Studying computer science at NDSU puts you at the forefront of technology.
The NDSU computer science program prepares students to enter the growing fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and software development.
Recent NDSU graduate Kaylee Swenson started building websites with basic HTML in middle school. She enjoyed the creativity and problem solving that went into building websites.
“Computer science combines problem solving as well as creativity,” said Swenson, who is from Glyndon, Minnesota. “When you’re working on a website, for example, you have to creatively know how to design elements but you’re also problem solving how to make the system work like you want it to.”
Both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science are offered within the computer science department. Students also have the option of double majoring in two tracks: computer science and mathematics or computer science and physics.
The standard computer science curriculum offers three tracks that gives students in any track an acute understanding of specific topics in computer science.
“Our bachelor of science in computer science degree is unique in that it provides three tracks that students can specialize in namely cybersecurity, data science and software engineering,” said Simone Ludwig, the chair of the NDSU computer science department. “Our degree prepares our students well to succeed in industry.”
Electives also provide a broad base of knowledge in all areas of the field. The program offers coursework in emerging topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, operating systems and database management systems.
“Computer science is really important because it plays a part in every single aspect of our lives,” Swenson said. “Those of us who are in computer science now are the ones who are going to be shaping the future of it and how we, as a society, change throughout the next couple of years. We’ll be the ones creating new technology for the future.”
Swenson wants to work in application and website development. She’s already gaining hands-on experience through an internship with John Deere in Fargo and developing a research project with classmates for a local non-profit.
Swenson said these experiences offer a different area of computer science she doesn’t see in her classes and allow her to explore the ways computer science can be applied in industry.
“In the NDSU computer science department, there’s a broad range of what you can learn,” she said. “Within our classes and clubs, you have whatever direction you want to go down and what you want to learn about. There are a lot of opportunities.”
For a closer look at Swenson’s experience and the NDSU computer science program, visit the official university YouTube channel.
Apply now to start your NDSU experience.
