Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
The Department of Computer and Information Science in the School of Engineering offers the B.A. in Computer Science for students in the College of Liberal Arts. Students conduct rigorous study of processes carried out by computers. They learn how to define these processes and encode them through such tasks as
- determining what result is needed (systems analysis),
- developing efficient and flexible software to encode processes (algorithm design, programming, and software engineering), and
- organizing the data needed and generated by processes (data structures and database management).
B.A. vs. B.S.
Students can choose between the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science offered through the College of Liberal Arts and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offered through the School of Engineering.
- The Bachelor of Arts degree allows greater compatibility with other areas of study, has a wider and deeper general education foundation, and requires a minor field of study or double major. It requires fewer math courses than the B.S. degree yet students who want more mathematics could select to minor or double major in math and have more than the B.S. degree requires.
- The more specialized Bachelor of Science degree requires more mathematics and science. The B.S. degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The Value of a Computer Science Degree
Computer scientists work in almost every industry because computing is the glue that holds much of contemporary science, technology, commerce and entertainment together. Students pursuing the B.A. in Computer Science gain the key communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that are desired by today’s employers - as well as the core technical computer science skills.
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Program Information
Degree
B.A. in Computer Science
Required Credit Hours
120
Program Type
Major
Minor
Program Location
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree Information
Students in the B.A. in Computer Science complete 37 credit hours of computer science courses as well as 12 hours of courses outside of computer science.
- CIS 111: Computer Science I OR CIS 113: Honors Computer Science I
- CIS 112: Computer Science II
- CIS 211: Computer Science III
- Csci 223: Computer Org. & Assembly Language
- Csci 300: Social Responsibility in Computer Science
- Select one of the following
- Csci 423: Introduction to Operating Systems
- Csci 450: Organization of Programming Languages
- Csci 475: Introduction to Database Systems
- Csci 433: Algorithm and Data Structure Analysis
- 15 additional hours of CIS or Csci at the 300 level or above.
- Csci 487: Senior Project
Courses Outside of Computer Science:
- Math 261:Unified Calculus & Analytical Geometry I
- Math 301: Discrete Mathematics
- Math 375: Introduction to Statistics I OR Econ/Bus 230: Economic Statistics I
- Spch 102: Fundamentals of Public Speaking OR Spch 105: Business and Professional Speech
The minor in computer science enables students to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques of computing science. Students thus can enhance their studies in other disciplines by adding a dimension of algorithmic thinking and developing practical computational skills useful in many areas of contemporary society.
A minor in computer science consists of 18 hours of computer science courses including
- CIS 111: Computer Science I OR CIS 113: Honors Computer Science I
- CIS 112: Computer Science II
- CIS 211: Computer Science III
- 3 credit hours at the 200 level or above
- 6 hours at the 300 level or above
What can you do with a B.A. in Computer Science?
- Senior Manager, Apple
- Software Developer, Bank of America
- Sr. Tech Support Engineer, Unum Insurance
- Software Engineer, Chevron
- Owner, Thigpen Consulting
- Sr. Programming Analyst, Whole Foods
- Engineering Systems Analyst, Fed Ex
- Research Scientist, Georgia Tech
- Software Engineer, Raytheon
- Director of IT, Baptist Memorial Health Care
- IT Helpdesk Analyst, Fisher Investments
- Senior Program Manager, Ericsson
- Network Engineering Manager, King & Spalding
- Senior Manager, Lockheed Martin
- Programmer, U.S. Air Force
- Technical Writer, Verizon
- Web Coordinator, Viking Range Corporation
Meet a Computer Science Alumna
I have enjoyed the variety of classes, and the BA degree path has shown me how computer science can intertwine with other subjects. I look forward to using my STEM major in fields such as public relations, marketing, or web development. I know that there are many opportunities out there being a woman in computer science, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
Annie Walsh (B.A in Computer Science '21)
Junior Software Engineer, Revv Fundraising Platform
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
Admissions Counselor
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?