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The computer science program allows students to gain experience through lab work, lectures, and internships. The faculty aims to provide students with the most practical and applicable experience that can be used in the computer science field. Computer Scientists invent and design new approaches to computing and technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study complex problems.

This degree lends itself to preparing students for graduate study in computing, bioinformatics, data analytics, and scientific applications of Computer Science.

Computing has become an essential part of almost all aspects of our lives. Students majoring in Computer Science at William Penn acquire the skills necessary to meet this demand and join this exciting and rewarding career field.

Steve Rittgers, Instructor of Applied Computer Science

Careers

Computer Science experts are in high demand. The computing field is expected to achieve sustained growth of 19% through the year 2026 according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and remains one of the higher-paying career fields for college graduates. In fact, the median annual pay in 2017 was $114,520 for computer scientists. Employers that have hired graduates from the WPU Computer Science program include:

  • Musco Sports Lighting, LLC.
  • Vermeer Corporation
  • DuPont Pioneer
  • Boston Scientific
  • Cargill Corporation
  • Pacific Northwest Lab
  • Intel
  • State Farm
  • Graduate study at
    • Duke University
    • University of Nebraska
    • University of Minnesota
    • Iowa State University
    • California State University, Northridge

Internships

By participating in internships, students are immersed in a professional environment while generating experience and future opportunities. While internships are not required in this program, students will understand their importance and pursue internship possibilities within Oskaloosa and other surrounding communities. Listed below are local companies who have worked with WPU students as interns:

  • Cargill Corporation
  • Pella Corporation
  • Army Corp of Engineers
  • Cunningham, Inc.
  • Mahaska Communications Group (MCG)
  • Musco Sports Lighting, LLC.

Faculty

Jonathan H. Stevens, M.Ed., M.S.

Assistant Professor of Applied Computer Science 641-673-1251 Email

Steve Rittgers, M.S.

Instructor of Computer Science 641-673-1081 Email

Organizations

William Penn University’s Computer Club (WPC2) opens its doors to all WPU students regardless of major. Members have the opportunity to travel to the annual SIGCSE Technical Symposium to meet with great computer innovators and enjoy a diverse selection of technical sessions and opportunities for leaning and interaction. WPC2 members also participate in Experience Iowa Technology every fall and graduating seniors are inducted into the Pledge of the Computing Professional.

Courses

You will take the following courses as a Computer Science student:

Computer Science/Mathematics Core Classes

  • APCS 205 Algorithms & Programming
  • APCS 220 Computer Organization & Digital Circuits
  • APCS 242 Computer & Network Management
  • APCS 265 Systems Analysis & Design Methods
  • APCS 312 Operating Systems
  • APCS 326 Database Mgmt Information Systems
  • APCS 336 Web Programming
  • APCS 360 Software Engineering Project
  • APCS 390 Professional Development Seminar
  • MATH 140 College Algebra/Trigonometry
  • MATH 211 Discrete Mathematics
  • MATH 303 Statistical Methods (or higher Statistics course)

Applied Computer Science Minor Courses

  • APCS 205 Algorithms & Programming (Java)
  • APCS 220 Computer Organization and Digital Circuits
  • APCS 242 Computer & Network Management
  • Ten hours from the following
  • APCS 112, 114, or 116 Computer Applications
  • APCS 215 Visual Programming
  • APCS 265 Systems Analysis & Design Methods
  • APCS 305 Programming Techniques
  • APCS 312 Operating Systems
  • APCS 326 Database Management Information Systems
  • APCS 336 Web Programming
  • APCS 344 Training Practicum
  • APCS 345 Numerical Analysis Methods
  • APCS 350 Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis

Computer Science Courses

  • APCS 305 Programming Techniques
  • APCS 345 Numerical Analysis Methods
  • APCS 350 Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis
  • APCS 395 Prof Dev Seminar II (research)
  • MATH 212 Intro to Abstract Math
  • MATH 241 Calculus I
  • PHYS 211 College Physics I
  • PHYS 212 College Physics II

Physics Minor courses

  • PHYS 201 or 211 General Physics I or College Physics I
  • PHYS 202 or 212 General Physics II or College Physics II
  • PHYS 390 Professional Development Seminar
  • PHYS Electives 8-10 Hours