Computer Science Degree

Explore the Computer Science degree program

In today’s world, computers are woven into the fabric of our daily lives, transforming the way we work, communicate, and innovate. If you’re ready to be immersed in the world of computers, you should consider a Computer Science degree from Wayne State.

In the Computer Science degree program, you’ll learn to understand the “why” and the “how” of computer programs and hardware. You’ll learn essential programming languages and mathematical principles that form the backbone of software and operating systems. Plus, you’ll develop hands-on skills in networking, server security, and management—key areas in today’s tech landscape.

With a degree in Computer Science, you’ll not only decode complex computer code but also understand how various components seamlessly integrate. This knowledge will pave the way for a thriving career in systems and software development, cybersecurity, web development, or even cutting-edge research in the latest technologies. Step into the future and shape it—your journey starts here!

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Fast facts

Degree options:

B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science
Minor in Computer Science

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 57

Computing core and math courses (27 credit hours)
Computer science courses (30 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Business and Technology

Department: Computer Technology and Information Systems

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Computer science topics covered

Computer hardware and architecture
Mathematic essentials for the field
Software analysis and design
Object-oriented programming
Server security and management
Database design and development
Computer troubleshooting
Networking concepts and technologies
Critical thinking and analysis

Student learning outcomes

Apply the foundational concepts of computer science
Work in groups in a modern computer science context
Communicate in professional computer science contexts
Establish a plan for maintaining professional relevance in computer science
Apply an appropriate ethical framework to a computer science scenario

Career Scholars Program

Students majoring in Computer Science are eligible to take part in the Career Scholars Program. The Career Scholars Program offers a generous scholarship package while you embark on a unique cooperative education journey starting your freshman year at Wayne State. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, job site visits, job shadowing, and more - all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus, you’ll complete your senior year by working at a paid job in your chosen field. Job locations include Norfolk or Grand Island, Neb., where you'll live in community housing with fellow Career Scholars students.

Career Scholars Program

Computer science internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find computer science internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

Behlen Manufacturing
Daycos
Ensono
First National Bank of Omaha
Fiserv
Great West Casualty Company
Interpublic Group
Hudl
Nebraska Methodist Health System
TS Banking Group
Wayne State College

Career services and internships

Graduates of the Computer Science degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Associate Research Scientist – NASA (Montgomery, Md.)
Cloud Development – Nationwide Insurance (Urbandale, Iowa)
Customer Service Technician – Wayne State College Network and Technology Services (Wayne, Neb.)
Information Systems Help Desk and Computation – Missouri River Energy Services (Sioux Falls, S.D.)
Information Systems Specialist – Equitable Bank (Grand Island, Neb.)
Mainframe Systems Programmer – Ensono (Omaha, Neb.)
Mobile Developer – WorldView Ltd. (Omaha, Neb.)
Software Engineer – Wells Enterprises (Le Mars, Iowa)
Systems Analyst – Great Plains Communications (Blair, Neb.)
Systems Developer – Great West Casualty (South Sioux City, Neb.)
Technical Systems Engineer – Great West Casualty Company (South Sioux City, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:

Information Technology Management (MSOM) – Wayne State College (Wayne, Neb.)

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Computing core courses (21 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: An introduction and overview of modern computer systems, software design, information systems, and related technologies. Topics include computer hardware, software, communications, introductory algorithm design, basic networking concepts, computer ethics, and various other timely topics from the fields of computer science and/or computer information systems.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to networking concepts and technologies. Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of networking computers and various other devices.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of software engineering approaches, tools, and methodologies. In addition, some coverage is provided regarding the structured approach to systems development through use of structured analysis methods within an established life cycle. Topics include: the systems development environment and life cycle, information gathering techniques, feasibility studies, cost/benefit analysis, software development alternatives, software selection techniques, modeling tools, data analysis methodologies, communication considerations and new system design.
Prerequisite: CIS 130 Introduction to Computer/Information Technology or 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems
Credits: 3
Description: A study of database theory, design, and management through application development and implementation. Topics include: database planning and organization, common database models, normalization, the total DBMS concept, logical and physical model design, program database strategies control and recovery, security and integrity, query application, and advanced database topics. Emphasis is placed on application assignments that encompass topics/concepts presented in the course.
Prerequisite: CIS 130 Introduction to Computer Information Technology or 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems, or CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I
Credits: 3
Description: A study of computer hardware and operating systems. This course covers hardware components of a variety of types and explores both proprietary and open-source operating systems. Emphasis is placed on proper design and operation, troubleshooting, and basic management/maintenance of hardware and the operating systems that run on it.
Prerequisite: CIS 130 Introduction to Computer Information Technology or 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to modern programming and problem-solving methods using a high-level programming language. Emphasis on algorithm development, top-down design, and structured programming. Topics include data types, files, I/O operations, control structures, functions, arrays, strings, and records. Software documentation and testing will be included as an integral part of the course.
Credits: 3
Description: A project-oriented course where students, with the assistance of the instructor, explore one or more areas of current importance in computer science. The students will design and develop a sophisticated software project that will be presented and discussed for critical evaluation.
Prerequisite: Completion of 90 semester credit hours and CSC 310 Data Structures

Mathematics support area courses (6 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: Sets, relations, functions, graphs, trees, combinatorics, logic, recurrence relations, algorithms, and proofs.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I, at least sophomore standing with an ACT math score of at least 27, or at least sophomore standing with a “C-” or better in CSC 310 Data Structures
Choose at least one of the following courses:
- BUS 226 Business Statistics (3 credits) – A study of the following statistical tools as applied to the business and economic milieu: collection and presentation of data, distributional measurements, probability and sampling, statistical inferences, linear regression and correlation, analysis of variance, and selected nonparametric statistics. Prerequisite MAT 105 Intermediate Algebra or General Studies math requirement.
- MAT 130 Precalculus (5 credits) – A rigorous course in the computational and theoretical aspects of algebra and trigonometry: equations and inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; complex numbers; polynomial, rational, radical, exponential logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, equations, and graphs; right triangle trigonometry; inverse functions; law of sines; law cosines, trigonometric identities. Mastery of these skills will empower a student to achieve success in Calculus I. Prerequisite: Placement or “C-” or better in MAT 121 College Algebra.
- MAT 180 Applied Probability and Statistics (3 credits) – An introduction to the practice of statistics including sampling, experimental design, data displays, descriptive statistics, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions, one and two sample confidence intervals, hypothesis tests for means and proportions, and linear regression with analysis. Traditional and resampling/bootstrapping methods are employed. 4 hours of lecture-lab combined. Prerequisite: Placement or "C-" or better in MAT 121 College Algebra, MAT 130 Precalculus, or MAT 140 Calculus I.
- Any mathematics course numbered 300 or above (by advisement) – For a complete listing of math courses and their descriptions, view the course catalog.

Computer science courses (30 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: A study of software engineering approaches, tools, and methodologies. In addition, some coverage is provided regarding the structured approach to systems development through use of structured analysis methods within an established life cycle. Topics include: the systems development environment and life cycle, the systems design process, I/O design activities and strategies, file and database design, project management techniques, foundations and strategies of software design, software testing methods, CASE tools, user training, installation techniques, and evaluation process.
Prerequisite: CIS 360 Computer Information Systems: Analysis and Design
Credits: 3
Description: This course is an exploration of the object-oriented paradigm as a means of creating and maintaining computer applications. In addition to providing instruction in object-oriented programming concepts and methodologies, this course will provide students with syntax.
Prerequisite: CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I
Credits: 3
Description: A study of common abstract data types (stacks, queues, lists, trees, etc.) and their implementation using a modern object-oriented programming language; techniques for operating on these data structures; and the distinction between specification and implementation. Topics include sorting and searching, analysis of algorithms, and algorithm design techniques.
Prerequisite: CSC 160 Programming Fundamentals II
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to the internal organization of a computer as a collection of related hardware components and software systems. Topics include representation and storage of digital information; organization and role of various components of a computer; underlying concepts of computer design; and an examination of various computer software systems (interpreters, compilers, assemblers, operating systems, etc.).
Prerequisite: CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I
Credits: 3
Description: The study of the fundamental mathematical, algorithmic, and representational issues in computer graphics, with emphasis of 3-dimensional graphics. The topics to be covered are: overview of the graphics process, projective geometry, homogenous coordinates, projective transformations, line-drawing, surface modelling and object modelling using spatial sampling and parametric functions, approaches to rendering including ray tracing and radiosity, texture synthesis, and mapping.
Prerequisite: CSC 160 Programming Fundamentals II
Credits: 3
Description: This course is an exploration of how humans interact with computing devices. The dimensions of human-computer interaction (physical, psychological, etc.) are examined. Hardware design, software design, operation, environment, and other factors are considered. An integrated framework for considering HCI evaluation and HCI systems design/operation is utilized.
Prerequisite: CIS 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems or CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I
Credits: 3
Description: An overview of the structure and design of an operating system – the software interface between the user and the hardware. Topics include process management, memory management, device management, file management, concurrency, distributed systems, and security.
Credits: 3
Description: Server management is a comprehensive course that teaches students how to implement mission-critical services on various networking platforms. Students install and configure web, email, and proxy servers and receive in-depth understanding of how to connect e-commerce databases to web servers. Additional topics may include system backup, load balancing issues, and Internet security.
Prerequisite: CIS 372 Computer Hardware and Operating Systems or instructor approval
Choose one of the following courses:
- CIS 472 Advanced Computer Hardware and Embedded Systems (3 credits) – This course addresses advanced topics in the study of computer hardware systems, including processors, memory, storage devices, display technologies, input technologies, output technologies, and various other hardware components and approaches. The course also covers embedded technologies commonly found within other types of dedicated devices and general-purpose devices. Prerequisite: CIS 372 Computer Hardware and Operating Systems or instructor approval.
- CSC 390 Computer Science Practicum (3 credits) – An individualized assignment arranged with a campus administrative unit, area business, or other organization to provide supervised experience in computer science, information technology, or a closely related field. This course may be repeated for 3 additional hours of general electives only. Prerequisites: CSC 320 Computer Organization, CIS 372 Computer Hardware and Operating Systems, and instructor approval.
- CSC 397/497 Computer Science Internship (3 credits) – Students earn credit by working in a field directly related to their major, minor, or professional interest.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study, or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Computer Science at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Computer Science program may also be interested in:

Networking and Cybersecurity (B.A. or B.S.)
Programmer/Analyst (B.A. or B.S.)
Web Specialist (B.A. or B.S.)

Affordability was probably the biggest reason I chose Wayne State College. Not having to worry so much about how I am going to pay for college, and instead focusing on my academics, has really allowed me to grow as a student in and out of the classroom. I am very grateful to earn such a great Computer Science degree at a reduced cost. Studying at Wayne State has been a very positive experience because I have a great professional relationship with almost all of my teachers. I would like to become a software engineer. WSC has helped prepare me for the future with classes I am taking by pushing me out of my comfort zone and giving me opportunities to meet with potential employers.

Kale Wetjen

Henderson, Nebraska

Major: Computer Science