Help Us Build the Future
Some people just expect computers to work. That’s OK for them, but you like a challenge. You’re always up for tearing a computer down to its intricate parts or evaluating lines of code to solve a problem. In other words, you’re ready to study computer science at Belhaven University.
Here, you learn why computers work, and you gain a complete understanding of their parts and their immersive languages. And, in a society increasingly dependent on technology, the value of professionals who understand the deep workings of computers is on the rise.
When you study computer science at Belhaven, you learn to work with computer languages and develop professional skills in a supportive environment to prepare to be a future leader in tech.
Computer Science or Computer Information Systems?
At Belhaven, we offer B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. So, what’s the difference? They both address technology and its impact on our world, but they do so in very different ways:
- Computer Science emphasizes software development, theory, and the underlying math behind the tech.
- Computer Information Systems centers on how the tech is used: desktop support, security solutions, or building apps.
In other words, the programs try to answer these questions:
- WHY does technology work? (Computer Science)
- HOW does technology work? (Computer Information Systems)
Computer Science Degree at Belhaven University
Why You’ll Love Computer Science at Belhaven
Strong Community
In and out of the classroom, you get opportunities for unique learning opportunities. Guest seminars, internships, site visits, and research projects increase learning, boosts your resume, and prepares for your career choice.
Great Internships
We value getting you professional experiences before you graduate from Belhaven, and we encourage our students to pursue internships. Some of our recent intern experiences include Amazon, NASA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Fun Opportunities
Join hackathons, game nights, and service opportunities through our student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. Work on projects across academic disciplines with Belhaven Maker Campus, our unique “maker” movement.
Caring Faculty
Our faculty members will be your mentors. As experts in their fields, they’re dedicated to helping you learn complex subjects. They know you by name, and they push you to succeed at the highest level.
Jobs
Computer science graduates can find jobs in big data, artificial intelligence, game design, and cyber security
13:1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Small class sizes mean close-knit learning communities
MCS Student Club
Math and Computer Science Club offers networking opportunities and resources
Compare: CIS or CSC?
HOW Technology Works
The discipline of Computer Information Systems focuses solely on the practical applications of computers and the systems that gets work done.
With a heavy emphasis on the “state of the practice,” you focus on applied technology fields like networking, security, database management, and web application development.
You learn programming required to configure, maintain, and replace those computing systems, as well as coding tasks like workflow automation.
WHY Technology Works
Computer Science touches on practical applications of technology, but the primary goal is understanding the theoretical framework that undergirds all of computing technology.
This means your classes include advanced mathematics — Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Formal Languages and Automata Theory, etc.
You also find a much greater emphasis on software engineering and programming decisions that impact the performance and stability of complex software systems.
Compare: CIS or CSC?
HOW Technology Works
The discipline of Computer Information Systems focuses solely on the practical applications of computers and the systems that gets work done.
With a heavy emphasis on the “state of the practice,” you focus on applied technology fields like networking, security, database management, and web application development.
You learn programming required to configure, maintain, and replace those computing systems, as well as coding tasks like workflow automation.
WHY Technology Works
Computer Science touches on practical applications of technology, but the primary goal is understanding the theoretical framework that undergirds all of computing technology.
This means your classes include advanced mathematics — Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Formal Languages and Automata Theory, etc.
You also find a much greater emphasis on software engineering and programming decisions that impact the performance and stability of complex software systems.
What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?
- Application Developer
- Cybersecurity and Information Security Engineer
- Data Scientist
- DevOps Engineer
- Game Designer and Developer
- IT and Network Architect
- Software Architect
Computer Science at Belhaven Teaches You How To…
- Conduct interactive programming
- Design applications
- Implement effective programming practices
- Improve cybersecurity
- Install and manage operating systems
- Perform network management
- Understand data science
- Understand programming fundamentals
Why Trust Belhaven With Your Future?
Our quality is recognized by SACSCOC, which grants our institutional accreditation and authority to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral-level degrees. Plus, we’re consistently recognized by organizations like U.S. News & World Report for our academic excellence, commitment to community service, expert faculty, and overall value.
Computer Science: What You Study
Computer Science Major
- 4-year plan for Freshmen - Computer Science (pdf)
- 4-year plan for Transfers - Computer Science (pdf)
Computer Science Major with Software Development Concentration
- 4-year plan for Freshmen - Computer Science (Software Development Concentration) (pdf)
- 4-year plan for Transfers - Computer Science (Software Development Concentration) (pdf)
Double Major & Get Your 5th Year Free
Fuel your academic passions and expand your career options. Belhaven offers our freshmen a unique deal: double major, and we’ll pay the tuition if you need a fifth year in school. Double major in two arts programs, pair a business degree with a STEM major … the possibilities are endless!
Opportunities for Computer Science Majors
The Math & Computer Science Club allows students a community with social events, math and coding student support, and opportunities to join both the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is widely recognized as the premier membership organization for computing professionals. As a computer science major, you can become a member of our ACM through our student club, where you have the unique opportunity to network with your fellow majors through hackathons, game nights, and community service opportunities.
Plus, you can attend ACM conferences, join their research endeavors, participate in their awards program, and meet industry professionals who can help further your career.
The “maker movement” — a celebration of creativity, curiosity, hands-on learning, and invention — is alive and well at Belhaven. As a STEAM (art included) student, you’re encouraged to explore your creative side and build projects that solve real-world problems. We empower you with facilities ranging from robotics labs to sculpture studios.
We also promote collaboration, especially with students from our arts programs. By harnessing the power of art and science, there’s no telling what you can accomplish.
As a science or math major at Belhaven, you may apply for the Marion Davis Ridgway and Elise Davis Endowed Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded once per academic year to a STEM student who is pursuing a pre-professional program in the health sciences.
The scholarship can be received multiple times. You must have a minimum ACT score of 29, be admitted to Belhaven, and complete an application and interview process. March 1 is the application deadline each year.
Get Involved With MCS Club
Hackathons. Game nights. Leadership and service opportunities. Professional networking.
The Math & Computer Science Club (MCS) is the premiere membership organization for computing professionals. Belhaven’s chapter is a lively fellowship of computer lovers from across campus.
Meet Our Faculty
Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, Professor and Yearger Chair of Mathematics and Computer Science, and Director of Engineering Partnerships
John Estes
Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, Professor and Yearger Chair of Mathematics and Computer Science, and Director of Engineering Partnerships
Specialty Instructor of Mathematics
Kathy Hammons
Specialty Instructor of Mathematics
Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems and Director of the Computer Information Systems Program
Corky Wicks
Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems and Director of the Computer Information Systems Program
Contact Us
Office of Admission
Phone: 601-968-5940Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202
For campus visit:
Jimmy Hood Welcome Center
855 Riverside Drive
Jackson, MS 39202
Fax: 601-300-2932
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5