4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
This interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science program is offered jointly by the Department of Computer Science (Grainger College of Engineering) and the Department of Curriculum & Instruction (College of Education). It prepares students to become licensed secondary education teachers in computer science for grades 5-12 in Illinois.
The curriculum combines rigorous foundational computer science courses — including programming, data structures, algorithms, and systems with professional education coursework and extensive field experience in real classrooms. Graduates develop strong pedagogical skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, and strategies to support diverse learners, alongside expertise in designing and delivering computer science curricula.
Course overview by year:
Year 1: Intro to CS, Education Orientation, Composition, Calculus I, Language/Gen Ed
Year 2: Intermediate CS, Education & Psychology, Calculus II & Linear Algebra
Year 3: Advanced CS, Education Courses, Gen Eds, Electives
Year 4: Professional Education, Student Teaching, Electives
Students must complete 39 hours of professional education coursework, including student teaching, alongside the computer science core.
Extensive field experiences and student teaching in local classrooms
Development of pedagogical skills and curriculum design expertise
Collaboration with Illinois schools through the College of Education
Integration of computer science theory and practice with education theory
Licensure eligibility for teaching computer science at the secondary level in Illinois
First program data on retention and graduation currently unavailable (new program)
Program designed to meet state licensure requirements with evolving mandates
Graduates are positioned to address growing demand for qualified computer science teachers at the secondary level
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