Department of Computer Science
Computer Science Degrees Power the World
From animation to medical innovation, computer science improves and accelerates all the technologies we rely on today. As a computer science major, you can be part of the technological change that propels us forward, whether that means keeping healthcare information secure, empowering underserved communities or warning of environmental catastrophes.
Ƶ’s Computer Science Department offers highly flexible undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science that help you work toward numerous careers for a computer science major. Our programs equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and the high-level skills in emerging technologies you need to build an exciting and thriving career. In addition to your coursework, you’ll test out your knowledge in the lab to help you prepare for your career. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in research with faculty, and compete in national and international competitions where you will collaborate with students majoring in other disciplines.
Jobs for a computer science major
If you find yourself analyzing the latest tech releases or wondering how a new piece of software works, a computer science degree may be just what you’re looking for.
There are many jobs for computer science majors, including computer game developer, UX designer, IT security analyst and AI developer. Payscale.com reports $75,100 as the average early-career salary for jobs for a Computer Science major, while mid-career salaries average $123,400. Explore programs offered by the computer science department to learn more about your path to employment in computer science, data science and related fields.
Choose From Several Computer Science Degrees, Concentrations and Courses
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% job growth for computer and research specialists, which is much faster than average of all other career paths. The Computer Science department at Kettering ensures you’ll have the skills necessary to stay current and remain marketable throughout your career in data science.
Beyond our programs, Kettering’s Computer Science department offers individual specialized courses such as Advanced Game Design, Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. These courses help ready you to pursue high-paying jobs at organizations worldwide.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Program
- Our BS degree is structured to provide you with a well-rounded education. In addition to Computer Science department courses and lab work, you’ll study everything you’ll need to embark on related careers such as data science. From AI to biotech to business, your computer science degree builds a solid foundation for graduate work or securing industry jobs.
- Bachelor’s/Master’s in Computer Science Degree
- If you’re highly motivated, goal-oriented and interested in growing your expertise in computer science, Kettering’s bachelor/master’s degrees pathway is designed for you. Learn in-demand skills, knowledge and experience that prepares you for a career in data science or other growing fields. If you’re interested in working for the tech departments of companies like Amazon, Bosch or Ford Motor Company, a combined bachelor/master’s degree built around your computer science degree might be the perfect fit.
- Computer Science (Minors and Concentrations)
- Are you intrigued by the intersection of humans and technology of virtual reality (VR)? Or maybe you find artificial intelligence used in healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and the military fascinating? A computer science student may select a concentration that allows you to customize your CS degree to your particular career interests. Non-CS majors may select the same topics as a minor to help you customize your degree with additional Computer Science expertise, recognizing the important role CS plays in so many engineering and business fields. Adding a CS minor to any bachelor’s degree enhances your marketability for any career in the tech industry.
- Computer Gaming (Concentration, Minor)
- Study the technology, science and art involved in the creation and design of computer games and take your gaming skills—and your career in computer science—to the next level. Coursework for the Computer Science department’s gaming degrees include algorithms, computer graphics, game design and game development.
- Cybersecurity (Concentration, Minor)
- From health care to international trade, the ability to secure computer networks is essential to every aspect of our society. Our cybersecurity options help you develop invaluable skills that are always in high demand. In addition to access to four innovative labs, you’ll learn from faculty members who are active in researching image and video processing, wireless sensor networks, social networks and autonomous vehicles.
- Artificial Intelligence (Concentration, Minor)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) has captured the imagination of researchers for years, but AI has now become a pervasive technology that is infused in many aspects of everyday life. From healthcare to stock trading, artificial intelligence is impacting every aspect of our society. Our Artificial Intelligence option helps you develop invaluable skills in the fastest growing industrial sector with average expected growths of over 70%. In addition to an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll learn from faculty members who are active in researching image and video processing, machine learning, data mining, and autonomous vehicles.
- Master’s in Applied Data Science and Analytics (On-campus or Online)
- We created our Data Science Master’s Degree in response to organizations infusing the competencies of data science and analytics into various sub-disciplines within companies. Careers in data science today require mining information specific to a department or objective so stakeholders can make better decisions.
- Our in-person or online data analytics degree covers both statistical and computing technologies including data mining, machine learning and cloud computing. Paired with electives in the areas of Management and Engineering such as Supply Chain Management and Enterprise Resource Planning, your data analytics degree prepares you for diverse careers in data science.
About the Department of Computer Science at Kettering
From a data analytics degree to a robotics specialization, our Computer Science department’s programs are research-based and provide you with the valuable skills you need—whether you’re looking to design a stunning video game or secure a career in data science.
Here's just part of what the computer science department at Kettering offers.
Co-op opportunities for Computer Science majors
Cooperative study is built into your computer science degree. Throughout your time at Kettering, you’ll rotate between classroom study and real-life work. When you graduate as a Computer Science major, you’ll understand the theory and possess the know-how employers seek.
National competitions
As a computer science major, you’ll have the opportunity to enter industry competitions such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) First Artificial Intelligence for Mobility Challenge. The Kettering team placed fourth overall, first in the Solutions Showcase and third in the Stakeholder Presentation category.
Hackathon competitions
Ƶ students regularly assemble teams to participate in hackathons around the country. Our students outperform schools ten times our size, and the students always enjoy the exciting technology developed in the competition.
Ƶ’s AutoDrive Competition Team
Kettering is one of eight schools in North America that participates in the first AutoDrive Challenge sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers and General Motors. This annual event helps computer science majors and engineering students understand technological innovation related to the development of autonomous vehicles.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon Computer Science Honor Society
Our active chapter of the Upsilon Pi Epsilon Computer Science Honor Society promotes computer science and celebrates the accomplishments of computer science majors. Each term, our best students are invited to become members in this esteemed organization.
College Gazette
Ƶ is one of only five universities to receive the distinction in Michigan.
U.S. News & World Report
Get In The Lab
At Kettering, we understand how important real-world experiences are while earning your computer science degree. As a Computer Science major, you’ll gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs.
The Computer Networks Lab allows you to explore network design and build a miniature version of the internet.
The Computer and Network Security Lab gives Computer Science majors the opportunity to experiment with computer viruses and virus protection, as well as probe and attack the security of a modern operating system.
The Computer System Lab teaches you how to write system software modules for the Linux operating system. Linux remains the industry standard, so employers expect Computer Science degree holders to be well-versed in this family of operating systems.
Microcomputers Ι and ΙΙ Labs allow you, as a Computer Science major, to study programming for embedded computer systems at the assembly code level.
Financial Aid for Your Computer Science Degree at Kettering
If you’re interested in pursuing an education in computer science, Kettering strives to help you meet your goals. Earning your computer science degree at Kettering is affordable—99% of our students receive grants, loans and/or work-study opportunities.
Computer Science Department Faculty
As a computer science major, you’ll learn from a faculty of elite innovators, the majority of whom hold computer science degrees at the PhD level and regularly conduct research in real-world settings. Our computer science faculty actively conduct research in areas such as artificial intelligence, image and video processing, wireless sensor networks, virtual and augmented computer graphics and cybersecurity. Each faculty member understands what it takes Computer Science majors to secure top jobs.
Are You Ready To Explore A Computer Science Degree?
In Computer Science, education matters. You can earn an average of $20,000 more with bachelor’s degree verses an associate’s. Start your data science path today.
Meet the Faculty
Mike Farmer
Department Head of Computer Science Contact mfarmer@kettering.edu
Jamal Alhiyafi
Assistant Professor Contact jalhiyafi@kettering.edu
Changxin Bai
Assistant Professor Contact cbai1@kettering.edu
Lisa Gandy
Associate Professor Contact lgandy@kettering.edu
Joel Hachem
Assistant Professor of the Practice Contact jhachem@kettering.edu
Jim Huggins
Associate Professor Contact jhuggins@kettering.edu
Saroja Kanchi
Professor Contact skanchi@kettering.edu
Travis Perdue
Lecturer Contact tperdue@kettering.edu
Giuseppe Turini
Associate Professor Contact gturini@kettering.edu
Rui Zhu
Assistant Professor Contact rzhu@kettering.edu
