Computer Science & Software Engineering

Why study computer science & software engineering?

Computer science & software engineering students forge innovative technology.

  • This major focuses on technical and scientific applications of computers, as well as problem-solving and teamwork skills.
  • State-of-the-art computing hardware and software laboratories support this major’s active and close-knit community.
  • The rich body of theory underlying computer science integrates with ethical and social issues to create a well-rounded student prepared for rapid changes in the field.
Computer Science Department
Stock Photo of Computer Science

Academics at AU

Beyond AU

Taha Afzal ‘22, who majored in computer science & software engineering, is a software engineer at Raven Industries in Sioux Falls. Part of the field computer team, Afzal has helped to develop technologies such as the precision application of fertilizer and autonomous driving, as well as technology enabling farmers to work more efficiently, sustainably and profitably. During his time at Augustana, Afzal completed two software engineering internships with Raven and one with Spidreye, along with a data analytics internship with Diamond Mowers.

Taha Afzal

Course Descriptions

Major Map

Faculty

Related Program of Study

Contacts

 

Latest News

Esther Ngumbi
Augustana University’s 2024 Student Research Symposium to Feature Entomologist Dr. Esther Ngumbi

Augustana is excited to once again host its annual Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium, set to take place on Saturday, April 13, at the Froiland Science Complex, located on the university’s campus.

Microscope
Augustana Announces STEM Scholars Program for Fall 2023

Augustana University is excited to announce a new STEM Scholars Program made possible through a more than $30,000 Project Innovation Grant (PIG) from the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium (SDSGC).

Fintech
Augustana University to Launch First Financial Technology Program of its Kind in the Region

Augustana University will launch its newest academic program, Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™, in the fall of 2023. With the support of Augustana’s key strategic partner, Pathward™, N.A., (formerly MetaBank, N.A.), the major will be the first of its kind in the region. 

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Highlights

Government & International Affairs at AU

Careers

Graduates secure careers in data analytics, systems analysis and design, network technology and internet programming.

Hands-On Learning

Internship opportunities include:

  • Apple
  • Google
  • NASA
  • Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
  • Citibank
  • Raven Industries

Professors’ research gives students the opportunity for real-world, cutting-edge experiences with state-of-the-art equipment, theory and projects. 

Several ongoing research projects include collaborations with NASA, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Real-world research topics include:

  • The Famine Early Warning System for Eastern Africa
  • Drought Monitoring Systems for the Continental United States
  • Fire Sequences and Re-growth Comparisons Between the Black Hills and Northern Siberia
  • Investigations of the Seasonal Characteristics of Global Cover Types

Computer science students study away in:

  • Exeter, England — at the University of Exeter
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands — at Vrije Universiteit
  • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — at RMIT Vietnam
  • The United Kingdom — focusing on physics and math with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

This major gives students a strong mathematical and scientific background in computing. 

Looking for an emphasis on the user-interface and business aspects of computers? See also the computer information systems major.

Computer science students often participate in:

  • Campus jobs as tutors, networking specialists, computer laboratory assistants and network administrators
  • Women in STEM
  • Hult Prize
  • Computer Science Club
  • Union Board of Governors (UBG)