students who enter the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at SUU may choose to emphasize their studies in either Forensic Science or Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students with an interest in criminal justice may wish to focus their computer science studies in computer forensics, while those with an interest in spatial analysis and geography may prefer to focus their studies in a GIS concentration.

Accreditation

  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology

Contact

Mary Gillins
Administrative Assistant
Southern Utah University
351 West University Boulevard
Office ELC 407
Cedar City, UT 84720
Telephone: 435-586-5405
Email: Marygillins@suu.edu

Utah State University

College of Engineering

The College of Engineering at Utah State University empowers students by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in the technology field. The college offers six departments and has 88 faculty members. The program has won the IGEM gold medal five times and took first place in the 2012 and 2012 and 2013 Air Force Research Laboratory Design Challenge. In addition, the chimaera Rocket Team won first place in a University Student Launch Initiative hosted by the NASA Marshall Spaceflight Center four times.

Computer Science, BS

Students in either the Bachelor of Science Computer Science program at USU develop the theoretical foundations in information and computation. Students also develop an understanding of practical techniques for implementing and applying those techniques in order to create, describe and transform information in computer systems. Students must complete all required courses in the major to earn their BS degree. Students may choose to concentrate their studies in:

  • Science
  • Digital Systems
  • Software Development
  • Bioinformatics

The program is a four year degree and students work with an advisor to develop a plan of study tailored to their own unique career objectives.

Computer Science, BA

Students in the Bachelor of Arts Computer Science Program may concentrate their studies in one of four areas of emphasis:

  • Science – designed for those who plan to pursue scientific or technical careers, attend graduate school in computer science or enter the research field. Courses are focused on science and include physics, biology and geology.
  • Digital Systems – designed for students who are interested in both hardware and software aspects of information systems.
  • Software Development – Designed for students who are interested in major areas of software engineering, including project management, development processes, group work and other areas related to the creation of software.
  • Bioinformatics – Designed for students who wish to work with collection, classification, storage and analysis of biochemical and biological information using computers. The focus is on molecular genetics and genomics.
  • Information technology – Designed for students who wish to develop skills in analyzing, designing and implementing information technology.

In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in one or more foreign languages in order to obtain their Bachelor of Arts degree. Non-English speaking students may complete this requirement by completing the Intensive English Language Institute or providing a qualified TOEFL, Michigan or IELI placement score.

Computer Science, MS, MCS

Students in the Master’s program in Computer Science at USU are provided extensive education in the field. Students are involved in cutting-edge advancements in the industry from a faculty that provides individual attention to students. Students who complete the program have a high level of placement after graduation. The MS in computer science at USU is the only graduate degree in computer science offered via distance education and available through evening classes providing those with work, family and social obligations the ability to continue their education.

Students may focus their studies on one of four concentrations:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Bioinformatics
  • Distributed, Parallel and Concurrent Computing
  • Software Systems

Students may choose either the Plan a option where students complete graduate-level coursework and write a thesis, the Plan B option in which students produce a paper or creative work of art that is the equivalent of a thesis or Plan C which is comprised of coursework only.

Master of Science Computer Science Degree

The Master of Computer Science Degree is a terminal degree with coursework requirements that are similar to the PhD program, but without the requirement for original research. Students must have extensive experience in computing, programing experience in C++ and a course in Data Structures and Algorithms. Students must also have working knowledge of calculus and statistics. In order to be accepted into the program, students must have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.3 or above. In addition, students must have a quantitative score fo at least the 80th percentile on the Graduate Record Exam. Those who score less than the 80th percentile must provide evidence in their background of extensive computer science knowledge in order to be accepted. Students must also provide three strong letters of recommendation.

PhD in Computer Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science creates graduates with a breadth of understanding in computer science as well as in their area of concentration. Students must show an ability to conduct research and the research must be carried out over a significant period. Successful candidates must produce a significant piece of original research, presented in both oral and written dissertation form. Students must complete at least 90 credits of graduate coursework as well as 12 credits of 7000-level computer science coursework and two credits of a PhD seminar. In addition, nine credits must be earned in department-approved courses outside the department. Students must also pass a comprehensive written examination, complete and defend a research proposal, as well as complete and defend a dissertation.

Accreditation

  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

Contact

Utah State University
4205 Old Main Hall
Logan, UT 84322-4205
Telephone: 435-797-2451
Email: myra.cook@usu.edu Undergraduate; genie.hanson@usu.edu Graduate
Website: http://cs.usu.edu

Utah Valley University

College of Technology and Computing

The College of Technology and Computing at Utah Valley University prepares students for technology careers in today’s dynamic, global environment. The college utilizes an engaged learning environment that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen profession. The college is also committed to enriching relationships with government, regional industries and alumni in an effort to supplement the classroom with real-world experiences for students. The college strives to create a sense of lifelong learning in all students as well.

Minor in Computer Science

In order to complete the minor in Computer Science at the College of Technology and Computing at Utah Valley University, students must complete 18 credits, which include nine credits in electives with a minimum grade of “C” or better.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Networking Emphasis

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Computer Networking Emphasis prepares students for careers in the computer networking field. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher overall, and a combined GPA of 2.5 or higher in all core and emphasis courses. Courses include General Education, Computer Science Core, Computer Networking Emphasis and Electives. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits and 40 of those credits must be upper-division credits. Students must have minimum residency hours of 30 through course attendance at UVU and at least ten of those hours must be within the last 45 earned.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Science Emphasis

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Computer Science emphasis focuses on the science of computers. Students are required to take computer science core courses such as:

  • Fundamentals of Programming
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Discrete Structures I
  • Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures
  • Computer Networks I and II
  • Computer Organization and Architecture
  • Digital Lecture Series
  • Global, Social and Ethical Issues in Computing
  • Operating Systems Theory
  • Introduction to Computational Theory
  • Calculus I
  • Principles of Statistics

In addition, students are required to take emphasis requirements including:

  • Software Engineering
  • Java, C#.NET, and Python Software Development
  • Introduction to Algorithms
  • Numerical Software Development
  • C++ Software Development
  • Principles and Patterns of Software Design
  • Database Theory
  • Advanced/High-Performance Computer Architecture
  • Analysis of Programming Languages
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Compiler Construction

Students must also take general education courses as well as electives in order to earn the 120 credits required for the degree.

Accreditation

  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • ABET

Contact

Utah Valley University
800 West University Parkway
Orem, UT 84058
Telephone: 801-863-INFO (4636)
Email: instantinfo@uvu.edu
Website: http://www.uvu.edu/cs/

Computers are an important part of every industry in today’s business world, but to keep them operational, businesses need individuals with extensive computer science knowledge. In addition, there are a wide variety of computer related positions available in industry today, and those with the skills and knowledge necessary to keep today’s technology operating are in high demand in the job market. For individuals who are able to successfully complete accredited computer science degree programs in Utah, the opportunities are endless when it comes to seeking employment and achieving their goals.