Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Miami University Oxford

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, combines programming, software engineering, algorithms, and computer systems with the flexibility to pursue a minor, second major, or co-major outside the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. Designed for students who want to develop strong computing skills while exploring interests across disciplines, the programme covers areas such as cybersecurity, web development, artificial intelligence, and software design, preparing graduates for technology careers or further study.

Curriculum Structure

The programme includes core computer science courses, mathematics and statistics, computer science electives, and additional study outside the department. The following is an illustrative year-by-year progression rather than a fixed schedule, as the actual course sequence depends on prerequisites and individual academic planning.

Year 1: Programming and Mathematical Foundations

Students build their programming and analytical foundations through courses such as CSE 174 Fundamentals of Problem Solving and Programming, MTH 151 Calculus I, and MTH 231 Elements of Discrete Mathematics. These subjects introduce computational thinking, problem-solving techniques, and the mathematical concepts needed for advanced computer science study.

Year 2: Software Engineering and Data Structures

Students develop object-oriented programming and software design skills through CSE 271 Object-Oriented Programming, CSE 201 Introduction to Software Engineering, and CSE 274 Data Abstraction and Data Structures. They also study cybersecurity through CYB 134 Introduction to Cybersecurity or CIT 258 Introduction to Global Cybersecurity.

Year 3: Algorithms, Systems, and Web Development

Students explore advanced programming and computing systems through CSE 278 Systems I: Introduction to Systems Programming, CSE 374 Algorithms I, and CSE 383 Web Application Programming. CSE 381 Systems 2: OS, Concurrency, Virtualization, and Security introduces operating systems, concurrent computing, virtualization, and system security.

Year 4: Advanced Computing and Senior Design

Students complete CSE 448 Senior Design Project I and CSE 449 Senior Design Project II, applying their knowledge to a substantial computing project. CSE 465 Comparative Programming Languages and advanced electives allow students to explore areas such as machine learning, deep learning, generative artificial intelligence, database systems, and mobile application development.

Focus Areas

Programming and software development, object-oriented programming, data structures and algorithms, software engineering, systems programming, operating systems, cybersecurity, web application development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, database systems, mobile application development, computer networks, and computational problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to analyse complex computing problems, design and evaluate computing solutions, apply computer science theory and software development principles, communicate technical information effectively, collaborate in teams, recognise professional and ethical responsibilities, and acquire new knowledge as technologies evolve.

Professional Alignment and Accreditation

The programme develops skills relevant to software development, systems analysis, computing technology, and related professional fields. Miami University's published programme outcomes emphasise technical problem-solving, software development, teamwork, communication, and ethical responsibility. The programme page does not explicitly confirm current programme-specific accreditation, so students should verify this with the department if accreditation is a deciding factor.

Reputation and Employability

Miami University identifies career paths in software engineering, programming, consulting, systems analysis, network administration, and database administration. The university also provides career-development and employer-recruitment support. A current, independently verifiable employment rate or salary statistic specific to graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science was not identified.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students can strengthen their technical knowledge through software development assignments, collaborative problem-solving, senior design projects, and opportunities to participate in research and professional experiences. The programme's senior design sequence gives students an opportunity to apply computer science concepts to a substantial project, while university-wide experiential learning resources can help them explore internships, co-ops, research, and other practical learning opportunities.

Senior Design Projects: CSE 448 Senior Design Project I and CSE 449 Senior Design Project II allow students to apply computing concepts to a substantial project.
Software Engineering Practice: CSE 201 Introduction to Software Engineering introduces software development processes and design principles. CSE 302 Software Construction is an elective option for further practical development.
Web and Mobile Application Development: CSE 383 Web Application Programming and CSE 382 Mobile App Development provide opportunities to explore application development for different platforms.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Electives such as CSE 432 Machine Learning, CSE 433 Deep Learning, CSE 434 Generative Artificial Intelligence, and CSE 486 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence support specialised technical learning.
Cybersecurity and Systems: Courses such as CSE 381 Systems 2: OS, Concurrency, Virtualization, and Security, CYB 334 Network Security, and CSE 444 Applied Cryptography cover systems security and related technical concepts.
Undergraduate Research: Options such as CSE 491 Undergraduate Research and CSE 480 Special Problems may allow students to explore computing topics with faculty guidance.
Internships and Co-ops: Miami University's experiential learning resources support students seeking internships, co-operative education, research, and other practical experiences.
Career Development: The College of Engineering and Computing offers the CEC 190 Career Foundations sequence for eligible students beginning in fall 2025 or later. This zero-credit sequence supports career preparation through semester-based activities and badges.

Facilities and Resources: Students can explore computing courses, departmental academic resources, undergraduate research opportunities, and university career services to identify relevant practical learning experiences. Specific laboratory facilities and software provision should be confirmed with the department.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science prepares graduates to apply programming, software development, algorithms, and systems knowledge to professional computing challenges. The degree's flexibility also allows students to combine computer science with another academic field, supporting opportunities across technology, business, and other sectors.

Potential Career Paths: Software Engineer, Software Developer, Systems Analyst, Database Administrator.

Career Development and Professional Opportunities

Career Development Services: Miami University's Center for Career Exploration and Success provides career guidance, job-search resources, and opportunities to connect with employers.
Internships and Co-ops: Students can seek practical experience through internships, co-operative education, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Senior Design Experience: The two-course senior design sequence gives students experience applying computing knowledge to a substantial project.
Research Opportunities: Undergraduate research and special-problem courses can help students develop technical investigation and problem-solving skills.
Industry Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles in software development, information technology, systems analysis, cybersecurity-related areas, and other computing fields, depending on their electives, experience, and additional qualifications.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: A current, verified employment rate or salary figure specifically for graduates of this BA programme was not identified. Students can consult Miami University's career services for available graduate-outcome information.
Professional Accreditation: Current programme-specific accreditation was not explicitly confirmed in the published programme information and should be checked directly with the department.
Graduate Outcomes: The programme's educational objectives emphasise professional development, progression to advanced study, innovative problem-solving, communication, leadership, teamwork, and ethical responsibility.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue postgraduate study in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, or related areas, subject to each institution's entry requirements. Miami University also offers a combined bachelor's and master's pathway in computer science, for which eligible students can apply during their junior year. Students interested in research or academic careers may consider doctoral study after completing the relevant postgraduate qualifications.