CS Major/Minor

The Program

Computer Science involves the study of computers and programming languages. Computer science is a major for problem solvers who want to learn how to use computers and computational processes to build websites, program robots, manage data and databases, mine data, and more. At Carroll College, students will gain experience with the theory and practice of computer science as they explore algorithms, programming languages, and operating systems. Introductory computer science classes cover topics like algorithm design, computer organization, and abstract data types. Carroll College computer science majors have a nearly 100% employment placement rate in the field. Carroll also has many CS majors who have gone on to complete graduate programs then enter the workforce.

The Computer Science Minor is designed to provide basic proficiency in computer science. The benefit of declaring a minor in CS gives students the opportunity to study topics that are personally interesting as well as add value to their Major by enabling a student to take the technology classes that would be beneficial to their future career.

What stands out about Carroll’s Computer Science Program?

Carroll’s CS program not only offers a very personalized learning experience. It also offers a very authentic real-world learning experience. Students learn by doing projects that are based on real-life applications. In addition, CS students may take a CS Internship which gives them the on-the-job experience that reinforces and applies what they have learned in the classroom and gives them a competitive advantage in the job market. Regarding Internships Carroll’s CS program has an advantage. Since Carroll College is located in Helena Montana, the state capital, there are typically more internships available in state and federal government as well as the private sector than we can fill.

The Mathematics, Data Sciences, and Computer Information Systems (CIS) programs are tightly connected to the Computer Science (CS) program at Carroll. As such, it makes it easy for many students to either double-major or add a minor to a major. Common combinations are double majors in CS and Math or majoring in CS with a minor in Data Sciences or CIS.

The CS program at Carroll also allows students to customize their learning in several ways. Students can focus on application development, systems engineering, database design, and management, data mining, specialize in a technology area of their choice, or prepare for graduate school.

Student Learning Objectives

At the completion of the Computer Science program, students will:

  • Demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline of computer science, specifically around theory, systems, and applications.
  • Demonstrate comprehension of modern software engineering principles
  • Analyze and apply problem-solving skills to formalize general problem statements into the precise algorithmic solutions needed to achieve business/organizational goals.
  • Demonstrate an ability to conduct industry-related research, synthesize research, and apply solutions based on research.
  • Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders (i.e. coders, end-users, data entry, management, vendors, etc.).
  • Gain an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities.
  • Be prepared for productive careers or further education in graduate school.
  • Have the ability to manage a career of lifelong learning in technology.

Careers in Computer Science

2021 data for the following careers are listed on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Software Developers (“Software Developers, Applications” provides an overview of several CS careers)

  • Description: Software developers create applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.
  • 2021 Median Pay: $109,020 per year / $52.41 per hour
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Outlook: 2021-31: 25% (Much faster than average)

Computer Hardware Engineers

  • Description: Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.
  • 2021 Median Pay: $128,170 per year / $61.62 per hour
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Outlook: 2021-31: 6% (As fast as average)

Web Developers and Digital Designers

  • Description: Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
  • 2019 Median Pay: $78,300 per year / $37.65 per hour
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Outlook: 2021-31: 23% (Much faster than average)

Database Administrator (CS and CIS degrees will both lead to careers as a Database Administrator)

  • Description: Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data.
  • 2021 Median Pay: $101,000 per year / $48.56 per hour
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Outlook: 2021-31: 9% (Faster than average)

Computer Support Specialists (CS and CIS degrees will both lead to careers as a Computer Support Specialist)

  • Description: Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations.
  • 2021 Median Pay: $59,910 per year / $27.84 per hour
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Various degrees and experience.
  • Job Outlook: 2021-31: 6% (As fast as average)