Computer Science & Software Engineering

Why can you do with a degree in computer science & software engineering?

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in computer science & software engineering degree from Augustana University prepares students to solve complex problems using technology, programming and computational thinking. Graduates are in demand across nearly every industry, from health care and finance to manufacturing, education and technology startups.

  • The major includes courses in ethics, software development, data structures, artificial intelligence and systems design.
  • Students gain the technical and analytical skills needed to build the technology that powers today's world.
  • Students develop collaboration, communication and project management skills through hands-on projects and team-based learning.
     
COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Stock Photo of Computer Science

Academics at AU

COMPUTER SCIENCE & SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MAJOR
COMPUTER SCIENCE & SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MINOR
FACULTY

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.

Related Programs of Study

Contact Us

Dr. Daniel Steinwand, department chair

Computer Science Department

Email

Latest News

Abel Alene '26
Figuring it Out: Augustana Commencement Speaker Encourages Class of 2026 to Embrace Uncertainty Post Graduation

When Abel Alene ‘26 first arrived in South Dakota, he knew almost nothing about Sioux Falls or Augustana University. And Alene didn’t imagine he’d one day stand at the podium as his class’ commencement speaker.

On Saturday, his commencement speech to the Class of 2026 will address the importance of embracing uncertainty.

Space Grant Student Research
Augustana University Awarded Grant to Fund Student Research, STEM Education

Augustana University has been awarded approximately $45,000 per year through 2028 to support key initiatives designed to inspire youth education in STEM-related fields in South Dakota.

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.

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Computer Science & Software Engineering Highlights

Computer Science & Software Engineering Career Opportunities

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in computer science & software engineering graduates pursue careers in a wide variety of technology-focused industries, including as a(n): 

  • software developer
  • software engineer
  • web developer
  • artificial intelligence (AI) developer
  • machine learning engineer
  • cloud solutions engineer
  • database administrator
  • mobile application developer

Hands-On Learning & Internships

Computer science & software engineering students learn by building, testing and solving real-world challenges throughout their academic experience.

Students benefit from:

  • programming and software development projects
  • internship opportunities with regional and national employers
  • undergraduate research experiences
  • collaborative software engineering projects
  • opportunities to explore artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics

These experiences help students graduate with technical skills, professional experience and a portfolio that demonstrates their abilities to future employers and graduate schools.

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)