The Computer Science program is part of the Department of Computer Science in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.   

Watch Video Computers in a lab at BGSU let CS degree students learn programming, data and algorithms essential to many in-demand careers.
  • Minor Available
  • Bachelors Available
  • Minor Available
  • Bachelors Available

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

Computer Science

BGSU computer science graduates solve problems with their design and coding skills in every area of society. Gain a broad and rigorous understanding of the science behind computing, complemented with in-demand specializations for a bright future.

You will learn a design thinking approach that can be applied to complex problems affecting business, science, civic life and human wellbeing. B.S. or B.A. degrees in Computer Science are available from our main campus in Bowling Green, Ohio.  

The following three separate specializations are available under this program: Business Systems, Digital Forensics, and Computational Data Science.

Faculty to help you succeed

BGSU computer science faculty foster a collaborative, student-centered learning environment. All our computer science major classes are taught by dedicated faculty, not graduate assistants, and are offered in small class sizes.

Highly qualified professors with diverse industry experience provide a practical and interactive learning environment for students to gain the necessary expertise to succeed in high-demand occupations.

Electives may include machine learning, web application development, windows application development, computer/software security, usability, user experience and rapid prototyping. Other more advanced electives may include artificial intelligence methods, computer and mobile forensics, and database management systems.

Stand Out in courses like

  • Computer Programming 
  • Data Structures & Algorithms
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Networks
  • Web/Windows Application Development
  • Software/Computer Security
  • Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
  • Capstone Project

Curriculum

The computer science major at BGSU includes a robust set of core computer science courses designed to provide students with a broad base of computing concepts and programming and problem-solving skills augmented with an evolving array of electives.   

Our campus has state-of-the-art computer labs for student use. You could work on live programming projects in computer science courses to give you experience working in various computing environments.   

The Bachelor of Science degree has a stronger emphasis on computer science and mathematics courses, while the Bachelor of Arts degree offers more flexibility, including additional liberal arts courses. A minor is required for both the B.S. and the B.A. in Computer Science.

The Computer Science Department at BGSU was the first of its kind in the state of Ohio when it was established in 1969.

Careers

Computer science is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country and the world. Half of the Bureau of Labour Statistics Computer and IT careers are expected to experience double-digit growth over the next 10 years.   

With the potential for business efficiency, new products and services, and the growing threat of security risks, a skills gap will remain open for the foreseeable future. Computer science is a growing career field and will be for a long time.   

Novel technologies like cloud computing, the Internet of Things and automation have not reached full adoption yet. Machine learning and blockchain are adding new dimensions to the ways current systems can be improved or expanded.  

The challenges that today’s Computer Science major students will be paid to tackle are some of the most fascinating and complex in history and mean a rewarding career is available for anyone who has the skills to succeed.   

Go Far in your career

  • Cybersecurity/Digital Forensics
  • Database Administrator
  • Information Technology Specialist
  • Software Developer
  • Data Scientist
  • Network Analyst
  • System Programmer

Salary and Placement Information

$54,877* BGSU Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduates average starting salary.

98.77% of B.S. graduates report they’re employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation.

$45,750* BGSU Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science graduates average starting salary.

93.33% of B.A. graduates report they’re employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics put the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations at $91,250 in May 2020.

Co-Op/Internships  

Computer science majors are required to complete one departmentally approved co-op experience. Students receive academic credit, valuable practical experience, and good pay for co-op experiences while growing both personally and professionally.

Scholarships  

The BGSU Computer Science department has been awarded Choose Ohio First Scholarship funding ($1.14 Million) from the State of Ohio and the Department of Higher Education (ODHE) to recruit high-achieving, underrepresented students and provide them with unique educational and advising experiences for their academic and career success.

Computer Science Student Organizations

Bowling Green State University is home to two student organizations focused on computer science.

ACM Student Chapter is the Bowling Green State University's student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). ACM is a global learning community and the world's largest scientific and educational computing society. The association offers students many opportunities such as interactive coding events, fun picnics, and conferences with motivational speakers who deliver inspiring and enlightening presentations. Students of all fields and backgrounds are invited to join in building our community.

Bowling Green Women in Computing (BGWIC) (also known as BGSU ACM-W Student Chapter) is a student organization which is dedicated to the support of young women pursuing careers in computing fields. The BGWIC mission is to support female students’ unique needs while pursuing a degree in Computer Science in Ohio by providing professional development, social networking, and community involvement opportunities in a collaborative, empowering environment.

BGSU Computer Science students from the BGWIC organization mentor area junior high school students in the Code4Her program.

BGSU Arts and Sciences white

The Computer Science program is part of the Department of Computer Science in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.   

Admissions Information

BGSU computer science majors must meet one of the following admission criteria: an SAT math score of 550 or higher or an ACT math score of 22 or higher.  

Students not meeting these criteria will need to take appropriate math course(s) at Bowling Green State University before declaring their major to computer science. Many high schools do not offer computer programming classes or computer science, and incoming students are not expected to have such a background.  

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, students will be able to:

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

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree in computer science, students will be able to:

  • Analyze a given problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
  • Use current computing techniques, skills and tools in a real-world environment;
  • Apply mathematical foundations and computer science theory as appropriate in modeling and solving problems;
  • Understand the impact of professional, ethical, and societal issues in computing;
  • Understand design and development principles in the construction of software systems;
  • Communicate effectively with others.
Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Bowling Green State University [BGSU]. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited BGSU since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://abet.org. ABET is a nonprofit organization that accredits higher education programs in engineering and engineering technology, applied science and computing. It is recognized as the worldwide leader in quality assurance for programs in those disciplines.programs in those disciplines.

More information on accreditation

Professional Licensure

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The computer science program does not lead to professional licensure.
 

More information on professional licensure

Gainful Employment

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Computer Science program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

Specializations


* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 10/14/2022 10:59AM