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2025-2026 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Computer Science

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Computing section in this catalog.

Website: https://www.gvsu.edu/computing/computer-science-bs-24.htm

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate and graduate computing programs at Grand Valley are offered by the College of Computing. Computing programs prepare students for a rewarding career that is in high demand.

One of the strengths of the computing programs at Grand Valley is flexibility. We offer B.S. degrees in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, data science and analytics, human centered computing information systems, information technology, and software engineering. All programs share faculty, courses, and laboratory resources. Also, by choosing electives and minors in related subject areas, students can further tailor their degrees to fit their individual needs and career goals. We offer minors in computer engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, health care information systems, information security systems, information systems, and information technology.

Two key elements in computer education are a theoretical foundation and practical experience. The computer science major prepares students to design and implement software, discover new uses of computing, and to solve computing problems.

Theoretical and practical aspects of computing are emphasized. Operating systems, software engineering, data communications, programming languages and their implementation, and the analysis of algorithms are among the topics covered. Cognate courses emphasize communication and analytical reasoning.

Mission

The mission of the College of Computing at GVSU is to serve West Michigan and the world by advancing technological innovation. Through experiential learning, industry collaboration, and cutting-edge research, the college empowers students and lifelong learners to become leaders and contributors who will shape the future of technology and enrich their communities.

To enable students to attain this goal, the computing faculty have two primary responsibilities. First, we offer a solid conceptual foundation required for a career in computing. Second, we provide direct, experiential knowledge of technology necessary to be a productive user/producer of information technology.

To achieve these goals, we

  • work continuously to keep our curriculum relevant to our mission;
  • ensure that work-relevant experience is part of every class;
  • establish and nurture industrial contacts;
  • establish an integrated, supported co-op experience for computing majors; and
  • provide all students, regardless of their major interests, fundamental knowledge of computers and information processing.

Computer Science Program Student Outcomes (SOs)

By the time of graduation, computer science students will demonstrate the ability to perform the following:

  • SO-1: Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • SO-2: Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
  • SO-3: Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • SO-4: Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • SO-5: Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
  • SO-6: Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Computer Science Program's Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

Three years after graduation, our typical computer science alumni are expected to be computing professionals who perform as follows:

  • PEO-1: Continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills.
  • PEO-2: Behave ethically while contributing to their profession and to society.
  • PEO-3: Use technical, communication, and teamwork skills to solve problems and develop software systems.

Accreditation

The Computer Science (BS) program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commissions General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs.

Advisory Board

The College of Computing Advisory Board (CISAB) is composed of the college's dean and leading computing experts nationwide. The board meets twice each year and advises the college on curriculum development and continuing education. It serves as an important interface between the college and the computing community.

Program Requirements

The following programs are available:


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