Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Radford, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Dec 2024
EARLIEST START DATE
Jul 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 25,633 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* out-of-state, commuter student | $12,548: in-state, commuter student. Additional fees may apply
Introduction
With the increase in usage of technology used to develop products, provide services, and communicate with clients, business leaders who understand technical aspects have an advantage. With the Information Science program, you’ll complete a combination of Computer Science classes and Business classes, a true hybrid of business and technology.
Why Study Computer Science at Radford?
We offer two Bachelor of Science degrees (Computer Science or Information Systems), three minors (Computer Science, Information Systems, or Information Technology), two undergraduate certificates (cybersecurity and web development), and an online degree completion program.
Students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in either Computer Science and Technology or Information Science and Systems. Both programs prepare you for a variety of careers in industry or government and for graduate study. Within the Computer Science and Technology degree program, you can choose among four Concentrations: Computer Science, Database, Networks, and Software.
Computer Science Concentration
The ABET-accredited Computer Science concentration includes a broad foundation in the core areas of computer science, including operating systems, computer organization, programming language design, and advanced study of algorithms and theoretical computer science. Technical elective courses provide specialization in two areas of your choice.
Database Concentration
The Database concentration educates students in all aspects of data management including database design, database administration, data warehousing, data visualization, data mining, and analysis.
Networks Concentration
Computer and communications networks are now a part of our everyday lives. The Networks concentration prepares you for careers in network design and network administration. Courses expose you to a broad spectrum of networking concepts and technologies in both a theoretical classroom setting and an advanced networks lab.
Software Engineering Concentration
The Software Engineering concentration is designed to produce designers for large, complex software systems. These courses cover current best practices and process models of the software development life cycle, with a detailed study of all process phases—from eliciting requirements through operations and maintenance. Emphasis is on design attributes that make it possible to efficiently implement, extend, and maintain large systems.
Transfer Degree: Secure Software Development (Online)
The Secure Software Development concentration builds a robust foundation in computer science, emphasizing advanced programming and security; building breadth in web programming, cloud computing, software engineering and testing; database systems, and networking. The program also emphasizes ethics, communication, and other professional skills.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Do you need help paying for your Highlander education?
Foundation scholarships can help you pay for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and other education-related expenses. Nearly 1,000 students received scholarships in 2023-24, and over $3.2 million will be awarded in 2025-26! Apply today, and you can join the many Highlanders who have received donor support.
What are Foundation scholarships?
Unlike institutional scholarships, Foundation scholarships are not funded by Radford University. They are privately funded, and most are created by individual donors. These individuals are often Radford University alumni, current/retired faculty, or friends of the University. Most Foundation scholarship funds are managed and invested by the Radford University Foundation so that the principal grows and Radford can continue to award year after year. There are also nonprofit foundations that provide funds for Radford University to award each year.
Foundation scholarships are competitive, and students need to re-apply each year. Eligibility varies for each of these scholarships. Major, merit, financial need, and leadership experience may be considered. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), writing essays, or including references may be required for some scholarships.
Institutional scholarships are funded by Radford University and are part of Radford’s annual budget. They are awarded by Admissions or Athletics to incoming students and athletes as part of Radford’s recruitment/retention initiatives. Students do not need to apply. Examples of institutional scholarships include Highlander of Distinction, Transfer Excellence, and Phi Theta Kappa.
Curriculum
Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science must complete the University’s REAL Curriculum Requirements, the Degree Core Requirements, the Bachelor of Science Requirements, and either one 3XX or 4XX CS course or the courses required for at least one concentration. Students can choose at least one of the five concentrations within the major in addition to the major itself: Advanced Computer Science, Advanced Databases, Advanced Networks, and Advanced Software Engineering.
The Advanced Computer Science concentration prepares students for a variety of technology careers or graduate study by building a broad foundation in the computer science core. The Advanced Database, Advanced Networks, and Advanced Software Engineering concentrations provide graduates with a breadth of technical experience and a depth of knowledge in a particular application area.
REAL Curriculum
This major fulfills the R and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students fulfill the R area through classes through the skills and knowledge gained in a calculus class, programming classes, and a discrete math course.
Students fulfill the L area through classes developing and reflecting on their professional skills, experience, and abilities in a number of classes teaching skills in areas such as networks, website development, databases, and software development.
Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the E and A areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.
REAL Foundational Requirements
- Foundational Writing (3 credits)
- Foundational Math (3 credits)
REAL Cornerstone Requirements
- Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)
- General Education Requirements
Major Requirements (46-79 credits)
- B.S. Requirements (6-8 credits)
- Required Courses (37-41 credits)
Concentration Requirements
- Advanced Computer Science Concentration (19 credits)
- Advanced Database Concentration (21 credits)
- Advanced Networks Concentration (21 credits)
- Advanced Software Engineering Concentration (15 credits)
- Required Courses (15 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
Each student majoring in the Advanced Computer Science Concentration of the Computer Science and Technology degree must take the Major Field Test in Computer Science or an equivalent exam as determined by the department during her or his last semester. Each student majoring in the Advanced Computer Science Concentration of the Computer Science and Technology degree must earn a grade of “C” or better in each information technology course applied toward the major. All majors require a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major to be eligible for graduation.
- Open Credit Hours (41-74 credits)
Total Credit Hours Needed for Degree 120
Teacher Licensure
- Computer Science Teaching Certification Add-On Endorsement
- Computer Science: Minimum of 6 hours
- Data Structures and/or Algorithms Analysis: Minimum of 3 hours
- Introduction to Computer Systems: Minimum of 3 hours
- Application of Computer Technology: Minimum of 3 hours
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The School of Computing and Information Sciences has built strong relationships with employers over the years. Our students and graduates go on to have successful internships and careers.
Here are a few of the employers who have hired them:
- 1901 Group
- Amazon
- Carilion Clinic
- CGI
- Eastman
- Elder Research
- Excella
- Modea
- Peraton
- Virginia Tech
Looking to Stay Local? Here are some local companies our alums are at:
- ACI
- block.one
- Carilion Clinic
- Corvesta
- FoxGuard
- Modea
- Moog
- NewCity
- Ozmo
- Qualtrax
- TMEIC
- TORC Robotics
Internships/Co-Ops
- Amazon
- CGI
- Exelaration
- Microsoft
- Peraton
- CSIIP (an internship program to submit your application to all participating companies in Virginia)