Computer Science, B.A.

Computer science is an exciting, rapidly developing field with vast influence on modern society. Computer science encompasses a broad range of theories and applications. The computer science major at Saint Louis University is excellent for students going into many fields, including technology, business, medicine and law, due to the emphasis on problem-solving skills.

The Department of Computer Science at SLU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The B.A. curriculum includes a broad liberal arts study and can be combined with a second major or minor in fields such as art, criminal science or psychology. 

SLU's accelerated master's program allows SLU undergraduate computer science majors to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years. Students combine a B.A. or B.S. in computer science with a master's degree in computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence or bioinformatics and computational biology.

Program Highlights

• A choice of engaging introductory courses, allowing students to better connect the application of computer science to their interests.
• Courses are taught in computer labs, allowing for hands-on learning.
• Small class sizes allow for rich student-faculty interactions.
• A curriculum that allows students to see the impact and application of computing throughout society.

Curriculum Overview

Students completing the Bachelor of Arts curriculum in computer science obtain a rigorous, comprehensive background in the discipline. This curriculum allows them time to delve into other academic interests, including preprofessional studies or a minor or major in another discipline. Students should consult with their advisors to tailor their computer science electives to their individual goals.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Because of our location in the Midtown area of St. Louis, our students have access to a robust technology community, with operations for many Fortune 500 companies and a vibrant startup community. This provides outstanding opportunities for summer internships, part-time work during the academic year, and future jobs after graduation.

Our campus is within walking distance of the Cortex Innovation Community, a vibrant 200-acre (and growing) innovation hub and technology district. Cortex houses SLU's Research Innovation Group, which works on technology transfer and commercial partnerships. Cortex is also home to the weekly Venture Cafe (every Thursday from 3-8 p.m.), an excellent place for students to connect with tech community members in a friendly and informal setting. Also in downtown St. Louis is the T-REX Technology Entrepreneur Center, a coworking space and technology incubator.

Our faculty has integrated students into their research programs in various ways. Some of our undergraduate students have participated in REUs (research experience for undergraduates), capstone projects and independent research that has resulted in scholarly publications with their faculty mentors. In addition, many students have had opportunities to travel to conferences and present their work.

Careers

Careers related to computer science are routinely found on various "best jobs" lists because of their outstanding combination of excellent pay, satisfying work-life balance and personal reward in seeing the great impact of computing throughout society. As a sample of such listings:

• U.S. News 100 Best Jobs list for 2026 The top 100 included IT manager (#3), information security analyst (#4), software developer (#7), data scientist (#8), computer network architect (#32), computer systems analyst (#59), web developer (#85).
• Indeed's Best Jobs in America list for 2026 Jobs in the top 50 included data scientist (#10), solution architect (#20), SAP consultant (#24), software engineer (#28), controls engineer (#33), software architect (#34), IT project manager (35), servicenow developer (#37), enterprise architect (#41), full stack developer (#43), network engineer (#45), security engineer (#47), cloud engineer (#49).

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application and the Coalition Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2025, 99.6% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $517 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Graduates will be able to design, implement, evaluate and test a software system that meets a given set of computing requirements.
3. Graduates will be able to apply computer science theory, knowledge of computer systems and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
4. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively to both professional and general audiences in both oral and written forms.
5. Graduates will be able to recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
6. Graduates will be able to function effectively as members of a team in developing computing technology and solving technical problems.

Computer science students must complete a minimum total of 53 credits for the major.

Introduction to Computer Science

Systems Electives Courses

Non-Course Requirements

All School of Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program. 

Continuation Standards

After declaring a computer science major, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in computer science courses by the conclusion of their second year as a major and maintain such a GPA at the conclusion of each semester thereafter. Furthermore, students should require at most two attempts to successfully complete any computer science courses required for the major (where an unsuccessful attempt is considered a "D" or "F" for courses numbered 2100 and lower, and an "F" in higher-level courses).

Students are also expected to make adequate progress in the major, typically by enrolling in at least one computer science course per semester until completing their coursework (with exceptions made for premed scholars during their first year, and all students if studying abroad or facing other such extenuating circumstances).

Program Notes

At most, three credit hours of internship with industry courses can be applied to the degree.

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Introduction to Computer Science

Systems Elective Courses

Note: SLU-Madrid and SLU-St. Louis program requirements vary slightly by campus.

Students of computer science at Saint Louis University-Madrid gain in-depth knowledge of computers and computer systems, as well as the programs and languages that they use to communicate. You'll gain real-world experience in coding, designing and testing programs in multiple programming languages.

Curriculum Overview

Complete your B.S. or a B.A. in computer science at SLU-Madrid. You can also transfer freely between SLU-Madrid and SLU-St. Louis.

The Bachelor of Science degree provides more technical depth and focuses largely on analytical skills and a detailed understanding of computer science. As a more professionally focused degree, graduates often go directly into the industry upon graduation. The B.S. program is modeled after curricular requirements for ABET-CAC accreditation in computer science.

The Bachelor of Arts degree is often combined with another major or minor, providing you with an understanding of the application and impact of the computer sciences on society.

Faculty

The faculty at Saint Louis University-Madrid are experts in their respective fields. They are internationally recognized teachers, researchers and mentors. Learn about our faculty members, including their education, credentials, experience and contact information.

Faculty Research

The SLU-Madrid faculty maintains robust programs of research in a variety of fields. See below for more data.

Find Faculty Research Information

Find Research Resources

Fieldwork, Internships and Careers

At SLU-Madrid, class enrollment is kept low at all levels to maximize interaction between the professors and students. Computer science classes are held in computer classrooms and involve group work and hands-on projects. Lectures and lab sessions are all taught by full-time, award-winning faculty or faculty with experience gained in the industry.

Graduates with computer science degrees are in high demand in the international job market. Our students master a variety of skills, such as computer hardware and architecture, software analysis, design and build, object-oriented programming, server security and management, database design and applications and networking technologies.

Employment sectors include security analysis, computer graphics and data visualization, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, internet of things (IoT), bioinformatics, software or application development, computer programming, IT system administration, project management and computer forensics.

Admission

SLU-Madrid Application

Application Deadlines

• April 1 - Fall admission (July 1 for EU students)
• Aug. 1 - Spring admission (Nov. 1 for EU students)
• March  1 - Summer sessions (for applicants who require a student visa)
• April  15 - Summer sessions (for applicants who do not require a student visa)

Contact Us

Office of Admissions
Avenida del Valle, 34
28003 Madrid, Spain
P: (+34) 91 554 58 58
admissions-madrid@slu.edu
Office Hours: Mondays through Fridays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (3 p.m. on Fridays from May 15 - Sept. 1) 

Tuition and Fees

SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at SLU-Madrid are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.

If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu. 

• Tuition and Fees
• Scholarships and Financial Aid

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

• Computer Science, B.A. (STLCC 2+SLU)

For more information about computer science programs, please call 314-977-6667 or email cs@slu.edu.