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Undergraduate Program - On Campus
Computer Science

Build the systems that power modern tech.


BVU's computer science program is the most distinctive in the region.  From winning regional programming contests, to offering unique career development opportunities, to multiple hands-on full-semester software projects, our computer science program elevates students in a way that stands out against the competition

Degree
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Format
On Campus
Internships
Yes, at places like Disney, NSA, Workiva, Microsoft, Principal Financial, Wells Blue Bunny, U.S. Navy Research Center, BVU Science Summer Research Program
Why BVU

Why study Computer Science at BVU

A BVU computer science degree is built on applied learning, professional preparation, and personalized mentorship.

Build from code to launch

Build apps, systems, and secure software from the ground up.

Build your path to success

Create a computer science career plan that maximizes lifelong success.

Develop in-demand skills

Required focus on computer security skills.

Learn through experience

Fully funded travel, hands-on learning, and professional networking opportunities.

Hands-On

Learn by doing, from day one

Students develop and deploy real solutions while exploring career pathways.

Year 1–2

Programming, career exploration, systems, cybersecurity hardware, automation

Year 2–3

Software engineering, databases, Web, networking, operating systems, full-semester project

Year 3-4

Artificial intelligence, advanced systems, internships, capstone project

The Stine Endowment provides BVU School of Science students with exclusive access to internships, research, conference presentations, and science-focused travel opportunities through up to $100,000 in annual funding beyond financial aid

Computer Science Tracks

Systems Track

Become a software engineer and develop next-generation applications for mobile, web, and desktop. Learn to specialize in performance, scalability, and robustness.

Information Technology

Support operations in systems integration and administration, and develop custom tools to make business happen. Careers in developer operations, IT managers, analysts, and more.

Mathematics

Prepare yourself with increased knowledge in mathematics. Prepare for graduate school, conduct computer science research, or work in specialized computer-related fields.

AI & Robotics

Pursue careers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotic machinery. Learn the theory behind the concepts, and build tangible predictive systems and adaptable robots.

BVU computer science students in action Watch See computer science at BVU in action
Where Graduates Work

BVU computer science graduates go far.

PayPal Venmo Principal Financial Group NSA FBI U.S. Army – CyberOps and Signals Divisions Epic Games
BVU computer science students collaborating at a competition
BVU Stories

BVU Computer Science Students Earn Top Honors at Regional Symposium

Buena Vista University computer science students showcased their talent on the regional stage, earning multiple top awards at a prestigious undergraduate research symposium. Their outstanding projects and presentations highlighted the innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare BVU students for success in technology and beyond.

student creating an animation on a computer
Game Design Minor

Turn Your Creativity into interactive experiences

The Game Design minor combines creativity and technology as you learn the fundamentals of game development, design, programming, and digital storytelling through hands-on projects. 

Career Outcomes

Where this degree can take you

Software Engineer
Systems Engineer
Cybersecurity Specialist
DevOps Engineer
Network Engineer
Jamie Wendt headshot photo
BVU Stories

Jamie Wendt '24, Software Engineer, Charles Schwab

"My experience at BVU was a mix of hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional growth. In the classroom, I gained a strong foundation in programming, data structures, and problem-solving, but it was the real-world applications, through internships, experiences supported by the Stine Endowment, and the BVU Fellowship, that brought those lessons to life. Every part of the program, from coursework to career development, helped shape me into a more capable, curious, and prepared professional."

Curriculum Highlights

Athletic Performance Training App
Key courses
Student playing a virtual reality game on a computer
Facilities

High-Performance Computing & Visualization Center (HPCVC)

Immersive tech. Real-world impact.

The region’s only lab of its kind built for advanced computing and creative innovation.

  • Eight linked high-performance workstations forming a “super brain” for Big Data and complex computing 
  • Meta Quest 3 headsets at every station 
  • Hands-on experience in immersive simulation environments 

Supports learning in mixed reality, game design, cybersecurity, data science, and computational science.

The Bit Pit room with computers and students sitting and studying
Facilities

The Bit Pit

Code, collaborate, create

A welcoming student workspace inside the Estelle Siebens Science Center.

  • Work on assignments and projects 
  • Collaborate with classmates 
  • Study, brainstorm, or relax between classes 

A central hub where computer science students learn and build together.

Student working on robot
Facilities

Robotics and Computer Architecture Lab

Build what you imagine

A hands-on space where ideas become working systems.

  • Robotics, electronics, and hardware design with faculty support
  • Project-based learning in AI and robotics 
  • Real-world experimentation with systems and controls 

Students:

  • Design parts using Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Create prototypes using state-of-the-art 3D printers
  • Build and program robotics systems from the ground up
Your Career. Your Way.

Build it. Secure it. Scale it.

Design solutions for an evolving digital world with the skills to adapt, innovate, and lead.