OSU-Cascades Launches Degree in Computer Science

This fall, Oregon State University – Cascades will add a degree program with an option that marries the region’s technology needs and the growing demand for technical and problem-solving skills in the web and mobile environment.  The recently approved undergraduate degree in computer science will provide in-depth learning in computing and an option in web and mobile web software development.

While a computer science degree was seen as necessary for the growing campus, the focus of the option was developed with input from 19 Central Oregon area companies engaged in technology solutions including Advanced Energy, Altrec.com, BendBroadband, Facebook, G5, Manzama, MEDISISS, NAVIS, Ruffwear, Sony and TriQuint Semiconductor. These companies recognized the growing need for developers to provide insights to businesses and consumers in real time over web and mobile applications.

Dino Vendetti, managing director of Formative Ventures, who advocated in Central Oregon and Corvallis for the development of the degree said, “The global demand for software engineers continues to accelerate at a rapid pace as web and mobile applications for consumer and enterprise applications evolve and grow in complexity. OSU-Cascades’ computer science degree will help companies place talented graduates and grow the technology base throughout the region.”

Required coursework for the degree program includes algorithm development, machine learning and data analysis, database design, web and mobile application development, UX design and entrepreneurship.  Students will graduate with a bachelor of science from OSU.

Officials at OSU-Cascades are working with the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP), a consortium of more than 100 companies in Oregon and Washington, to enable computer science students to access MECOP’s competitive six-month paid internships.

The web and mobile web software development option will initially be offered only at OSU’s Bend campus.  Students can apply for admission to OSU-Cascades as freshmen or transfer students. Freshmen will take their first two years at Central Oregon Community College and complete their degree studies at OSU-Cascades. As the campus expands to four years, freshman and sophomore classes will be offered by OSU-Cascades.

Applications are now being accepted. To learn more visit   http://www.osucascades.edu/academics/computer-science or call 541-322-3100.