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Computer Science

Also offered as: Minor

Learn how software, data and computing systems work, then use that knowledge to solve real problems. EIU’s Computer Science program combines programming, algorithms, artificial intelligence and other core areas with hands-on projects and a professional internship.

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Computer Science

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 79 in Major
Careers
Computer, Managers, Analysts, Scientists

Why Study Computer Science at EIU?

  • Build a strong computer science foundation: Study programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, networking and more.
  • Explore rapidly changing fields: Take advanced coursework in areas such as artificial intelligence, parallel programming and other emerging technologies.
  • Learn in smaller classes: Work closely with faculty who can get to know your interests, strengths and career goals.
  • Develop skills that go beyond coding: Strengthen your problem-solving, logical reasoning, computational thinking and ability to design effective solutions.
  • Prepare for careers across industries: Computer science skills are used in technology, business, health care, research, finance, government and many other fields.
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"I had visited EIU on a college trip, and immediately felt a pull to the campus. I enjoyed the small campus feel and how many resources were available for new students. Although it was a scary experience leaving home, I felt much better knowing EIU had opportunities for me to find community."
Abby Gamboa
Computer Science | Class of 2026
Abby Gamboa, Computer Science at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Build through project-based coursework. Put programming and computer science concepts into practice by designing, developing and testing solutions.
  • Complete a professional internship: Apply what you’ve learned in a workplace setting before you graduate.
  • Work with real computing problems: Gain experience with algorithms, databases, networking, computer systems, artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Collaborate with classmates and faculty: Practice the teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills used in professional computing environments.
  • Go deeper through independent study: Explore topics that interest you through faculty-guided projects, research and other learning opportunities.
Hands-On Experience, Computer Science students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The B.S. in Computer Science focuses on how software, data and computing systems work and how to use them to solve real problems. It is a fit if you enjoy logic, puzzles and building things, and want to learn how to analyze a problem and design an efficient solution rather than only learn to code.

View in Catalog
$148,207
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Computer & Information Systems…
  • Information Security Analysts
  • Computer & Information Research…
  • Computer Network Support Specialists
  • Database Architects
  • Data Warehousing Specialists
  • Computer Programmers
  • Software Developers
  • Software Quality Assurance Analysts &…
  • Web Developers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
Openings: Employers are expected to need at least 75,000 people for this career over the next several years. That count includes new jobs created by growth and spots opened when workers move on.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly / Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ConventionalConventional interest typeYou like order and detail. This work involves organizing information or data by following set procedures and rules, usually in an office.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Andrew Mertz
Department Chair and Professor of Computer Science
aemertz@eiu.edu
3364 Old Main
217-581-3828
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or email aemertz@eiu.edu directly
Abdul Mohd
Associate Professor
mabidalrahman@eiu.edu
Old Main
217-581-5901
Abdul Mohd Message Abdul

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or email mabidalrahman@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
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