STEM Program

Join Us at Webster

Request More Information   Begin Your Application
200,000+
Alumni from our Global Campuses

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Computer Science at Webster University prepares you to meet the demands for innovation in the computer field. Webster’s program is designed around identified core knowledge areas of computer science. The program includes theoretical and practical hands-on approaches preparing students to enter the IT workforce or continue their education in a professional graduate degree program.

Noah Thomas
Achieve Your Dreams

“My parents have worked very hard for me to attend college and get a degree so The Gregory and Dr. Vanessa Davis Annual Scholarship will help achieve this dream of becoming a software engineer.”

Noah Thomas
Noah Thomas

BS in Computer Science, '24

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the BS in Computer Science program, Webster students will:

  • Demonstrate mastery of computer science in core knowledge areas of software development; algorithms and data structures; computer organization; hardware and architecture; and data and information management.
  • Describe how technological advances impact social issues and professional practice.
  • Write and orally communicate technical material effectively and professionally.
  • Apply problem-solving skills and the knowledge of computer science to solve problems.

Details of Webster's Computer Science programs

Offers a BS in Computer Science, a choice of adding to the degree with one of three emphases: one in Cybersecurity or one in Machine Learning; or our Vienna campus offers an emphasis in Software Engineering. Computer Science is also available as a minor

The 51 credit hours required for the computer science major include the following:

  • COSC 1550 Computer Programming I (3 hours)
  • COSC 1560 Computer Programming II (3 hours)
  • COSC 1570 Math for Computer Science (3 hours)
  • COSC 2610 Operating Systems (3 hours)
  • COSC 2670 Network Principles (3 hours)
  • COSC 2710 Social Engineering and Society (3 hours)
  • COSC 2810 Systems Analysis and Design (3 hours)
  • COSC 3050 Data Structures I (3 hours)
  • COSC 3100 Data Structures II (3 hours)
  • COSC 3230 Human-Computer Interaction (3 hours)
  • COSC 3410 Computer Security (3 hours)
  • COSC 3510 Computer Architecture (3 hours)
  • COSC 4110 Database Concepts (3 hours)
  • COSC 4120 Database Applications (3 hours)
  • MATH 2410 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
  • Two of the following courses (6 hours)
    • COSC 3660 Network Concepts (3 hours)
    • COSC 3810 Principles of Programming Languages (3 hours)
    • COSC 4250 Object-Oriented Analysis & Design (3 hours)
    • COSC 4260 Object-Oriented Programming (3 hours)
    • COSC 3500 IT Project Management (3 hours)
    • COSC 3900 Practicum (3 hours)
    • MATH 2200 Statistics (3 hours)

Students planning to enter a graduate program in computer science or a related field after graduation are encouraged to take the following courses. Note: these courses are not required for the BS in Computer Science.

  • MATH 1610 Calculus I (5 hours)
  • MATH 1620 Calculus II (5 hours)
  • PHYS 2030 University Physics I (3 hours)
  • PHYS 2031 University Physics I: Lab (1 hour)
  • PHYS 2040 University Physics II (3 hours)
  • PHYS 2041 University Physics II: Lab (1 hour)

In addition to the learning outcomes for the BS in Computer Science, the emphasis in Cybersecurity has the following additional learning outcomes upon program completion:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the vocabulary of cybersecurity terms and phraseology.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of cybersecurity threats to IT systems.
  • Describe the roles, responsibilities and tools of a cybersecurity professional.

The 57 credit hours required for the computer science major with an emphasis in cybersecurity include the following:

  • COSC 1550 Computer Programming I (3 hours)
  • COSC 1560 Computer Programming II (3 hours)
  • COSC 1570 Math for Computer Science (3 hours)
  • COSC 2610 Operating Systems (3 hours)
  • COSC 2670 Network Principles (3 hours)
  • COSC 2710 Social Engineering and Society (3 hours)
  • COSC 2810 Systems Analysis and Design (3 hours)
  • COSC 3050 Data Structures I (3 hours)
  • COSC 3100 Data Structures II (3 hours)
  • COSC 3230 Human-Computer Interaction (3 hours)
  • COSC 3510 Computer Architecture (3 hours)
  • COSC 4110 Database Concepts (3 hours)
  • COSC 4120 Database Applications (3 hours)
  • MATH 2410 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
  • CSSS 2410 Cybersecurity and Internet Architecture (3 hours)
  • CSSS 2510 Cyber Attacks and Defenses (3 hours)
  • CSSS 3510 Writing Secure Code (3 hours)
  • CSSS 3520 Cybersecurity Programs, Policies and Ethics (3 hours)
  • CSSS 4510 Cybersecurity Capstone Project (3 hours)

In addition to the learning outcomes for the BS in Computer Science, the emphasis in Machine Learning has the following additional learning outcomes upon program completion: 

  • Explain the fundamental aspects of Artificial Intelligence and the potential benefits to companies and organizations.
  • Utilize a programming language to manage Machine Learning techniques.
  • Develop Machine Learning techniques and algorithms to resolve Artificial Intelligence problems in different areas of industry.

The 60 credit hours required for the computer science major with an emphasis in cybersecurity include the following:

  • COSC 1550 Computer Programming I (3 hours)
  • COSC 1560 Computer Programming II (3 hours)
  • COSC 1570 Math for Computer Science (3 hours)
  • COSC 2610 Operating Systems (3 hours)
  • COSC 2670 Network Principles (3 hours)
  • COSC 2710 Social Engineering and Society (3 hours)
  • COSC 2810 Systems Analysis and Design (3 hours0
  • COSC 3050 Data Structures I (3 hours)
  • COSC 3100 Data Structures II (3 hours)
  • COSC 3230 Human-Computer Interaction (3 hours)
  • COSC 3410 Computer Security (3 hours)
  • COSC 3510 Computer Architecture (3 hours)
  • COSC 4110 Database Concepts (3 hours)
  • COSC 4120 Database Applications (3 hours)
  • MATH 2410 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)

Emphasis-Specific Required Courses

  • CSIS 4300 Database Systems (3 hours)
  • CSIS 4310 Decision Support Systems (3 hours)
  • MATH 3210 Data Mining Foundations (3 hours)
  • COSC 3810 Principles of Programming Languages (3 hours)
  • COSC 4250 Object-Oriented Analysis & Design (3 hours)
  • COSC 4260 Object-Oriented Programming (3 hours)

In addition to the learning outcomes for the BS in Computer Science, the emphasis in Software Engineering (in Vienna) has the following additional learning outcomes upon program completion: 

  • Work as an individual and as part of a team to develop and manage software development projects, including demonstrating the essential techniques for quality assurance and maintenance of software. 
  • Demonstrate theoretical and practical aspects along the data – information – knowledge process chain, including decision support systems. 
  • Demonstrate ability to implement fundamental concepts in software paradigms, including object-oriented software design, software architectures, as well as database design. 
  •  

The 63 credit hours required for the computer science major with an emphasis in cybersecurity include the following:

  • COSC 1550 Computer Programming I (3 hours)
  • COSC 1560 Computer Programming II (3 hours)
  • COSC 1570 Math for Computer Science (3 hours)
  • COSC 2610 Operating Systems (3 hours)
  • COSC 2670 Network Principles (3 hours)
  • COSC 2710 Social Engineering and Society (3 hours)
  • COSC 2810 Systems Analysis and Design (3 hours0
  • COSC 3050 Data Structures I (3 hours)
  • COSC 3100 Data Structures II (3 hours)
  • COSC 3230 Human-Computer Interaction (3 hours)
  • COSC 3410 Computer Security (3 hours)
  • COSC 3510 Computer Architecture (3 hours)
  • COSC 4110 Database Concepts (3 hours)
  • COSC 4120 Database Applications (3 hours)
  • MATH 2410 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)

Emphasis Specific Required Courses

  • CSIS 4300 Database Systems (3 hours)
  • CSIS 4310 Decision Support Systems (3 hours)
  • MATH 3210 Data Mining Foundations (3 hours)
  • COSC 3810 Principles of Programming Languages (3 hours)
  • COSC 4250 Object-Oriented Analysis & Design (3 hours)
  • COSC 4260 Object-Oriented Programming (3 hours)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the minor in Computer Science, Webster graduates will:

  • Demonstrate an introductory understanding of computer science concepts and principles. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to successfully design and write computer programs.
  • Be able to critically analyze the role of technology in society.

Required Courses

  • COSC 1550 Computer Programming I (3 hours)
  • COSC 1560 Computer Programming II (3 hours)
  • COSC 1570 Mathematics for Computer Science (3 hours)
  • COSC 2710 Social Engineering and Society (3 hours)
  • Choose two of the following:
    • COSC 2610 Operating Systems (3 hours)
    • COSC 2670 Network Principles (3 hours)
    • COSC 2810 Systems Analysis and Design (3 hours)
    • COSC 2050 Java Programming (3 hours)
    • COSC 2110 Computer Languages* (3 hours)

*Computer language content must vary

Webster University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through academic year 2024 for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Emphasis in Cybersecurity. We are the only private school in Missouri to have this designation.

Webster University has established strong alliances with many organizations and companies in the computer science industry. Students are encouraged to explore the available internship opportunities to get hands-on IT experience while gaining real-world business experience. Recent computer science graduates now work at companies such as Boeing, Monsanto, Maritz, Scottrade, Edward Jones, and Anheuser-Busch.
Kelly Slavin
Sisters of Loretto Founders Endowed Scholarship

“I want to inspire future generations, especially of young women, to not feel that technology is daunting, but relatable, and can make a considerable impact no matter the field you go into.”

Kelly Slavin
Kelly Slavin

BS in Computer Science, emphasis in Cybersecurity, '23

Job Outlook

In a world that has become increasingly computer-dependent, the employment outlook for computer science majors should continue to be a bright spot in the jobs sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017), the field of computer science will continue to expand as innovations in technology create new opportunities across different industries. In fact, computer and information technology occupations are expected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, creating roughly 560,000 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018). A Computer Science degree from Webster University will further enhance this job outlook, as 95.5% of our students are employed full time after graduation.

Get Started on Your Program

Take the next step toward earning your degree. We are here to help.

Explore

Learn more about our academic programs and our main campus and locations.

Engage

Connect with our admissions counselors and academic advisors.

Apply

Apply to Webster and take the next steps for financial aid and scholarships.

Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More

If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.

Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.