Computer Science Major
The computer science major at UW-Parkside is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in a variety of careers related to information technology. Whether you’re a novice or programming enthusiast, you’ll be taught directly from instructors who are professionals, scholars, and real people.
Our faculty place emphasis on building skills future employers expect, such as teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills. And it works. Our computer science majors are sought after by regional, national, and international employers. In fact, 99% of our graduates find placement in the industry or grad school.
Major in your passion — whether software development, mobile programming, cybersecurity, or data science. You’ll discover relevant computer science theory and be able to apply it to real-world situations. We instruct students using leading edge curriculum that follows internationally recognized ACM/IEEE (Association for Computing Machinery) guidelines.
As a student majoring in computer science at Parkside, your education has a hands-on practical approach using industry tools and processes. You’ll have project-based learning, where you help real customers with software, data science research, and security audit projects.
Visit the Computer Science department page to learn what being one of our students looks like. And take a look at our degree requirements to see which courses are on the path you choose.
THE COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM IS RANKED AMONG THE TOP 100 BEST AFFORDABLE COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMS IN THE U.S.
Competitions
Students from Parkside attend and compete in programming and robotics competitions.
Internships
Parkside’s unique location within the Chicago/Milwaukee corridor provides you with ample internship opportunities with major employers and small businesses in the region.
Student Clubs/Groups
The Computer Science Club is an organization focuses on the use, study, and application of computers and technology. This club provides a service to Parkside students and staff including:
- Spyware/Virus removal
- Computer diagnostics
- Computer consultation
The App Factory is an interdisciplinary group at of undergraduate and graduate Parkside students that develops mobile apps for clients in the local communities.
Study Abroad
Parkside Computer Science students have the opportunity to study at our sister institutions in Germany, Mexico, and India.
Average Starting Salary: $61,321*
Career Possibilities
Business Analyst | Works as a liaison to analyze and communicate business processes into technical requirements which a programmer or developer can then use to create systems which meet all requirements of the customer.
Data Analyst | Uses statistics to analyze large databases to understand societal issues and optimize societal or organizational performance and/or profitability.
Database Administrator | This person is responsible for the environmental aspects of a database. The role of a database administrator has changed according to the technology of database management systems (DBMSs) as well as the needs of the owners of the databases. For example, although logical and physical database design are traditionally the duties of a database analyst or database designer, a DBA may be tasked to perform those duties.
Full Stack Developer | Full Stack Developers are computer programmers who are proficient in both front and back end coding. Their primary responsibilities include designing user interactions on websites, developing servers and databases for website functionality and coding for mobile platforms.
Information Systems Auditor | Ensures a company adheres to legislation and best practices to increase efficiency and reduce risk while ensuring legal compliance.
Mobile Developer | Mobile developers are a type of software developer. They specialise in mobile technology such as building apps for Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS and Microsoft’s Windows Phone platforms. For this reason job titles for this type of role also include Android developer and iOS developer.
Programmer | This person writes, tests, debugs, and/or maintains the detailed instructions, called computer programs, which computers must follow to perform their functions. Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer for business, scientific or consumer applications.
Project Manager | Defined as a facilitator. Plans, tracks, and manages computer-orientated projects, communicates with customers, developers, service providers and/or vendors. Directly responsible for making decisions in such a way risk is controlled and uncertainty minimized.
Quality Assurance or Test Engineer | Ensures software products work as specified. Designs, develops and documents test plans.
Security Analyst | Develops and implements plans and configurations to ensure secure data and information resources.
Software Engineer | Applies the principles of software engineering to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems which make computers, appliance, machinery, or anything which uses software to work effectively.
System or Network Administrator | Configures, manages and maintains computers and their networks.
Web Developer | Web developers work independently as freelancers or with company teams to create websites. Depending on the job, these professionals may focus on front-end development, which involves designing sites and producing content, or back-end development, which involves writing code to make website features work.
Alumni
Many graduates are employed by major regional and national companies, including:
- SC Johnson
- Jockey
- Snap-on
- Northwestern Mutual
- Cardinal Health
- Briggs and Stratton
- Hewlett-Packard
- IBM
- Microsoft
More than $750,000 in UW-Parkside Foundation Scholarships are awarded yearly.
- Your application for admission acts as your initial application for Parkside scholarships and grants.
- Indicate your intended major on your application.
- Once admitted, we may request additional information via email.
- To be eligible, you must be admitted by February 1.
What Do Uw-parkside Computer Science Students Say?
I chose Parkside’s Computer Science program because my father graduated from Parkside and recommended their CS Program. Of course I have always loved breaking computers, I want to learn how to fix them!
Jake | CS Major, Unix Administration Certificate
I chose UW-Parkside’s CS program because: UW-Parkside’s business school has a good reputation, is close to home, and is one of the schools the company I want to work for recruits from.
Amelia | CS Major
I chose Parkside’s Computer Science Program because of the affordability and pleasant atmosphere, was met cordially by an outstanding faculty, and have thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience through a challenging curriculum.
Adam | CS Major, English Minor
I chose UW-Parkside’s CS program because: I love Kenosha and wanted to stay in the area. I could no longer afford Carthage and felt like I would be getting a better education at Parkside. I also like that the class sizes are small enough that your professors get to know you and help you one on one.
Kelly | CS Major, Business Minor
I chose UW-Parkside primarily due to its location and program. My family has attended UW-Parkside, which also played a role in my decision to attend UW-Parkside. I liked the small class sizes and lack of T.A.’s that other schools tend to have. When I was looking for schools, UWP offered JAVA which was what my focus at the time was.
Kevin | CS Major, Geography Minor, Web Design Certificate
See what our students have to say.
Program Contact Info
Barbara Hasper | 262-595-2314 | hasper@uwp.edu
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