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Computer Science, BS - Software Development Option
Software Developer Education
Why Choose UCM for Your Computer Science - Software Development BS?
By earning your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Software Development focus at the University of Central Missouri, you gain the exact technical skills required to build modern software applications. Instruction takes place on campus in Warrensburg and Lee's Summit, though students can complete select coursework online. Throughout the program, expert faculty teach you how to write code, design secure system architectures and create software that solves real-world challenges. Whether your interest lies in mobile apps, cloud platforms or desktop programs, UCM combines hands-on coding with senior capstone projects and internships so you can step confidently into a high-demand career.
UCM's Computer Science - Software Development BS at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Warrensburg | Lee's Summit
- A Best Computer Science Undergraduate Program by U.S. News and World Report (2027)
- A Best College for Computer Science in America by Niche.com (2027)
- Classes in Warrensburg and Lee's Summit, with select classes available online
ContactDr. Belinda Copus |
What will you learn in UCM's Computer Science - Software Development BS program?
Our curriculum grounds you in fundamental computer science principles before moving into specialized software engineering techniques.
- Core Computer Science Foundations: Gain a thorough understanding of computer hardware, operating system design, data structures and algorithms.
- Software Requirements Engineering: Master the process of defining, documenting and managing functional requirements for complex tech projects.
- Software Design and Architecture: Learn how to design scalable application structures using modern frameworks and system models.
- Software Testing and Quality Assurance: Practice systematic debugging and quality control to ensure code runs reliably.
- Secure Software Engineering: Apply modern security principles to safeguard networks, databases and application code against potential threats.
- Senior Capstone Experience: During your final year, team up with industry leaders to design and launch an actual software project.
- Programming Languages: Build practical fluency across C, C#, HTML, Java, JavaScript, .NET and Python.
Unique learning opportunities in UCM's Computer Science - Software Development BS
- Undergraduate Research: More than 20 faculty members are available to guide you through independent study, 1-on-1 classes or collaborative research projects.
- Industry Internships: Turn classroom knowledge into professional experience while earning college credit and building valuable industry connections through corporate partner programs.
- Coding Competitions: Test your problem-solving skills under pressure during campus Game Jams, 48-hour Code-A-Thons and the International Collegiate Programming Competition (ICPC).
- Global Study Abroad: Expand your education internationally by taking software development classes in France, Germany or the Netherlands using UCM study abroad grants.
- Computing Organizations: Build your professional network by joining Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the computing honor society or participating in events hosted by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter.
- UCM Esports Connection: Connect with fellow technology students through UCM Esports, sponsored by UCM’s Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
Fast facts about UCM's Computer Science - Software Development BS
- Top Ranked: Our program has been named a Best Computer Science Undergraduate Program by U.S. News and World Report (2027), a Best College for Computer Science in America by Niche.com (2027) and a Best Computer Science Program in Missouri by Research.com (2027).
- Flexible Course Locations: Classes are available in Warrensburg and Lee's Summit, accompanied by select online offerings.
- Broad Tech Stack: Courses deliver hands-on practice in cloud platforms, mobile and web technologies, C, C#, HTML, Java, JavaScript, .NET and Python.
- Experienced Faculty: Study alongside a team of more than 20 faculty members and computing thought leaders.
- Industry-Backed Capstone: Every student completes a senior project in direct partnership with regional business leaders.
- Study Abroad Pathways: Departmental grants help cover tuition costs for study abroad opportunities in Germany, France and the Netherlands.
- Student Academic Support: Dedicated tutoring, teaching assistantships, active honor societies and tech clubs help guide your path to graduation.
Talk to an Admissions Representative
Financial Aid and Scholarships for UCM's Computer Science - Software Development BS Students
As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education. UCM pairs competitive tuition rates with university awards and targeted departmental scholarships.
Scholarship Opportunities for Computer Science Majors:
- ACM Scholarship
- Brown Scholarship
- Computer Science Achievement Award
- Griffith Scholarship
- Harmon Scholarship
- Kennedy Scholarship
- Moore Scholarship
Check your eligibility requirements through the UCM Scholarship Finder, then sit down with your financial aid advisor to construct your financial plan.
The next steps to your Computer Science - Software Development BS at UCM:
① Request information about the Computer Science, BS in Software Development at UCM.
② Schedule a visit or Connect virtually with a UCM admissions rep.
Career opportunities and outcomes for Computer Science - Software Development BS grads
Graduating with a BS in Computer Science - Software Development prepares you for technical roles across a wide variety of industries. The skills you develop will enable you to build custom software for desktop, mobile, web and network platforms.
Potential Career Roles:
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- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Web Developer
- Applications Developer
- Project Manager
- Computer Programmer
Apply to UCM's Computer Science - Software Development BS program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Take your degree further.
Hone your software development and leadership skills through grad programs such as:
Explore programs related to software development.
If you’re still deciding what you want to major in, check out these other undergraduate degree programs at UCM:
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll study core computer science principles — including data structures, algorithms, hardware and operating systems — while specializing in software design, testing, secure engineering and requirements analysis. Along the way, you will write code using C, C#, HTML, Java, JavaScript, .NET and Python.
Courses are taught on campus in Warrensburg and Lee's Summit, Missouri. You can also take select courses online to accommodate your personal schedule.
Yes. Every student completes a senior capstone project alongside industry partners. You can also participate in internships for academic credit, complete faculty-led research and compete in Code-A-Thons, Game Jams and the ICPC competition.
Yes. Computer Science students can apply for several program-specific awards through the UCM Scholarship Finder, including the ACM Scholarship, Brown Scholarship, Computer Science Achievement Award and Moore Scholarship.
Graduates qualify for technical roles as software developers, software engineers, web developers, application developers, computer programmers or technical project managers in a wide range of industries.
