Computer Science Major

Master today's technology and create tomorrow's.

In this program, demystify codes and algorithms and use them to explore the world. Be a part of revolutionizing technology, including Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (machine learning), computer vision and robots. Stay grounded in your faith while in the fellowship of a Christ-center community.

Classes Careers Meet the Faculty

Build Technical Skills

Take a hands-on approach to learning in Houghton's science computer lab. Hone your technical skills by configuring the components of Single Board Computer (SBC) and debugging syntax and semantic errors from source codes.

Latest Technology

Learn about data analytical programming toolkits, construct Convolutional and Deep Learning Neural Networks, and implement embedded image recognition on edge AI devices. Be confident in knowing you'll be ready for the workforce after completing this program.

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s computer science program, you will

Develop the fundamentals of programming utilizing the python and R programming languages, including basic data structures, operators, control structures, methods, objects, classes, inheritance, polymorphism, functions, higher order functions, types, and pattern-matching.
Conduct research, tackle a real-world complex issue, or travel in your first year with Houghton’s Science Honors Program.
Spend your summer getting paid to do real, cutting-edge research. Collaborate with Christian faculty members who care about your growth academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Gain practical experience in Houghton’s Technology Service Office. Support Houghton's network infrastructure and address computer hardware and software issues.
Publish and present your research at national conferences.

124 Credits

57-61

Required Courses

63-67

Elective Courses and General Education

Degree Requirements

Computer science technology detecting fruits and vegetables with yellow outlines and red text.

Beyond Foundations

Build on classical computer science courses like data structures, computer architecture, operational systems (Linux), and networking and databases. Explore less conventional areas such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Big Data Analytics and Cybersecurity.

Students and Professor sitting in computer science classroom.

Research Experience

Use methods from computer technology to address problems in other topic areas such as sociology and geology. Using this cross-disciplinary model, you will then evaluate the model’s performance and analyze results by conducting relevant experiments. Write a scientific paper, with the potential of being published in peer-reviewed journals. This extensive, collaborative research between faculty and students takes a leading role in Houghton’s program.

Experiential Learning

Seize the opportunity to conduct summer research at Houghton University’s Shannon Summer Research Institute. You will work closely with faculty mentors on research projects for a period of six to seven weeks before you present your findings. Previous projects include:

data analytics for wind power ramp
Arduino cybersecurity
implementation of embedded image recognition on Jetson Nano platform
implementation of embedded object detection on Jetson Nano platform (CNN & DNN)

``Many things contributed to my preparedness for professional work during my education at Houghton. Obviously, the technical knowledge gained in my computer science classes with Dr. Hu was indispensable. But, beyond that, my experience at Houghton provided me with so many ``soft`` skills that have been even more important than any technical knowledge I gained. While pursuing my degrees in Computer Science and Music, I had the great opportunity to work with the folks in Technology Services as both a helpdesk and a network intern. I learned how to:

Prioritize work and track multiple projects—both homework and IT projects.

Network architecture and design, as well as implementation.

Customer service skills—specifically, how to liaison between technical and non-technical persons.

IT physical infrastructure as a whole—from fiber lines to server racks, to end-user devices.

Desktop administration—specifically how to develop desktop images and maintain a fleet of PCs.