lewis-university

Studying Computer Science at Lewis

Lewis University appears in our ranking of the Top 30 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.

Noted for winning the 2018 National Cyber Defense Competition, the School for Professional & Continuing Education is an NSA Center of Academic Excellence that awards the Computer Science B.A./B.S. for Lewis University techies. Chaired by Dr. Ray Klump, the 128-credit program puts undergrads at the helm of programming secure, efficient applications that better human life. Students are immersed in four specializations: Computer and Network Security, Video Game Development, Distributed and Mobile Computing, or Simulation of Scientific Systems. Before the 1:1 capstone project, courses ranging from Discrete Mathematics to Software Engineering have 10 peers on average. Other engaging opportunities include earning an Argonne National Laboratory co-op, pledging Upsilon Pi Epsilon, joining Prometheon Club, attending the CaMS Seminar Series, and studying in China.

Online on Blackboard or in Romeoville, Lewis University also grants the Computer Science M.S. to deepen Flyers’ knowledge of 21st-century technologies to spark STEM innovation. Directed by Dr. Steven Berger, the 32-44 credit curriculum schedules accelerated, eight-week modules for working post-grads to develop actionable techniques quickly. Lewis Bachelor of Science majors could take the Fast-Track Program for 4+1 M.S. completion. Three concentration tracks are customized for Software Engineering, Cyber Security, and Intelligent Systems with active ACM chapter activities. Courses from Digital Forensics to Object-Oriented Design and Machine Learning end at a master’s thesis presentation. There’s a 94 percent job placement rate at top employers, such as PayPal, Twitter, Citigroup, and IBM. Similar Lewis degrees are the Data Science M.S. and Information Security M.S.

About Lewis University

Lewis University was founded in 1932 on Fitzpatrick Farm by Bishop Bernard J. Sheil as the Holy Name Technical School with just 15 learners. As World War II brewed, it was renamed the Lewis School of Aeronautics to train fighter pilots. Coeducational since 1949, Lewis obtained university status in 1973 for its first master’s program two years later. Now endowed for $56.3 million, Lewis University upholds Christian Brothers’ values as a private, nonprofit ACCU member of the Diocese of Joliet. Partnered with the College of DuPage, Lewis attracts 4,553 undergrad and 1,960 post-grad Flyers, including Computer Science majors, to the 410-acre campus west of Chicago. Linked to 25,324 LinkedIn alumni, Lewis University has trained John Loprieno, Kay Cannon, Yvette Marie Stevens, and more.

The U.S. News & World Report ranked Lewis as the 23rd best Midwest school, 42nd top value, and 15th most military-friendly campus. On Niche, Lewis University is America’s 84th best Catholic institution with the 360th best food and 419th top athletics. The Social Mobility Index placed Lewis 176th nationally for opportunity. In Washington Monthly, Lewis was declared the 136th best buck, 222nd best service college, and 346th most productive research university. PayScale recorded a 20-year net ROI of $210,000 at Lewis University. According to Money magazine, Lewis is the country’s 259th most valuable investment. The Princeton Review picked Lewis among its top 50 schools for video game design. College Factual honored Lewis for the 389th most popular computer science program too.

Lewis University Accreditation Details

In March 2012, Lewis University had its Level V regional accreditation reaffirmed for 10 additional years without sanctions by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) under president Brother James Gaffney, FSC. This Chicago-based agency is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to check Lewis’ 82 baccalaureate, 33 master’s, and five doctoral/specialist degrees for quality from Glen Ellyn to Waukegan and online. Lewis’ private curriculum is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. Please note that computer science programs aren’t approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) though.

Lewis University Application Requirements

The Fall 2016 acceptance rate was 59 percent, so getting into the Computer Science B.A./B.S. at Lewis University is a “selective” process. First-year Flyers from 24 nations must all complete a college-prep, intellectually-minded high school curriculum with four units of English. Carrying an overall GPA of 2.75 or greater is necessary, though the average is 3.4. Admitted freshmen report a mean ACT score of 23 and SAT score of 1130. Transfers are considered with 12-72 previous credits graded above “C-.” Non-native English speakers must pass the ELS 112 Level or score 79 on the TOEFL iBT. The Master of Science suits grads with 3.0 GPAs who know C++ and Java programming from computer or engineering bachelor’s study.

Lewis University enforces an Early Response deadline of December 1st and Regular Admission deadline of February 1st for freshmen. Computer science transfers have until April 15th for Fall or January 2nd for Spring, but the MSCS has rolling admission year-round. Hopeful entrants can complete the Lewis Application securely online or by mail to 1 University Parkway in Romeoville, IL 60446. Enrollment help is available at admissions@lewisu.edu or (815) 836-5250. Aspiring computer scientists can debug application errors by sending these:

  • Non-refundable $40 application fees
  • Academic transcripts from every school
  • Official SAT, ACT, or GRE exam scores
  • Typed, 750-word personal goal statements
  • Two completed recommendation forms
  • Résumés of tech-related experiences

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time Computer Science majors at Lewis University are billed $16,150 per term or $32,300 annually. Studying tech part-time costs $948 per credit. Accelerated B.A. students snag a discount to $600 per credit. Residing at the Romeoville campus’ dorms like Dorothy Day Hall adds $3,930 for room and $2,210 for board each year. The annual cost of undergrad attendance equals $45,440 for residents and $35,254 for commuters. The Computer Science M.S. option charges $800 per credit face-to-face or $795 per credit online. Expect master’s totals of $25,440 to $35,200 over two to three years.

According to the NCES College Navigator, 81 percent of full-time Lewis Flyers share $73.1 million in annual assistance packages that average $13,573. Computer Science B.A./B.S. majors could earn institutional funds like the St. John Baptist DeLaSalle Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, Success Grant, Lasallian High School Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, and Achievement Scholarship. Submitting the FAFSA form via code 001707 could prove Federal Pell and FSEOG Grant eligibility. Land of Lincoln natives often claim the Illinois Monetary Award, Veteran Grant, or Dependents of Police/Fire Officers Grant. Savings from College Illinois! 529 pre-paid plans are helpful. Employer tuition discounts are numerous, including from Joliet Junior College and Centegra Health. The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program employs 500 part-time for at least $8.25/hour. Lewis University also suggests Direct Loans, military benefits, Church-matching grants, and graduate fellowships.

Learn more about Lewis University at the Department of Computer & Mathematical Sciences website.