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.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

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 majors in software engineering and cybersecurity, a computer programming minor and a computer science career concentration.

CONTACT

Mark Haselhoff '12Department Chair

100% GRAD PLACEMENT 100% of our 2023 computer science graduates found a job or started grad school within six months of graduation.

REGION’S BEST NWC’s computer science students placed among the region’s top 20 teams at a 2022 programming contest.

AWARD WINNER In 2024, an NWC student was part of a winning team at HackHarvard, a computer coding event with more than 1,000 competitors.

15 TO 20 STUDENTS Average size of a computer science class

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:

Google

Mountain View, CA

PayPal

San Jose, CA

Unite Us

New York, NY

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA

Interstates

Sioux Center, IA

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Sonu** Sonu seeks to use his computer science degree to help improve others’ lives.

ALUMNI

**Jonathan** Jonathan employs his computer science skills to help develop control systems for a wide variety of industrial facilities, designing and building interfaces for operators to use in their businesses.

FACULTY

**Mark** Professor Haselhoff hopes his computer science classes inspire students to further explore ideas on their own.

Experience

Networking opportunities

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Internships

Off-campus study

Make an impression on future employers by becoming a student member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), where you'll connect with computing professionals from across the country. Northwestern students also participate in the International Collegiate Programming Contest. In 2022, a Northwestern team placed 16th among 95 schools in our region—the second-best finish for a school from Iowa.