Computer Science Degree
Students who graduate with a degree in computer science are well-positioned for a variety of careers in computing. Some examples of jobs enjoyed by graduates with this degree include software application developer, systems analyst, database administrator, web developer, network administrator, and cybersecurity technician.
Our goal is that every computer science student graduates as a skilled, independent problem-solver with broad, relevant “hard” skills and accompanying “soft” skills. To this end, our courses combine theory and practice in the context of the broader university mission of providing an education enlightened by faith.
There are several computing degrees available at HSU. Use this flowchart to investigate routes that are a good match for you.
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Dr. Terry Sergeant
Professor of Computer ScienceRequest Information
Majors
- Computer Science (B.A.)
- Computer Science (B.S.)
- Computer Science (B.B.S.)
Minors
- Computer Science Minor (B.A., B.B.A., B.B.S., B.S.)
Why study Computer Science at HSU?
Party!
The CSCI department hosts parties each semester. The fall party typically involves pumpkin carving and watching MST3K. The spring party boasts pizza and highly competitive rounds of 9-square!
Individual Attention
Our introductory programming course has a section sizes capped at 16 students! It is not a cliché when we say: “You are not just a number to us.”
Job Growth
Employment of software developers is projected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Program Details
All courses and course descriptions for each degree type can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog:
All HSU students are eligible for the program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer programmers was $79,840 in May 2016, and for software developers, over $100,000. Job prospects are best for programmers who have a bachelor’s degree or higher and knowledge of a variety of programming languages.
Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. In addition, programmers test newly created applications and programs to ensure that they produce the expected results. If they do not work correctly, computer programmers check the code for mistakes and fix them.
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
| Napoleon Musonera
Responsibilities include:
“I graduated from HSU with a Bachelors of Science in Computer science with minor in Mathematics. I recently graduated from SMU with my Masters of Science in Security Engineering. HSU’s CSCI program was the backbone of my success story. Fun fact … I re-took Program design 1 in my senior year! Great teachers made it so much easier to learn the fundamental/foundation and the key concepts in computer science. They made it fun, too, in the process.” |
| Ryan Kana
Ryan says, “A simple question can solve a complex problem. While going through the CSCI program at HSU I could always count on my professors to make the time to encourage me and guide me to find the answers while working through problems. I took this example and lived it into my work today. I strive to make time to not just give the answers to employees and co-workers, but also to help them work through the solutions and find the answers themselves.” |
| Samantha Snead
I am extremely passionate about programming and technology in general. That passion was birthed in the heart of Hardin-Simmons University. After switching majors a few times and not having a clear direction of what I wanted to pursue, I found myself in an intro to programming class where I fell head over hills in love with the problem solving and puzzle-like aspects of programming. I was immediately sold; I knew this was what I was born to do. Doing my homework felt like a challenging game and completing assignments felt like I was beating the game. What sets HSU’s CS program apart is the truly amazing faculty. Not only are the professors very enthusiastic about what they do, but I felt that they genuinely cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. Because the CSCI program is relatively small at HSU the faculty can give more personalized attention to individual students. They encourage students, push them, and challenge them. During my time at Hardin-Simmons I experienced a tremendous amount of growth, both as a programmer and as person. I’m certain I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the lessons I learned at HSU as well as the friendships and mentors I have gained. |
Napoleon works at L3Harris in Greenville, Texas, as a System Security Engineer. He has been in the Cyber Security Industry for 7 year now. L3Harris is a global leader in manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare platform solutions and services.
Ryan is currently the Vice President of Datroo Technologies in Abilene. They are a full service Managed Service Provider and Technology Solutions company and provide storage, virtualization, phone systems, security, and networking services to business all across North America.
After I graduated from HSU with a Computer Science degree, I spent roughly 4 years as a software engineer with Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs, aka “Skunk Works.” Recently I’ve began pursuing a master’s degree in game programming at DePaul University. I’m a subject matter expert for Freedom Learning Group where I draft technical documents and create course content related to software development for clients in the education industry.
