About the B.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems
Our Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems is designed for students interested in new technologies and computing systems. Throughout the program, you’ll gain the skills necessary to succeed in a career in computing and information, accruing technical skills, business acumen, and soft skills. Coursework includes concentration options in web development, networking and information security, and analytics. Students will also learn how these fields integrate into business operations.
Program Highlights
Professional Certifications
Become eligible to sit for certification exams in high demand skill areas, including the Associate in Python Programming Certificate, the LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate, Cisco CCNET, and Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching.
Industry Connections
Take advantage of our Advisory Board, comprised of professionals from major Chicago tech companies (such as Oracle and Motorola) who help shape the program’s curriculum and serve as valuable contacts for student research and questions.
Customizable Experience
Maximize your degree by adding a minor, such as Entrepreneurship or Business, and choosing between concentrations in Network and Information Security, Data Analytics, Coding and Software Development, and more.
Flexible Classes
Fit your degree around your schedule with options that include online, campus-based, and blended courses. Choose from day-time or evening class options, as well.
Well-Rounded Curriculum
Become skilled in the essential areas of computer science, including programming, information security, web and ux design, app development, and more. Our curriculum combines classroom theory with hands-on application so you can hit the ground running as you launch your career.
Program Features
NASA's Transform to Open Science (TOPS)
We’re excited to announce our one-week summer session, NASA Open Science 101 Workshop. NASA’s Transform to Open Science (TOPS) mission aims to create more advanced and inclusive research faster, build a more just and equitable world, and ensure that minds from all walks of life can participate in science. Register here and experience Open Science with NLU faculty and local science community members.
What You Will Learn
33% Major Coursework, 33% Minor Coursework or Electives, 33% General Skills Development: You'll learn both the theory and practical application of computer science to real-world scenarios in cutting-edge lab spaces. Additionally, you'll learn how technology and information systems support multiple levels of businesses through access, analytics, and synthesis of information, which empower management to make strategic decisions. Areas covered include:
Software Design and Management
Hardware and software applications, e-commerce, network design, concepts of design and testing; mobile application development.
Computer Programming and Support
Data types and expressions; modalities and loops; differences in programming languages; writing code; input and output; functions; object-based programming; documentation in programming.
Networking and Information Security
Essential concepts, principles and practices of Information Security; building, managing, and maintaining secure systems; basic IP addressing; IT security analysis.
Data Analysis, Data Mining, and Warehousing
Fundamental concepts of data mining; ethics and privacy issues; mining from web logs, forms, cookies, user identification, and path analysis; descriptive statistics; sampling, distribution, and confidence intervals; regression analysis; cloud computing and big data.
Information Systems
The role of information systems in companies; principles and applications of information systems; systems analysis; process descriptions, interface development, prototyping, and data flow.
Career Outlook
The career options for Bachelor’s degree holders in Computer Science and Information Systems are numerous and growing. Jobs in this field are projected to grow 11% between 2019 and 2029, more than twice as fast as the average for all jobs. Furthermore, jobs in computer and information technology are well-compensated, as the median salary for these positions is $88,240.*
Along with graduate programs in Computer Science, Predictive Analytics, Business, and other fields, graduates of our program are also prepared for these fast-growing careers:
- Software Developer, +24%
- Data Analyst, +13%
- IT Administrator, +13%
- Information Security Analyst, +28%
- Q&A Tester, +11%
- Software Engineer, +11%
- Database Administrator, +11%
* https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
