Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Computer Science

An advisory board comprised of some of the best names in local industry, including Amerisafe, AOP, Katana Software, Kinetic IT and The Response Group, help keep McNeese’s accredited degree program for computer science up-to-date on the latest knowledge, techniques and developments in the field.

Program Highlights

Why Become a Computer Science Major at McNeese?

Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, McNeese’s bachelor’s degree in computer science incorporates theory and practice into the curriculum through the exploration of software development, video game design, competitive programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence, database management and web design. Students can also minor in computer engineering, electrical engineering, instrumentation engineering or power engineering.

What is a computer science degree?

At McNeese, the computer science bachelor’s degree program combines a well-rounded general education with traditional and core course work in computer science. Learn how to analyze complex problems and apply the principles of computing and other related disciplines to design, as well as implement and evaluate computing-based solutions. Through practical experience, you will develop the knowledge and necessary skills for jobs related to computers in Louisiana, Southeast Texas and across the country.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: in person

Program overview

Explore More for Computer Science Majors

Develop your scientific and technical knowledge in computers through interdisciplinary studies and hands-on, professional training.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Offering one of the lowest tuition rates in Louisiana, McNeese also helps make college affordable through financial aid and scholarships. Almost 80% of undergraduate students receive some form of support, and the average financial aid award is nearly $9,000. Learn more from the Office of Financial Aid.

Upgraded Facilities:

Equipped with the latest computer technology, the academic and training facilities at McNeese provide a variety of resources you need to excel in your career, including robotics and virtual reality equipment.

Applied Learning:

Through collaboration with Lake Area businesses and industry leaders, the Department of Engineering and Computer Science offers a robust internship and work-study program. During your sophomore and junior years, you can alternate semesters studying full time with working in industry full time for extensive professional experience. Learn firsthand what computer science professionals do while making connections that could lead to job offers after graduation.

Undergraduate Research:

Work alongside faculty to develop emerging computer technology that helps solve real-world problems. The computer science major at McNeese offers a variety of opportunities to apply for grant funding, submit papers and articles for publication and attend academic and professional conferences.

Take the Next Step!

Learn More

Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Program Concentrations

Applied Computer Science

With course work in software applications, information technology and computer administration, the applied computer science concentration focuses on practical aspects of the computing industry, such as business applications, computer technical support, database and system administration and IT services.

Applied Computer Science Curriculum
Industrial Computer Science

The industrial computer science concentration prepares students for jobs in engineering and technical services related to computer applications in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

Industrial Computer Science Curriculum
General Computer Science

With a general computer science concentration, students graduate equipped with a wide range of skills in implementing, processing, analyzing and developing advanced data structures, including techniques and tools used in large-scale software development.

General Computer Science Curriculum
Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?

With a bachelor’s in computer science, you can work for a variety of businesses and industries, especially those in the thriving economies of the Lake Area, Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, such as oil and gas and development. Majoring in computer science also builds a strong foundation to pursue a master’s degree or specialized certification.

Graduate Schools or Programs

  • Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences – Computer Science
  • Master of Engineering
  • Master of Science in Management Information Systems

Potential Job Titles or Employers

  • Computer and Information Research Scientist
  • Computer and Information Systems Manager
  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Computer Network Architect
  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Database Administrator
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
  • Software Developer
  • Web Developer

Student Activities

Find your community in McNeese’s student computer science organizations and help spread excitement for computer science on campus during Engineering Week, open houses and more. Our student groups include:

  • Association for Computing Machinery
  • Association for Women in Computing
  • Computing Research Association
  • International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology

Become an Ambassador

Ambassadors in the College of Engineering and Computer Science comprise undergraduate students who conduct campus tours, participate in local and regional science fairs, lead Engineering Week activities, support teachers of the CITGO Innovation Academy and organize other STEM-related events.

Specialty Certifications

As a computer science major, you could earn professional certification in one or more specialized computing fields, such as artificial intelligence, database management systems, hardware, network and operating systems and web development.

Additional Details

At the time of completion of the Computer Science Program at McNeese State University, graduates will possess all of the following:

An ability to apply knowledge of computing science and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs;
An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;
An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities;
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society;
Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development;
An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice;
An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices
An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

The Computer Science Program seeks to produce graduates who can:

Become productive, responsible computing science professionals capable of conducting research and/or designing, developing, or maintaining projects in the various areas of computer science;
Understand and apply ethical issues and social aspects of computing science in performing their duties as computer science professionals; and
Continue learning new technologies in the computer science area through self-directed professional development or post-graduate education.

We can help

Program Contact

Srinivasan Ambatipati – Department Head
sambatipati@mcneese.edu