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Computer Science

Franklin University Computer Science program banner Program OverviewProgram DetailsWhy Choose Franklin

Power business with robust and scalable software solutions

The allure of a top salary in a high-demand field is one thing a degree in computer science has going for it,—but it’s far from the only. Computer science unleashes a new dimension in problem solving for logical, creative thinkers.

The Computer Science Major at Franklin University is a software engineering degree program that prepares you to collaborate, investigate, assess, design, and create technology-based solutions as a software or systems developer.

Acquire high-demand technology skills that stay in demand

With this degree program, you’ll be solidly grounded in software engineering, developing skills that prepare you to readily adapt to an ever-changing environment throughout your career. Our program is language independent; meaning you’ll learn widely used languages like Java, and build industrial and reusable software components with Enterprise Java Bean (EJB) technology — but will also learn software development building blocks that won’t become obsolete. As a result, you’ll be well prepared to not only apply, but also shape and influence dynamic and emerging technologies.

Franklin’s Computer Science curriculum includes the development of significant, high-level technical skills, giving you the opportunity to achieve software development capabilities while you receive your foundational education in these key areas: Object-Oriented Design, Computer Architecture, Coding & Algorithms, Web Application Development, Computer Networking, and Database Management.

Engineer your own robust, interactive applications

Coursework at Franklin is very practical and hands-on, so you’ll team with other students on cutting-edge software development projects that simulate a real-world industrial environment. Franklin’s Computer Science curriculum is designed so each class provides a logical progression, giving you the opportunity to assume roles of increasing responsibility as you move toward completing your degree.

At Franklin, you’ll work on pivotal projects such as developing Android applications and creating database-driven web applications with interactive AJAX components. Along the way, you’ll gain exposure to popular client- and server-side languages such as HTML, XML, JQuery, JSP, and PHP.

Learn from the real-world experiences of high-level professionals

Taught by real-world computer professionals and practitioners, our adjunct faculty currently work in the field or have held high-level industry positions. And because Franklin’s Computer Science Program is strongly rooted in the ACM/IEEE-CS Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula, you’ll learn under the international curricular guidelines for undergraduate programs in computing.

In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to build a professional network through collaborative coursework and our student chapter of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Committee on Women in Computing (ACM-W).

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online or pursue available coursework at one of our eleven Midwest locations. Regionally accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. A seamless transfer process and personal academic advisors help ease your transition into becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family, and life. Get started on your future today.

Gain The Skills Employers Desire

  • Object-Oriented Design
    • Capture and interpret requirements to build and deliver highly functional, robust, and scalable applications
    • Apply formal, best practice methodologies and notations in the preparation of requirements, including user stories, use cases models, feature requirements, activity diagrams, domain models, Unified Modeling Language (UML), supplemental and data requirements, concept diagrams, and business rules
    • Prepare detailed specifications for the development and coding of programs and applications based on established requirements
    • Apply design patterns using best practice software design techniques such as abstraction, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation to create reusable, object-oriented software
    • Provide technical leadership and support in the design, development, and deployment of software, mobile applications, and frameworks
    • Design software for hardware architectures, including understanding current and planned hardware functionality, and system and document specifications
  • Computer Architecture
    • Architect whole-system software solutions, optimizing hardware and software performance based on a solid understanding of core, cache, memory models, bus architecture, and hardware blocks, as well as performance of CPU, GPU, bus, and memory bandwidth usage
    • Design, specify, and verify complex processor-based subsystems and test-plan the system
    • Provide system-level validation using high-level verification language
    • Identify, resolve, and document architectural performance issues
  • Coding & Algorithms
    • Define processing logic and translate business requirements into code
    • Write and test solid, reliable, efficient code for highly scalable systems
    • Develop full lifecycle software applications, coding in highly sought-after programming languages such as Java
    • Apply enterprise Java Bean technologies such as JNDI and EJB Containers
    • Write programs using structured programming techniques, standard languages, and third-party packages
    • Solve real-world problems using appropriate data structures, algorithms, and design patterns
  • Web Application Development
    • Develop sophisticated back-end web applications using JSP and Java Servlets
    • Create interoperable applications, leveraging web services such as RESTful and SOAP architectures
    • Apply asynchronous web development techniques, such as AJAX, to create scalable web applications
    • Design clean web applications using three-tiered architecture to separate presentation, logic, and data layers
  • Database Management
    • Participate in the schema design, maintenance, coding, and administration of relational databases
    • Maintain a variety of database systems including SQL Server, Oracle, and other database management systems (DBMS)
    • Write SQL database queries and stored procedures while applying JDBC for database connectivity
    • Create, implement, and maintain policies and procedures to ensure database security and integrity
    • Analyze business requests for data and data usage, researching best-in-class data feed sources
    • Resolve database performance and capacity problems, replication, and other distributed data issues
    • Manage data dictionaries, database structure and layout, and install, upgrade, and manage database applications
  • Quality Assurance
    • Ensure that software meets design specifications and performance standards
    • Create detailed test cases, test plans, and test scripts to debug applications
    • Identify logic and syntax errors using compiler messages, breakpoints, watches, and stepping in a debugger
    • Perform functional, unit, and integration tests
  • Computer Networking
    • Plan, configure, and install local and wide area networks
    • Analyze, test, modify, and manage LAN/WAN infrastructure, including hubs, routers, switches, transceivers, extension devices, databases, and internet
    • Monitor network performance, throughput, availability, and exceptional incidents, implementing needed improvements to ensure quality service
    • Review the efficiency, reliability, and security of computer network components, including servers, desktops, laptops, routers, switches, and scanners
    • Troubleshoot and resolve network problems, ensuring quality network performance
    • Design highly available application servers that provide fault tolerance and load balancing to meet business requirements and user needs
    • Provide daily network administration, including user directory services, email account maintenance, assignation of security permissions, and backups
    • Anticipate future network needs, develop capacity plans and provide proactive solutions recommendations
    • Administer network policies, procedures, and standards

Career Opportunities

  • Computer Programmer

    Computer Programmers create and code software programs and websites, providing computer users with functional or entertaining ways to use, archive, and search documents, data, and information.

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  • Database Administrator

    Database Administrators create solutions for computer-based data storage, retrieval, management, tracking, and manipulation.

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  • Enterprise Systems Developer

    Enterprise Systems Developers create technologically based ways of creating, improving, and maintaining computer systems and applications.

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  • Networking Engineer

    Enterprise Systems DeveloNetwork Engineers install, configure, support, and oversee computer-based communication and network systems.pers create technologically based ways of creating, improving, and maintaining computer systems and applications.

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  • Software Architect

    Software Architects collaborate in the creation and evolution of computer programs by providing software developers with platform, coding, and technical requirements.

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  • Software Engineer

    Software Engineers determine user needs and functionality requirements in order to design, develop, test, and deploy software systems.

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  • Systems Analyst

    Systems Analysts investigate business problems and propose technology-based solutions, software and systems, ensuring that business standards and requirements are met.

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  • Web Application Developer

    Web Application Developers use programming and scripting languages to translate business initiatives into online campaigns in the creation of applications and dynamic internet content.

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Employment Outlook

From 2010-2020 jobs in Computer Science are expected to increase by 21%.

In 2010 there were 157,717 job openings related to Computer Science. That same year, 15,399 students completed programs in Computer Science.

In 2010 there were 157,717 job openings related to Computer Science. That same year, 15,399 students completed programs in Computer Science.
Occupations Job Openings (2010) Expected Growth
(2010-2020)
Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects 19,185 24.1%
Computer and Information System Managers 14,569 18.3%
Computer and information Research Scientists 1,539 18.3%
Computer Programmers 21,552 12.7%
Software Developers, Applications 31,689 26.5%

Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Our Recipe For Your Success

Academic & Industry Experts

Classes are taught and designed by credentialed professionals with real-world experience.
 

  • Programs are designed by combining the insight of industry leaders with the academic expertise of our faculty, ensuring what you learn translates into on-the-job success.

  • Academic concepts and theories are brought to life through our teaching faculty’s professional expertise, and can be immediately applied in your career.

  • Faculty with industry experience teach our courses, not graduate students or life-time academics, so you learn not only the theories behind the practice but also how to apply them in real-world situations.

Relevant & Consistent Curriculum

What you learn is a reflection of the program you choose, not the format in which it’s applied.
 

  • All programs are designed for learning outcomes to flow from the program level into actual coursework.

  • This top-down approach allows credentialed professionals to customize assignments based on trending industry topics without deviating from a program’s core outcomes.

  • Regardless of your professor or the format of your class, you receive the same quality education.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Franklin's coursework teaches not only theories and concepts, but also how they apply to practical situations.

 

  • Professional course designers ensure that class activities such as learning simulations, case studies, interactive videos, and group exercises are relevant and appropriate.

  • A curriculum development team is dedicated to making sure all courses are intuitively designed so content is taught in a logical manner that facilitates your success in the classroom and beyond.

Continuously Evolving Programs

Consistent program reviews ensure our programs stay at the forefront of industry trends.
 

  • Survey results and feedback from student and faculty assessments are reviewed regularly so that our programs are always improving and up-to-date.

  • A structured review process helps identify industry gaps that guide curriculum enhancements allowing our academic and industry experts to regularly implement new industry trends.

  • Regular assessment provides hard data that is used to improve student learning and teaching methods.

Get the details

Read course descriptions, learn about degree options, and meet program faculty.

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