Computer Science Major & Minor
Earn your computer science degree at Carthage
As software grows more pervasive in modern life, computer science majors gain valuable programming experience and graduate with the flexibility to work in a wide range of fields.
You will spend much of your time designing and building software in teams, with the guidance of your professors. Because our computer science courses are small, professors can closely guide you through complex projects and you will interact closely with your classmates.
While we offer courses in modern topics like mobile computing, web development, and computer graphics, our focus is on creating 21st century problem solvers. Our goal is to maximize your professional “shelf life” by shaping problem solvers and preparing you for lifelong learning in the field.
“I chose Carthage primarily because of its size and the majors offered here. I came from a very small high school, so Carthage’s size made it a very easy transition.”
“Students should definitely consider computer science because it is a perfect clash of creativity and mathematics.”
“I feel extremely lucky to have a team helping me go forward, professors caring about me and my health, and friends being so supportive.”
“I chose Carthage because I get to explore my passions, learning both inside and outside of the classroom, while being on the beautiful lakefront.”
“The professors in the Computer Science Department have really helped me learn and understand coding and everything you can do with it. The courses are challenging but incredibly engaging, and I get a sense of accomplishment with everything I do.”
“Carthage has small class sizes and unique organizations that allow me to work closely with my professors and peers, overall providing an excellent learning environment.”
“The Carthage faculty have taught me that no matter if I’m at the top of the class or struggling with the first assignment, I can find success. Whenever I feel like giving up, I can go to them with my problems and get the help I need.”
Computer Science Internship and Research Opportunities
Carthage computer science majors don’t just tackle projects in the classroom. Students get placed in internships that expose them to real-world experiences they can’t get in class. In the last few years, students have worked at Sears, West Bend Mutual, FIS, Jockey, Thrivent Financial, Cars.com, Milliman, Performance Trust, the FBI, and The Aerospace Corporation.
All computer science majors must use skills from the classroom, research, and internships to create a capstone software development project for their senior theses. The project serves as the highlight in a student’s portfolio, demonstrating skills to potential employers.
Opportunities for Computer Science Students
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Carthage’s Science Center features 12 interdisciplinary laboratories for research, collaborative learning areas outside classrooms and faculty offices, a glass-enclosed atrium, an outdoor classroom overlooking Lake Michigan, and a planetarium. Computer science courses are also held in the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business, a first-class learning center. Computer science facilities include a server room, hardware lab, and a networking/advanced computing facility with Linux and Sun/Solaris platforms. Students have access to Carthage’s Computation and Visualization Laboratory for computational research projects.
special academic options for Computer Science Majors
ENGINEERING
In this dual-degree program, you will spend three years at Carthage and the final four to five semesters at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland or Washington University in St. Louis.
Game Development
With a concentration in game development, computer science majors can earn associate-level certification through Unity, the platform used to make most mobile, console, and PC games. A cross-disciplinary game development minor is open to all other Carthage majors.
Where Carthage computer science Majors go
Our alumni have gone on to work for employers such as:
- Allstate
- Appirio
- Groupon
- Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies
- Morningstar Inc
- UnitedHealth Group Inc.
Some Carthage computer science majors have founded startups in the tech sector or worked as independent programming consultants.
Others have continued their studies in graduate programs at:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Marquette University
- North Carolina State University
- University of Chicago
Scholarships for Computer Science Students
Students intending to major in computer science can participate in the Math/Science Scholarship competition. Two full-tuition scholarships are awarded each year and are renewable for four years.