Male professional sitting at his office desk and working on a new software program.
  • Program Type
    Major, Minor
  • Degrees Offered
    B.A., B.S.
  • School
    Hamm School of Engineering

Master the rudiments of software design and implementation. Develop in-demand analytical skills through hands-on problem-solving and experimentation.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll explore key theoretical foundations of computer science while cultivating technical mastery in the lab and building professional confidence on the job. Throughout your four years on campus, you’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty support and enjoy access to state-of-the-art technologies as well as paid internships with industry leaders.

Gain Practical Experience

At the Hamm School of Engineering, we place a strong emphasis on learning by doing. Under the guidance of expert faculty mentors, you'll master both high- and low-level computer languages, program AIs to analyze and learn from data, construct innovative software solutions by applying principles of computer engineering design, and much more.

Foster Interprofessional Awareness

To position our students to excel in today’s interdisciplinary professional settings, we provide copious opportunities for cross-major teamwork. You'll collaborate with your peers in civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and construction engineering to address multifaceted challenges in diverse areas of human activity.

Build a Broad Network

You’ll start forging valuable industry connections as early as the summer after your freshman year. The Hamm School of Engineering maintains relationships with over 50 regional organizations, many of which offer paid internships for students at every class level.

Realize Your Leadership Potential

Our program stands on a foundation of transformative Benedictine values, among them service, community, and respect for persons. In addition to equipping you with essential technical knowledge and skills, we’ll form you into a capable servant leader with a holistic view of success.

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide employment of software developers and other computer science specialists has the potential to increase by at least 25 percent — over eight times the national average for all occupations — through 2032. In May 2023, the median annual salary for computer scientists reached a new high of $130,160.

Career Paths

  • Programmer Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • System Analyst

Featured Faculty

Thomas Volkman

Chair of Computer Science, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering

I grew up and graduated from high school in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. After college, I moved and lived in San Diego, California for 31 years where I met and married my bride in 1992. We have been blessed with five children. We moved to Bismarck in 2018 and I feel very privileged to live here and be part of the University of Mary community. I try to make myself completely available to my students: by phone, by email, and via discord. I love this college because of its mission to instill authentic Catholic values in their students.

Surendra Batukdeo, MSEE

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

I teach computer science classes at Hamm School of Engineering, and the open office concept is the most ideal for interacting with both students and colleagues. The unique culture of a private university with a balance in technical and non-technical education helps build a more holistic individual and contributor to society.

Jerika Hayes, MS

Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, Assistant Professor of Computer Science

I am an assistant professor of engineering, working in electrical engineering and computer science. I believe that collaboration with a whiteboard and a goal in mind brings out ideas that are derived from others' personal backgrounds. The more diverse the team, the more creative a solution there will be. Inspiration is an important motivator, and I see it as my responsibility as an instructor to inspire my students creating the first step to their success. There is a peace on the University of Mary campus that allows me to be still and think, while also enjoying the amazing view of the river that I grew up on.

Take Your Next Step in Computer Science