The Computer Science program at Marshall University is an ABET-accredited degree program featuring an up-to-date curriculum emphasizing both theory and practice in computer science and related areas.
At Marshall, Computer Science majors develop knowledge in computing and IT fields and build both excellent technical and analytical skills, preparing them to be well-qualified for high-paying jobs and careers. Graduates of Marshall’s Computer Science program are ready to contribute to West Virginia’s economic development. Students in the Computer Science, B.S. program can also enroll in the Accelerated Master’s Degree in Computer Science. Read more about the degree program.
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The Computer Science division at Marshall University is housed in the 155,000 sq. ft. Weisberg Applied Engineering Complex, which contains multiple state-of-the-art computer labs for research and learning activities. The complex also has dedicated collaborative workstations right outside faculty offices to facilitate student and faculty interaction. Computer Science majors have access to a computer graphics lab, a cybersecurity lab, and a project studio to produce high-quality software products for various real-world projects with industry and government partners.
Computer Science majors regularly work with faculty on their research projects. They also work alone or in groups to create unique projects to assist in a variety of fields, such as medical, sports, mapping and security. Many have the opportunity to present their research in notable settings, such as West Virginia Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, the Eastern Kentucky University Mathematics and Computer Science Annual Symposium, the Computer Science Symposium on Emerging Technologies, the Super Computing Conference Series, the Association for Computing Machinery Conference and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Conference.
Computer Science majors at Marshall University prepare for top careers by participating in various internship and research activities both in West Virginia and nationally. Examples include: CBS Interactive, Fox Sports, JP Morgan Chase Leadership Development Program, the West Virginia Governor’s Office, the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates and the NASA Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Department of Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering at Marshall University offers an accelerated path for students in the Computer Science, B.S. degree program to its three Master’s degree programs:
Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Master’s Degree (AMD) program can begin taking graduate coursework while still in the B.S. program. These graduate credits can be taken in their senior year up to a maximum of 12 hours in place of electives. AMD will facilitate an easy and fast transition into the graduates program.
We encourage qualified undergraduates to consider doing an accelerated Master’s degree and please meet your advisor to see if you qualify for the program.
Advantages of an Accelerated Degree
- Complete the Bachelor’s degree with up to 12 fewer credit hours, (must meet all other degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree);
- Begin work on the master’s degree during the senior year;
- Complete up to 12 graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates;
- Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time.
Eligibility Requirements for the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
- Must have completed at least 90 hours toward the Bachelor’s degree;
- Must have at least a 3.30 overall undergraduate GPA;
- Must have at least a 3.50 GPA in the major;
- Must submit two reference letters, a personal statement, a graduate application and fee but are exempt from submitting GRE scores and a final transcript.
How to Apply
- During the junior or senior year, eligible students should meet with their Undergraduate Advisor and the Chair/Director of the chosen Master’s degree program to develop an AMD Plan of Study. This form is available from this Link. The completed, signed, and approved Plan of Study must be submitted to the Graduate College. Any changes to the AMD Plan of Study must be approved by the Undergraduate Advisor and Chair/Director of Graduate Studies and submitted in writing to the Dean of the Graduate College.
- The student’s acceptance into the AMD program is subject to the approval of the Plan of Study by the Dean of the Graduate College.
- Students accepted into the AMD program should apply for admission to the chosen Master’s degree program for the first semester after the Bachelor’s degree is awarded. Applications should be submitted during the last semester of the senior year.
- Threat Intelligence Engineer
- Premiere Field Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Senior Software Developer
- Cyber Security Specialist
Admission and Transfer Criteria for B.S in Computer Science
Minimum requirements for admission into the Computer Science major for first-time students are:
- An ACT composite score of 21 (composite SAT of 1090) and
- An ACT mathematics score of 24 (Math SAT 560, Math Section score 580).
Minimum requirements for admission into the Computer Science major for transfer students, whether from within Marshall University or from another institution, are:
- 15 earned semester credit hours of college-level coursework,
- An overall Grade Point Average of at least 2.0 in all college-level coursework,
- Completion of ENG 101 (or equivalent) with a grade of C, and
- Completion of MTH 132, or MTH 127/130 and MTH 132 (or equivalent) with a grade of C.
Since enrollment may be limited, prospective students are encouraged to apply for admission as soon as possible and are urged to contact an advisor.
For those desiring to major in computer sciences who do not meet the admission or transfer criteria listed above:
- Students may be admitted to “Pre-Computer Science” with a minimum ACT composite of 19 – 20 (SAT 1090) and an ACT mathematics score of 19-23 (SAT 460-550, Math Section score 500 – 570) Transfer students must be eligible for MTH 127/130 and MTH 132.
Pre-Computer Science students must complete the criteria for transfer students to Computer Science.
Admission and Transfer Criteria for Pre-Computer Science
Students interested in pursuing a degree in computer science who have a minimum composite ACT score of 19 – 20 and Math ACT scores of 19 (SAT composite 1050; Math 460-550, Math Section Score 500 – 570), will be admitted into Pre-Computer Science until all of the following minimum requirements are met:
- 15 earned semester credit hours of college level coursework;
- Overall college Grade Point Average of 2.0;
- Completion of ENG 101 (or equivalent) with a grade of C;
- Completion of MTH 127/130 College Algebra (or equivalent) grade of C;
- MTH 132 Pre-Calculus (or equivalent) grade of C;
To transfer into the computer science program offered at Marshall, students must meet the Math ACT requirement or complete the requirements listed above for Pre-Computer Science majors. This pertains to transfer students within Marshall or from another institution.
Once all requirements listed above have been met, students will be transferred to the computer science major.
Each Student should meet with his/her faculty advisor early in the program to develop an individual plan of study since requirements will vary based on math courses completed. The following is a suggested schedule for pre-computer science majors.