Problem solving for the Information Age

Few advances in technology have had the large-scale impact of computers. Computers have changed the way we live, work, play and learn. With information technology now an integral part of our global community, specialists in computer science and related fields will continue to be in high demand. Computer science continues to be a rapidly growing field. Because the study of computing emphasizes problem-solving techniques that apply to many disciplines, computer science majors will be prepared for virtually any career.

In Elon’s Department of Computer Science, you will receive an excellent foundation in mathematics and computation, along with a sound liberal arts background. Elon provides the necessary resources for you to graduate with the knowledge and expertise required to step into any computing environment — corporate, government or academic. The department offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, as well as a minor in computer science. Elon also offers minors in data science, game design, and multimedia authoring.

Premier facilities and equipment

The Department of Computer Science offers students the latest in computer hardware and software to enhance their learning. Because computing sciences classes at Elon are small — never more than 28 — hands-on learning begins on day one. The department prides itself on having a balanced teaching approach between theory and practical application.

Computer Science students have access to a wide variety of state-of-the-art computing resources to help them with projects and activities, whether for classroom assignments, faculty-mentored research, or independent exploration.

Active learning opportunities

Computer science majors are encouraged to participate in the many opportunities for hands-on learning at Elon, including study abroad and internships. One student combined both programs by studying at the University of Sydney in Australia, where she worked with a research group to design and develop algorithms.

Students have completed internships at companies such as Fidelity Investments, Big Huge Games, IBM, JP Morgan, Merck, Lab Corp, and Red Hat. In addition to local activities, students and faculty advisers regularly attend regional conferences where students present research findings.

Research with faculty

As a computer science major, you will work side-by-side with a talented and experienced faculty. Faculty support student research projects in areas such as mobile computing, machine learning, game programming, data mining and decision analysis. Computer science students and faculty participate in Elon’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program and present their research on campus at the annual Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF).

Challenging fellows program

Exceptional students planning to major in computer science may qualify for Elon College Fellows, a challenging and exciting program in the College of Arts and Sciences, or the Honors Fellows program. Fifty students are selected for the program each year. View the Elon Fellows programs Web site for more information.

Career options

With a degree in computer science, or a minor or concentration in a related field, there are a variety of career options available to you including applications programming, software engineering, systems analysis, Web development and more. Elon computer science alumni may be found working at a number of well-known companies, including IBM, Fidelity Investments, Credit Suisse, Met Life, Vanguard, Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group, Arris, InfoSys, Prometheus Group, and Sentry One. Elon also offers students excellent preparation for graduate school. Recent graduates have pursued advanced study at the following institutions:

  • Clemson University
  • DePaul University
  • Florida State University
  • Georgia Tech
  • North Carolina State University
  • The University of Notre Dame
  • The College of William & Mary
  • Wake Forest University
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Virginia Tech.