Computer Science (BS)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of La Verne

Program Overview

The Computer Science (BS) at the University of La Verne gives students a strong foundation in computing theory, programming, systems, networks, cybersecurity and software development, while allowing them to specialise through concentrations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Applications Development, Engineering, Information Science or Software. It is well suited to students who want a technical computing career and combines mathematical and scientific preparation with applied coursework, an internship and a senior project.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish the mathematical, scientific and programming foundations required for advanced computer science study. Key preparation includes CMPS 301 Programming Concepts, CMPS 327 Discrete Mathematics, MATH 201 Calculus I and PHYS 201 General Physics I, giving students the quantitative and computational base needed for the major.

Second Year: Students progress into the core computing concepts that underpin modern software and computer systems. Courses such as CMPN 280 Computer Organization, CMPS 367 Object Oriented Language C++ and CMPS 385 Data Structures develop skills in computer architecture, object-oriented programming and efficient data handling.

Third Year: Students expand their technical knowledge through areas such as computer networks, cybersecurity and specialised computing. Core study includes CMPS 368 Principles of Computer Networks and CMPS 420 Cybersecurity, while students begin deeper concentration study such as CMPS 400 Analysis of Algorithms, CMPS 450 Automata Theory or CMPS 451 Artificial Intelligence, depending on their chosen pathway.

Fourth Year: The final stage focuses on advanced specialisation, professional preparation and independent application of computing knowledge. Students complete CMPS 471 Internship and CMPS 499 Senior Project, with the senior project requiring research, preparation and development of a substantial project under faculty guidance.

Focus Areas

Computer science, programming, computer organization, data structures, computer networks, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, algorithms, software development, information science, computer engineering, systems architecture

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse complex computing problems, design and evaluate computing-based solutions, apply computer science theory and software-development principles, communicate effectively, work individually and as team members or leaders, and make informed computing decisions while considering legal and ethical responsibilities.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of La Verne states that its Computer Science program's student learning outcomes are aligned with ABET evaluation criteria, including the general and program criteria for computing programs. The university's current accreditation information confirms institutional accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); the current program information does not explicitly state that the Computer Science BS itself holds separate ABET accreditation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of La Verne does not publish a current program-specific employability ranking for the Computer Science BS or a dedicated graduate salary figure on its official program pages. The university does report that its September 2026 student-success snapshot showed most seniors had participated in at least one high-impact practice, while the Computer Science department emphasises preparation for academic, professional and personal growth through theory, application, research and practice.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Computer Science BS is structured to move students from foundational computing concepts into practical application through an internship and a faculty-guided senior project. Students can also gain experience through research activities, hands-on computing coursework and the wider La Verne Experience, which encourages students to apply classroom concepts in practical settings:

Internship: CMPS 471 Internship allows Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors to apply theoretical principles and methods in industry under the supervision of working professionals.
Senior Project: CMPS 499 Senior Project is a required culminating activity in the major. Students research, prepare and develop their project under the guidance of a faculty member.
Artificial Intelligence work: Students choosing the Artificial Intelligence concentration study CMPS 451 Artificial Intelligence and CMPS 453 Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence, supported by CMPS 400 Analysis of Algorithms and CMPS 450 Automata Theory.
Programming and software development: The curriculum provides practical programming exposure through CMPS 367 Object Oriented Language C++, with additional options including CMPS 372 Introduction to Python Programming, CMPS 378 C# Programming, CMPS 481 Mobile Applications Development and CMPS 388 Software Engineering.
Cybersecurity: Students take CMPS 420 Cybersecurity, while the department also provides a Cybersecurity Certificate and a Cybersecurity Club that connects students with resources and professional opportunities in the field.
Research experience: The Natural Science Division hosts a Bi-Annual Research Conference where students from computer science and related disciplines have presented research posters from Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience courses and mentored research projects.
Systems and operating-system practice: Relevant coursework includes laboratory-based study; for example, CMPS 460 Operating Systems includes a lab, while compiler-related coursework also includes laboratory work.
Professional development: The University of La Verne Career Center provides individual and group counselling, career assessments, digital career resources, workshops, employer information sessions and recruitment opportunities for jobs and internships.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Computer Science BS prepares graduates for technology careers by combining programming, algorithms, systems, cybersecurity, networks and specialised areas such as artificial intelligence or software development. The required internship and senior project give students opportunities to demonstrate their technical abilities in professional and project-based settings before graduation.

Typical career directions: Software Developer, AI Specialist, Systems Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst

Career services: The University of La Verne Career Center provides individual and group career counselling, career assessments, digital career resources, workshops, employer information sessions and recruitment opportunities for jobs and internships.
Professional experience: CMPS 471 provides supervised industry experience, while CMPS 499 gives students a faculty-guided project that can demonstrate their technical and problem-solving abilities to future employers.
Industry preparation: The Computer Science and Computer Engineering Department describes its mission as preparing students through a balanced programme covering theory, application, research and practice, supporting progression into professional computing environments as well as further academic study.
Employment statistics and salary: The University of La Verne does not publish a current Computer Science BS-specific employment rate or starting-salary figure on its official program or career pages, so a program-specific figure should not be presented as an official statistic.
University outcomes: La Verne's September 2026 student-success snapshot reports that most seniors participated in at least one high-impact practice, while its March 2026 snapshot states that graduates were launching careers and advancing to graduate programs across diverse industries.
Long-term accreditation value: The university is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), providing external institutional quality assurance. The Computer Science program's published learning outcomes are also aligned with ABET evaluation criteria, although the current university program information does not explicitly claim separate ABET accreditation for the BS.
Additional professional pathways: Students can complement the BS with certificates in Computer Coding, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or Website and Internet Applications Development, allowing them to develop a more focused technical profile.
Accelerated graduate pathway: Computer Science majors are eligible for La Verne's MSDA 4+1 Program, where qualified undergraduate students can begin graduate-level Data Analytics coursework during their senior year, with approved courses counting toward both degrees.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Computer Science BS, students can continue into graduate study in areas such as data analytics, computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or related technology disciplines. At the University of La Verne, the MSDA 4+1 provides a particularly direct route into graduate-level data analytics, while students can also pursue further expertise in computing and related fields.