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Computer Science Major

Study Computer Science at Azusa Pacific University

Prepare for careers in software development, systems programming, data analysis, and computer design. You can also tailor your learning to specific areas of interest and graduate prepared to use computer systems to solve complex problems. You’ll create systems that analyze, transform, and describe information. You’ll learn the complexities of computer systems and use them to solve complex problems, and deepen your understanding in cutting edge topic such as like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, internet of things, and mobile application development. You will opportunities to perform research with our world class faculty.

Computer Science majors also have the option to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a Master of Science degree in Applied Statistics and Data Science in 5 years.

Program at a Glance

The School of Humanities and Sciences offers diverse well-rounded degree programs to prepare critical thinkers to make a difference in the world for Christ.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • October 5, 2024
  • October 25, 2024
  • December 6, 2024

Application Deadline

Early Action        (Freshmen Only)

  • November 15

Regular Decision

  • March 1 priority application deadline
  • June 1 final deadline
  • August 1 final transfer deadline

Apply Now

Program Information

  • Program Units: 79-81

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Engineer working

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Create and use computer systems to solve complex problems.
  • Learn about the many facets of the computer industry.
  • Build a foundation in calculus, discrete mathematics, computing fundamentals, operating systems, database management, and data structures
  • Learn state-of-the art topic in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and internet of things

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
13 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

Get Started

matthew perera smiling

As a computer science major, Matthew Perera ’20 had the opportunity to use the skills he learned in computer science to serve on a mission trip to Namibia.

Program Details

Computer science, like engineering disciplines, is an “applied science” that deals with how things ought to be. This is different from mathematics and other natural sciences that are concerned with how things are. Computer science is concerned with design and synthesis more than analysis and deduction.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

Net Price Calculator

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Earn a BS in Computer Science and an MS in Applied Statistics and Data Science in 5 Years

Undergraduate students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Science in just five years. Upon successful completion of the two degrees, graduates will be prepared for leadership roles as applied statisticians or data scientists, applying their skills in diverse fields such as business, sports, medicine, pharmaceutical industry. Computer Science majors admitted to the MS in Applied Statistics and Data Science will complete up to 9 units of graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies, finishing the remaining 22 units for the master’s degree over the next year. Three courses, Introduction to Modeling with Probability, Machine Learning, and Statistical Computing and Programming, are taken as an undergraduate student and will count towards both the BS in Computer Science and MS in Applied Statistics and Data Science degrees.

Students interested in completing this five-year pathway should apply to APU as a Computer Science major. During their junior year, students with a 3.0 GPA or higher may apply to the MS in Applied Statistics and Data Science program. The graduate application fee will be waived. For more information about this pathway, contact [email protected].

Earn a BS in Computer Science and an MS in Biotechnology in 5 Years

Undergraduate students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Biotechnology in just five years. Upon successful completion of the two degrees, graduates will be prepared for careers in the rapidly growing biomedical product development industry. When you graduate, you’ll be equipped to lead in key areas like molecular biology, project management, biomedical products, and more. Computer Science majors admitted to the MS in Biotechnology will complete up to 9 units of graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies, finishing the remaining 30 units for the master’s degree over the next year. Three courses, Bioinformatics, Introduction to Modeling with Probability, and Ethics for Biomedical Products Industries or Ethics in Computing and Engineering, are taken as an undergraduate student and will count towards both the BS in Computer Science and MS in Biotechnology degrees.

Students interested in completing this five-year pathway should apply to APU as a Computer Science major. During their junior year, students with a 3.0 GPA or higher may apply to the MS in Biotechnology. The graduate application fee will be waived. For more information about this pathway, contact [email protected].

Program Educational Objectives

The Program Educational Objectives of the Computer Science program are as below. Graduates of the program are expected to attain these objectives within a few years after graduation.

  1. Core Technical Competencies and Life-Long Learning: Our graduates will demonstrate effective use of their core technical competencies in Computer Science by progressive advancements in their professional careers, including in many cases mastery of emerging technologies, the pursuit of different specialization areas, attainment of advanced degrees, or professional licensure or certifications.
  2. Effective Teamwork: Our graduates will work effectively as team members and leaders in diverse professional environments and career paths.
  3. Impact of Computing Technology: Our graduates will demonstrate, in their professional careers, a clear understanding of the impact of computing technology in a global and societal context, and of its implications from a Christian ethics perspective.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Science program will have an ability to:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  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.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Lu Ruan

Lu Ruan

Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, and Statistics

Rodney Ulrich

Rodney Ulrich

Lecturer/Lab Manager, Department of Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, and Statistics

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Student and teacher in lab

Cultivating STEM Leaders Through Research as an R2 Institution

APU recently announced a $2 million investment to purchase state of the art equipment which will enable faculty and students to conduct cutting edge research.

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

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