What Do Computer Science Majors Do? Degree Overview

Have you ever wondered how your favorite apps work behind the scenes? Or why a video game responds the second you press a button? If questions like that catch your attention, you may already be thinking about the kinds of computer science career paths that bring those tools to life. But before you picture the future, it helps to answer two basic questions: What do computer science majors do, and is it the right fit for you?

As a computer science major, you'll learn how to design, build and improve the technology people use every day. You'll write code, test programs, analyze data and figure out why something isn't working the way it should. At Northwest Missouri State University, that learning happens in labs and collaborative projects where you apply programming concepts to real problems. Instead of only talking about technology, you'll work directly with it.

If you're considering Northwest, it's worth taking a closer look at what you'll study, the computer science skills you'll build and the types of jobs computer science graduates pursue. Seeing how Northwest approaches this major can help you decide whether it's the right direction for you.

Explore the Computer Science Major

What is a B.S. in Computer Science?

Before answering, "What do computer science majors do?," it helps to define the degree itself. A bachelor of science in computer science explores how computing systems operate, how software is designed and built and how complex problems are solved through programming and systems design across industries.

At Northwest, you'll build that foundation through core courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems and databases. In these classes, you'll write code, analyze how programs run and study how hardware and software interact. As you move forward, you'll have the option to choose electives in areas such as machine learning, web development and the Internet of Things. You'll then bring those concepts together in a client-based software engineering practice capstone project.

You'll also complete a professional development seminar, where you'll focus on communication, teamwork and employer expectations.

"Students build confidence when they realize they can take a problem from idea to solution," says Diana Linville, senior instructor and assistant chair in Northwest's School of Computer Science and Information Systems. "They learn the tools and techniques, then apply them in projects where communication, testing and teamwork really count."

Throughout Northwest's program, you'll gain experience with programming languages such as Java, C, Python and JavaScript, along with SQL, Unix and Assembly. As a partner institution for GitHub, Northwest also provides you with exposure to tools commonly used in software development workflows.

When you graduate, you'll have the computer science skills needed to design systems, collaborate on technical teams and pursue a range of computer science career paths. You'll also learn to approach computing challenges with an understanding of ethical responsibility, an important consideration in a field that impacts everyday life.

Hands-on Computer Science Internships and Projects

What do computer science majors do at Northwest? Beyond taking foundational courses in programming, algorithms and systems, you'll apply what you learn in settings that reflect real technology work. You'll complete lab activities and projects tied to programming, data management, networking and software development. In your software engineering practice capstone, you'll design and build a system that brings together the technical and problem-solving skills developed across the major.

You can gain additional experience through computer science internships with companies such as Herzog, Basys, U.S. Bank and Nucor, including roles in software engineering, application development and information technology. You can also earn credit for your internship that counts toward your degree, and many students secure paid internships.

"Internships and client-based projects," Linville says, "help you see how your skills fit into a larger team. You start paying attention to things like documentation, deadlines and how to explain your work to someone who isn't a programmer."

If research interests you, you'll have opportunities to work alongside faculty and present your findings at regional conferences such as the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Central Plains Conference (CCSC:P) and the Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas Women in Computing Conference (MINK-WIC). Presenting your work strengthens both your technical expertise and your ability to communicate complex ideas.

At Northwest, you can also build skills through organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery and Knacktive, Northwest's student-run agency where interdisciplinary teams complete real client projects.

Learn From Faculty and Industry Professionals

As you explore what computer science majors do, it's also important to consider who guides your learning. At Northwest, you'll learn from computer science faculty as well as industry professionals. Faculty bring academic expertise and active research into the classroom, while industry professionals provide insight into current tools, expectations and practices in the field.

Faculty also collaborate with a professional advisory team to review and refine the curriculum. That collaboration helps ensure the courses you take reflect industry needs. As technology changes, your coursework evolves right alongside it.

With a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you'll have more opportunities to ask questions, get feedback on your work and talk through complex concepts as you learn them. In technical fields like computer science, that access helps you work through challenges with greater confidence.

Dr. Nathan Eloe, associate professor in the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, points to the mix of curriculum, projects and faculty support as a strength of the program.

"The combination of a varied and strong curriculum, hands-on projects and excellent faculty who care about student success provides significant value and results in a quality education that prepares you for a wide range of careers," he says.

Prepare for Computer Science Degree Jobs With Northwest

Now that you have an answer to "What do computer science majors do?", it helps to look at where the degree can lead. The foundation you'll build in programming, systems and software development as a computer science major at Northwest prepares you for a range of computer science career paths across industries.

Northwest graduates have gone on to work for organizations such as Garmin, Herzog and Hudl in roles such as:

• Software developer: Build and maintain applications and systems.
• Software engineer: Design and test large-scale software solutions.
• Data analyst: Analyze data to support organizational decisions.
• Systems administrator: Manage networks and technical infrastructure.
• Web developer: Create and maintain web-based applications.

You'll also enter a field with strong demand and competitive salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2034, with about 317,700 openings projected each year. The median annual wage for this group was $105,990 in May 2024, reflecting the earning potential available in many computer science degree jobs.

You can expand your career options by earning your master's in computer science. Northwest offers an accelerated option that allows you to complete your bachelor's in computer science along with a master of science in applied computer science within five years.

Is Computer Science a Good Major?

If you enjoy solving problems, thinking logically and working with technology, computer science can be a strong choice, especially when you pursue your degree at Northwest. Here, you'll build the technical foundation and real-world experience needed to pursue a range of computer science degree jobs across industries.

If you'd like to take a deeper look at the benefits of earning a computer science degree, read our blog, "Is Computer Science a Good Major?" And when you're ready to see how this major fits your interests and goals, explore the computer science program at Northwest and learn more about where this path can take you.

Explore the Computer Science Major