Computer Science
Computer Science
If you relish the challenge of solving puzzles, a career in computer science might be for you. As a computer science major at Northwestern, your professors will introduce you to the complex puzzles behind today’s software. Together, you’ll search for efficient ways to measure algorithms and optimize their performance. As you grow in your technical knowledge, your liberal arts courses will further enhance your problem-solving abilities—teaching you the communication and critical thinking skills that employers want. You’ll also learn to view programming as an act of co-creation with God and a powerful tool for furthering God’s kingdom.
Why NWC?
Our program will equip you with the industry knowledge and experience necessary for success—whether you pursue further study in grad school or choose to work in research and data management. Major course topics include programming languages, computer organization, cyber security and logic. Related study opportunities include a software engineering major, computer programming minor and computer science career concentration.
Department Chair
Outcomes
As the digital world continues to change and evolve, computer and information technology experts are in high demand. By 2030, employment in the field is expected to grow 13 percent—faster than the average for all occupations. Possible roles include computer network architect, computer programmer, computer support specialist, systems analyst, software and web developer, and information security analyst.
Join our standout alumni at:
#RaidersStandOut
Experience
Make an impression on future employers by becoming a student member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). You’ll connect with computing professionals from across the country and have the opportunity to compete in ACM’s programming contests. In 2022, a Northwestern team placed 16th among 95 schools in our region—the second-best finish for a school from Iowa and for a private liberal arts college.
The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences in urban centers like Chicago and Denver, or with a company closer to home. The center also offers help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, job shadowing and more.
Raider computer science majors have interned with:
- Interstates Electric and Engineering Company Inc., Sioux Center, IA
- JAARS (a Wycliffe Bible Translators partner), Waxhaw, NC
- NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
- Pella Corporation, Pella, IA
- United Defense, St. Paul, MN
Spend a semester in Chicago or Denver, where you can intern with a big-city business. Study abroad programs in Oman, Romania and dozens of other countries are also great opportunities to grow in your knowledge of software from around the globe.
Make an impression on future employers by becoming a student member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). You’ll connect with computing professionals from across the country and have the opportunity to compete in ACM’s programming contests. In 2022, a Northwestern team placed 16th among 95 schools in our region—the second-best finish for a school from Iowa and for a private liberal arts college.
The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences in urban centers like Chicago and Denver, or with a company closer to home. The center also offers help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, job shadowing and more.
Raider computer science majors have interned with:
- Interstates Electric and Engineering Company Inc., Sioux Center, IA
- JAARS (a Wycliffe Bible Translators partner), Waxhaw, NC
- NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
- Pella Corporation, Pella, IA
- United Defense, St. Paul, MN
Spend a semester in Chicago or Denver, where you can intern with a big-city business. Study abroad programs in Oman, Romania and dozens of other countries are also great opportunities to grow in your knowledge of software from around the globe.
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Faculty
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That’s Northwestern’s faculty.
Mark Haselhoff '12
Professor of Practice in Computer Science; Department Chair
Landon Van Berkum ’22
Instructor of Computer Science
Kelly Blok ’92
Instructor in Computer Science
