Do more than use the latest tech. Create it.

Computer scientists create technology and systems used in almost all areas of modern life. Plus, graduates are in very high demand with high starting salaries. Your computer science degree will prepare you for software and hardware related problem-solving and development, analytical skills, teamwork, technical skills, and everything else you need for a professional career.

What You’ll Do

As a computer science major, you’ll learn the fundamental principles of computer systems and software engineering as well as programming proficiency in modern language. You’ll also:

  • Take courses related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
  • Work closely with faculty who are industry experts.
  • Gain valuable real-world experience through the learning facilities that provide an enhanced environment for specialized software and computer systems.
  • Get resume-building experience with an internship with industry professionals at some of the nation’s most renowned corporations.

What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time. 

Career Opportunities with a Compuer Science Degree

  • Software Developer
  • Database Administrator
  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Computer Network Architect
  • Web Developer
  • Information SecurityAnalyst
  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers
  • Project Manager

Internship and Employment Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • Amazon
  • U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • Garmin
  • Microsoft
  • AT&T
  • Edward Jones
  • Maritz
  • Big River Telephone
  • Element 74
  • Vintage Software
  • MedAssets
  • NASA
  • National Labs

Graduate School Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • University of Missouri
  • Missouri State University
  • Auburn University
  • University of Illinois
  • Rice University
  • Clemson University

 

Computer Science Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Outcomes & Careers

  • $136k

    Computer Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a computer and information research scientist is $136,620.

  • $164k

    Computer Manager

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a computer and information systems manager is $164,070.

  • $102k

    Computer Analyst

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a computer and information analyst is $102,240.

What You'll Study

Degree Map

In the computer science program, you’ll be immersed in a challenging, growing field. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

Computer Science - 84 Hours - No Minor Required

Required Courses:
  • CS101 Introduction to Computer Programming (3)
  • CS155 Computer Science I (4)
  • CS245 Discrete Structures I (3)
  • CS265 Computer Science II (4)
  • CS288 Computer Systems & Assembly Language (4)
  • CS300 Computer Science III (3)
  • CS345 Discrete Structures II (3)
  • CS350 Analysis of Algorithms (3)
  • CS351 C and POSIX Environment (4)
  • CS380 Computer Operating Systems (3)
  • CS390 Programming Languages (3)
  • CS433 Data Analytics (3)
  • CS440 Database (3)
  • CS445 Software Engineering I (3)
  • CS480 Data Communications (3)
  • CS495 Senior Seminar (1)
  • CS499 Capstone Experience (3)
  • CS591 Advanced Artificial Intelligence (3)
  • CY201 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3)
  • IU315 Ethics in the Cyber World (3)
  • MA139 Applied Calculus (3)
  • MA223 Elementary Probability and Statistics (3)
  • MA464 Mathematical Cryptography (3)
  • CSxxx 300 level and above (6)

A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in each course that is a prerequisite course.

Choose 2 science courses with lab:
  • BI163/063 Evolution and Ecology (4)
  • CH184/185 General Chemistry I and lab (3+1)
  • PH120/020 Introductory Physics I (5)

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

Freshmen Year 

Fall Semester (13 Hours) 
  • UI100 (1) 
  • EN100 (3) 
  • CS101 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (16 Hours) 
  • CS155 (4) 
  • CS245 (3) 
  • IU315 (3) 
  • MA139 
  • General Education (3) 

Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA 

Sophomore Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • CS265 (4) 
  • CS288 (4) 
  • CS351 (4) 
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours) 
  • CS300 (3) 
  • CS380 (3) 
  • MA223 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA 

Summer courses are encouraged to avoid 18-hour semesters.

Junior Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • CS345 (3) 
  • CS390 (3) 
  • CS440 (3) 
  • CS480 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (16-17 Hours) 
  • CS433 (3) 
  • CS591 (3) 
  • CY201 (3) 
  • Natural Science Course (4-5) 
  • General Education (3) 

Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA 

Senior Year 

Fall Semester (16-17 Hours) 
  • CS350 (3) 
  • CS445 (3) 
  • CS300-599 (3) 
  • Natural Science Course (4-5) 
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (13-14 Hours) 
  • CS495 (1) 
  • CS499 (3) 
  • CS300-599 (3) 
  • MA464 (3) 
  • Elective (0-1) 

Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA 

A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion of a degree.

Stamp Cyber Command Center

Get experience with real-world cyber-attack scenarios in the first Cyber Command Center west of the Mississippi. Through SEMO's collaboration with IBM, you’ll get experience with immersive simulations that replicate real-world cyber threats, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to respond to the evolving cybercrime landscape.

 

Computer Science Opportunities

  • 11X

    Statewide Missouri Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition Champions

    Southeast Missouri State University is the 11x defending champion of the Missouri Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. This statewide competition focuses on the operational aspect of managing and protecting an existing network infrastructure in addition to examining the abilities of students to design, configure, and protect a network over an entire semester.

  • 2

    State-of-the-Art Research Facilities

    One of the many research facilities on campus is the Cyber Range, an interactive, remote-accessible computational platform of virtualized digital resources which can be weaved together to aid and solve experimental, research, educational, and operational challenges of cyber-enabled systems offering educational content delivery and collaboration. The Department of Computer Science also maintains a separate OpenStack deployment dedicated for faculty and graduate student research called the Research Cluster, offering 200 cores with a total of 300GB of RAM, and 12TB of storage. 

  • 100%

    Students Graduate with Internships

    Students earn experiential learning through hands-on work in their field of study while connecting classroom concepts to real-world situations. This professional experience does more than add to your resume, it helps you build connections in your industry.

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Get Funding for Your Education

Missouri’s opened the door to a more educated workforce. We want to help you walk through it. If you’re an adult learner and a Missouri resident returning to college, learn about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. It’s a statewide financial aid program that can be used to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in a high need area in Missouri. This major is eligible for the Fast Track grant.

Accreditations and Designations

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET): Computing Accreditation Commission logo
  • National Security Agency logo
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo
  • official Centers of academic excellence in cybersecurity community logo

Accreditation Information

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science Program Criteria.
Location
Office
Dempster Hall, 021A
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 5950
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701