Degree Programs

The CS Department offers two degrees:

1. Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science - Math emphasis.
2. Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science - Requires a minor.

We also join together with the Engineering/Physics Department to offer a third degree:

     3. Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering - Two options available.

These are best differentiated by looking at the credit hours they entail. Besides the Liberal Arts and Bible courses required, the breakdown for each major is as follows:

If software design and engineering is your focus, then you will want the CS degree. The BS essentially has a minor in math built in, and is the degree of choice for going on to grad school in CS. The BA allows you the flexibility of choosing your own minor. We have observed very little, if any, difference in the jobs available for these two options.

If you have a dual interest in hardware and software design, with an emphasis on embedded systems, then we recommend Option 1 of the CE degree.

If you are most interested in hardware and circuit design, with minimal software interest, then we recommend Option 2, which is especially designed for those planning on moving towards electrical engineering in the next phase of their schooling and/or career.

A strong aptitude for math and physics is required for the CE degrees, and strong mathematical aptitude is also required for the CS-BS. Surprisingly, even the CS-BA degree requires someone with good analytical and problem solving abilities, and success is best predicted by looking for strong math scores on standardized exams, although this is not quite as critical as it is for the other degrees.

Finally, it should also be noted that Harding’s College of Business Administration offers a degree in Computer Information Systems which requires 41 credits of business and 25 credits of Computer Science. This is a B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration) and is another viable option for the student interested in software design and engineering, but with more of an emphasis on business.