Computer Science
Develop the knowledge for a career in software development and the business skills required by today’s employers.


Why a degree in Computer Science (BS)?
Computer science opens doors to a variety of careers in software development—a skill increasingly relied upon by organizations across all segments of society. In today’s highly competitive and technology-driven economy, job opportunities abound in corporate, entrepreneurial, nonprofit, and ministry settings. Computer science is one of the top two highest-paying fields for recent college graduates (according to payscale.com), as well as one of the fastest-growing. Majoring in computer science prepares students through coursework in mathematics, database design concepts, the internet of things, cybersecurity, and more.
Computer Science (BS) at Cairn
Biblical Integration
Through both biblical integration and a business emphasis, courses highlight the relationships between hardware, software, and people.
Career Preparation
Students will graduate with a portfolio of professional-level projects they can showcase to future employers. A capstone or internship project will carry skills from the classroom to the workplace.
Hands-On Education
Distinguished by a unique blend of theory and business application, Cairn’s computer science program is continually updated to reflect present industry conditions. Students practice the same hands-on tasks regularly faced by professionals in the workplace.
Experienced Faculty
Small class sizes enable personalized mentorship and meaningful relationships with professors, who have decades of industry experience.
Academic Opportunity
Upper-level courses focus on the daily operations of a simulated company, providing a coherent theme closely resembling the software needs of a typical business environment.
Honors Program
Join the Honors Program and dive deeper into a personal academic interest.
more Details
Get an inside look at our Computer Science Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
- Required Credits: 123
- Curriculum Highlights:
- CIS 321 Operating Systems
- CIS 332 Software Engineering
- CIS 331 Computer Org/Architecture
- CIS 333 Programming Languages
- CIS 421 Information Security
- CIS 431 Web Applications
- Curriculum Highlights:
- Software engineer
- Web developer
- Java developer
- Backend developer
- App programmer
- Database administrator
- Business systems analyst
- Programmer analyst


Connect With Us
An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our Faculty


Brandon Petcaugh
Chair, Computer Science Programs; Assistant Professor, School of Business
Professor Petcaugh has been a teacher since graduating from Cairn in 2010. He taught for 12 years at the high school level, transitioning from mathematics to computer science during that time. He is also a Master Teacher for the nation-wide computer science curriculum “Project Lead the Way” and is an active AP reader for both AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles.


Deb Rice
Assistant Professor, School of Business
Deb has an extensive professional background in human resource management, strategic planning, operations management, consulting, and leadership coaching. She has served in a variety of profit and non-profit organizations for over 25 years, including manufacturing, media, faith-based, academia, retail, and agriculture.


Christopher Eelman
What Our Students Have To Say
"The variety and challenge of my classes has already given me a strong foundation in computer science, along with providing me with the skills to learn emerging technologies."