Computer Science BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Seattle University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Seattle University provides a rigorous foundation in programming, computing systems, algorithms, databases, artificial intelligence, and software development, preparing students for professional careers in software development and related technology fields. The four-year program combines technical study with Seattle University's emphasis on communication, ethics, teamwork, and real-world industry experience, making it a strong choice for students who want to build both computing expertise and professional skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with Programming and Problem Solving I and II, building their programming and computational problem-solving abilities, while Calculus and the University Core establish the mathematical and broader academic foundation needed for computer science. Students develop the fundamental skills needed for more advanced computing coursework.

Year 2: Students move into Data Structures, Computer Organization and Computing Systems, gaining a deeper understanding of how data is organized and how computer hardware and software systems work together. Fundamentals of Databases and Probability and Statistics further develop their ability to manage information and reason quantitatively about computing problems.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes more advanced through Languages and Computation, Object-Oriented Development, and Design and Analysis of Algorithms. Students can also study areas such as Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence, giving them opportunities to develop skills in modern computational methods and intelligent systems.

Year 4: Students complete Software Engineering and Project Development I and II, gaining experience in developing larger software projects, while Technical Communication and Professional Ethics prepares them to communicate technical ideas and approach computing responsibly. Upper-level computer science electives allow students to further develop their interests before graduation.

Focus Areas

Programming, data structures, computer organization, computing systems, databases, algorithms, software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, object-oriented development, languages and computation, technical communication, professional ethics

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyze computing problems, identify requirements, design and evaluate computer-based solutions, communicate technical information effectively, make informed decisions considering legal, ethical, and social issues, work effectively in teams, apply computer science theory, and adapt to new computing techniques and tools.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Seattle University prepares computer science students for professional careers through a curriculum combining technical foundations, software development, communication, teamwork, and ethical computing practice. The university's current Computer Science BA and BS program information does not identify the BS Computer Science degree as a separately ABET-accredited program.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Seattle University's location in the heart of Seattle provides students with access to one of the world's major technology ecosystems and connections with companies including Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR, Nordstrom, and Costco. The university also reports that more than 600 students have been hired by Project Center sponsor organizations after graduation, while 65% of senior design projects over the past four years have been implemented within partner organizations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience through software development projects, industry collaboration, research, and professional mentoring. Every undergraduate computer science student participates in Seattle University's year-long industry-sponsored Project Center experience, working with industry professionals and faculty mentors on practical projects that reflect professional technology environments.

Students gain practical experience through:

Year-long industry-sponsored capstone: Computer science students work with industry sponsors and faculty mentors on real-world projects, developing solutions as part of a professional project team.
Project Center: The Project Center has partnered with more than 300 organizations and completed more than 1,000 industry-led projects. More than 600 Seattle University students have subsequently been hired by sponsor organizations.
Industry projects: Recent Project Center sponsors have included Amazon, T-Mobile, F5, Seattle City Light, Sound Transit, and Snohomish County, giving students opportunities to work on challenges presented by major companies and organizations.
Faculty research: Students can participate in ongoing faculty research, with opportunities to publish their work and present research on campus or at conferences.
Software development projects: Software Engineering and Project Development I and II provide dedicated coursework for developing substantial software projects during the final year.
Computing facilities: Seattle University provides Mac, PC, and virtual computer labs, while the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons provides computer labs, digital resources, and collaborative learning spaces.
Professional mentoring: Students work alongside industry professionals through the Project Center, gaining technical guidance, project experience, and professional connections.
Projects Day: Students present their completed projects and demonstrate their work to sponsors and the wider university community, giving them experience communicating technical solutions publicly.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Seattle University's Computer Science BS are prepared for careers across software development, systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data, and technology consulting. The university highlights careers such as software engineering and computer science, while its career resources identify opportunities across software development, systems development, research and development, and application systems.

Typical career opportunities include:

Software Engineer
Software Developer
Systems Developer
AI Engineer

Students can strengthen their transition into employment through:

Career preparation: Seattle University's Computer Science degree plan encourages students to begin career-preparation activities and seek summer internships during their third year, followed by career searching or graduate-school applications in the fourth year.
Industry connections: The Project Center has worked with more than 300 organizations and provides students with direct exposure to industry sponsors, mentors, and real-world projects.
Employment outcomes: More than 600 Seattle University students have been hired by Project Center sponsor organizations after graduation, while 65% of senior design projects during the past four years have been implemented within partner organizations.
Major technology employers: Seattle University's Computer Science department works closely with companies including Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR, Nordstrom, and Costco.
Industry-sponsored experience: Recent sponsors have included Amazon, T-Mobile, F5, Sound Transit, and Seattle City Light, allowing students to develop professional experience before graduation.
Professional development: The program develops communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, and the ability to learn new computing techniques, helping graduates adapt to a rapidly changing technology industry.
Salary and career value: Seattle University reports that its graduates earn 53% more than the national average for college graduates in their first few years of work, based on College Factual's 2024 data. This is a university-wide graduate figure rather than a Computer Science-specific salary.
Graduate opportunities: Qualified students can pursue Seattle University's Accelerated BS & MS in Computer Science, allowing them to earn both degrees in five years and apply up to 10 undergraduate elective credits toward the master's degree.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can pursue Seattle University's MS in Computer Science, including pathways involving data science or software engineering, or continue into graduate study in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and related computing fields. Seattle University also offers an accelerated BS and MS pathway that can allow qualified students to complete both degrees in five years.