A new Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degree at Miami University gives students another option to pursue one of the most sought-after majors by employers.

The new Bachelor of Arts (BA) joins the College of Engineering and Computing’s current Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in Computer Science and Software Engineering allowing students to select from multiple paths to a computing degree based on their interests.

In either Computer Science degree program, students will study programming languages, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, and applications of computer science such as networks, security, virtual reality, and the ethical and social implications of computer technology.  
Students can determine which degree would be a good fit by answering the following questions.

• Do you have an interest in another subject area that you would like to pursue alongside majoring in Computer Science? If so, then consider the Bachelor of Arts degree. This degree requires a minor or second major outside of Computer Science and Software Engineering. This allows you to learn about business, the arts, education, science, or some other field of interest to you. It also gives you more flexible science options.
• Would you like to take additional computer science electives, and strengthen your mathematics, statistics, and science knowledge? If so, then the Bachelor of Science degree might be your best bet. It requires 3 additional Computer Science electives (so, 7 electives in all), 3 additional electives in mathematics and/or statistics, and 2 science courses that are designed for science majors.
• What if you are not sure? No problem: the requirements look the same for roughly the first two years. An advisor from the computer science department can help you plan your courses in a way that keeps your options open in case you would like to switch. No matter which degree students select, they will be highly marketable for future careers. 

“The U.S. Bureau of Labor’s job outlook for computer science graduates is excellent, and the number of positions is expected to increase by 25% between 2021 and 2031,” according to Eric Bachmann, professor, and chair of the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. “This employment growth is due to the demand for increased efficiency in network technology, computing speeds, software performance, and embedded systems.”

The median annual earnings for software developers were $120,730 in May 2021. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting offers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science average more than $72,000.

Learn more about the new Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Science.