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Programming and software now stretch to all areas of society imaginable—computers, video games, and electronics to cars and appliances. The professionals behind these advances often have a comprehensive background in computer science, spanning its mathematical and conceptual foundation to its more practical applications.
These professionals once found themselves in your place. You think that even simple, accepted processes no one questions could be more efficient. So, you start to devise a creative, original solution to do things not only differently but better—no matter how unconventional that may seem at first. Whether you strive to conceptualize apps and software, dream up new operating systems that power tomorrow’s technology, or protect a business’s network from ever-encroaching threats, Northeastern Illinois University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program not only challenges your innovative, entrepreneurial nature but offers a supportive, multicultural environment to prepare you for your future career.
Northeastern's Bachelor's in Computer Science prepares you with the skills needed to enter the tech industry in Chicago and beyond. With several concentrations to choose from learn how to become a software engineer, IT specialist, web developer and more!
NEIU partnered with Google to create Google CSSI: Extension, a free CS bootcamp for high school seniors and new transfer students.
Connect at the Computer Science Society, NEIU’s Chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery, an international membership organization dedicated to computing.
A hub for students in STEM fields, the Center offers study groups, tutoring and individualized guidance on preparing for science-oriented careers.
At its core, computer science is the study of software and hardware systems, from the mathematical and programmatic languages composing their foundation to the analytical and problem-solving skills key for developing new solutions.
Considering the pace of technological advances, computer science previously provided a more specialized look at the field. However, every industry requires programmers, developers, software engineers, and professionals who understand artificial intelligence applications, and NEIU constructs our Bachelor’s in Computer Science program through this framework, offering a broad-based perspective encompassing theoretical and practical topics:
Incoming freshmen and transfer students further have the opportunity to jumpstart their academic career with the Google-CSSI Extension Program, an intensive, four-week summer session designed to encourage the success of women, underrepresented ethnic minorities, first-generation, and low-income college students in computer science. Students receive guidance from NEIU faculty, staff, and peer mentors while learning key computer science concepts and, upon completion, will receive a tuition scholarship toward one academic course. Learn more about the program.
Northeastern Illinois University crafts the curriculum for the Bachelor’s in Computer Science degree for accomplished, imaginative individuals seeking a new challenge. Rather than conceptualize the program through a narrow lens, we’ve taken a broader, more integrative approach. You’ll receive a thorough introduction to programming languages, computer architecture, operating systems, and scientific and mathematical theories, have the opportunity to expand your mindset and communication skills with NEIU’s liberal arts–based core, and can tailor your degree to your career goals—be it jumping into the workforce after graduation or elevating your knowledge through a master’s program.
Through this structure, you’ll be required to complete a minimum of 36 hours of 300-level coursework.
Today’s computer science professional is someone who’s not only well-versed in programming languages and theories but can use their skills to transform the world. NEIU’s general education requirements assist you with developing this perspective and incorporate experiential learning, helping you apply the concepts introduced in the classroom.
You’ll take a total of 33 credits across fine arts, humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and natural sciences. Three Engaged Learning Experiences then open up the pathway to take the tools you’ve acquired and utilize them in a real-world setting, illustrating computer science’s practical and intersectional applications.
NEIU immerses all computer science students like yourself in a rigorous, comprehensive course of study that touches on all key aspects of the field:
You can chart your degree path through a concentration, requiring at least two electives totaling to six (6) credits, in one of four areas:
Develop an advanced understanding of higher-level computer science concepts, including programming languages, database management, networks, open-source systems, human-computer interactions, cryptography, computer graphic fundamentals, natural language processing, and parallel computing. You’re recommended to select this concentration if you intend to continue your studies in a master’s program and are advised to complete Calculus II and Linear Algebra before graduating.
Data science explores capturing and maintaining data, to processing and analyzing data, and finally reporting and communicating data in an effective way. Develop analytical skills to plan and identify relevant questions, collect data from a variety of points and sources, organize and translate a multitude of information in user friendly terms, and report out analyses that will impact businesses and processes.
Gain the skills to make decisions about computer network design and maintenance, or translate your artistic side to the digital realm with an understanding of web development. This concentration equips you for such career paths with courses in client- and server-side web development, event-driven programming, open-source systems, artificial intelligence, mobile app development, and cybersecurity.
Review all requirements and course descriptions now, and see how the degree program is structured.
The opportunities available to computer science majors extend from the typical roles in Silicon Valley to local companies in Chicago looking for motivated, strategic, and persevering individuals dedicated to finding a solution. Beyond web, software, computers, and electronics, computer science is increasingly integral to the automotive industry and any entity seeking to conceptualize a new app or device that connects to the Internet of Things (IoT).
Reflecting this demand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts positions for computer science professionals will grow 11% between 2019 and 2029. This spectrum covers computer network architects (5% or slightly above average growth) through database administrators (10% growth), software developers (22% growth), and information security analysts (31% growth). Additional career paths include:
Three to five years after graduation from the undergraduate Computer Science program at Northeastern Illinois University, our graduates will:
The undergraduate Computer Science program has six student outcomes listed below. Upon completing the program, graduates will be able to:
Academic Year |
Undergraduate Enrollment Years: |
Total Undergrad |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||
Current Year |
Full-Time | 207 | 200 | 193 | 231 | 207 | ||
Part-Time | 118 | 159 | 195 | 195 | 209 |
In academic year 2021-2022, 116 degrees were awarded for the B.S. in Computer Science.
Considering a career as a maker and creator that requires a solid understanding of programming knowledge and computer science theory? Let NEIU guide you on your journey and unlock additional opportunities. If you’re interested in applying to the Bachelor’s in Computer Science degree program, candidates must fulfill all application requirements for freshman or transfer students.