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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Computer Science

OBU’s computer science degree program will provide you with a solid foundation in mathematics, computer programming, computer hardware and organization, artificial intelligence, data science and analytics, databases and multi-platform application development. Our most recent report shows 95% of OBU School of Business graduates are employed or are in graduate school. Nearly every business in the world uses computers to operate, and they all need computer scientists like our graduates.

Simon Dunk

Computer Science Major

“OBU is providing me with both technical and interpersonal experience in computer science. Through this and the caring mentorship of my professors, I believe OBU is enabling me to have confidence in my abilities and preparedness for future employment.”

Benefits of an OBU Computer Science Degree

In the OBU computer science programs, you will learn the practical and theoretical skills necessary for a successful and rewarding career in all areas of computer science and information technology. OBU faculty have decades of industry experience and therefore have a good understanding of what employers are looking for in their new hires.

Our degrees will give you a unique well-rounded education that includes an intimate community experience, a Christian liberal arts education, practical, project-based course work, and an artificial intelligence and data analytics emphasis (two of the “hottest” fields in technology today).

Why OBU for Computer Science?

As a Christian liberal arts university, OBU is dedicated to the pursuit of raising up the next generation of technology professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to begin their career, and with the virtues and ethics necessary to bring about positive change in the world, both today and into the future.

OBU’s computer science program offers you a solid foundation in advanced mathematics, computer programming, software engineering, computer hardware, artificial intelligence, data science and analytics, databases and full-stack application development. 

OBU’s computer information systems program offers you a solid foundation in multiple business disciplines (accounting, finance, marketing, management), computer programming, artificial intelligence, data science and analytics, databases and full-stack application development. 

Both programs are unique within the overall OBU community experience: a grounding in Christian liberal arts; a broad computer science education; and practical, and project-based course work.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

A Broad Computer Science Education

OBU computer science students will learn multiple programming languages (at depth), including Python, Java, Javascript, and HTML. OBU computer science students will learn to work with and analyze data and be introduced to the basic concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Practical, Project-Based Course Work

Our goal is to teach you how to program and analyze real-world problems as opposed to being able to answer multiple-choice questions about some programming concept or technique. Although a small percentage of your grade will come from short quizzes over assigned reading for the day, most of the grade is based on programming assignments in the form of short assignments from the text and open-ended computer science problems.

Project work is not just a “large homework problem,” but includes the practical skills for solving a problem in the real world. This includes instruction on software development methodologies, software development tools such as Git, working with cloud technologies, and programming languages or data formats that are not explicitly covered in the textbooks or classrooms.

Internships

Paid internships in the computer science field are a valuable augmentation to what you learn in the classroom. Internships provide you with valuable real-world experience. They can help you explore what types of computer science work you are interested in. While not guaranteed, it is not unusual for internships to turn into full-time employment. OBU faculty work closely with contacts in their professional network to obtain internships for students who are interested and qualified. We have placed students in internships as early as the summer following their freshman year.

Professional Networking Opportunities

Lydia’s Lamp

Lydia’s Lamp offers a unique opportunity for female students in the School of Business to enhance their future careers through connection, mentorship and knowledge. Founded in 2017, the program connects students with female business mentors who will help guide them through their time at OBU, The program can help build lasting relationships that go beyond their time at OBU and further prepare students for the workforce.

Elijah’s Mantle

This year-long mentoring program will  pair you with a businessperson so you can make a meaningful connection in the business world. Elijah's Mantle is an opportunity for male students to connect with industry professionals and receive mentorship and guidance that will enhance their future careers. The program often includes business professionals from various areas of specialty who, in many cases, are OBU alumni.

Board of Executives

The Paul Dickinson School of Business has a Board of Executives that assures our curriculum remains relevant to industry and provides networking opportunities for you.

Leadership and Service

A vital leadership opportunity for business majors and minors is Collegiate DECA. This student club prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA allows students to enhance their business skills and grow as a leader while networking with college university students  and business professionals from around the world. OBU students compete in regional and national competitions through DECA intersecting all functional areas of business.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

Our computer science graduates have landed outstanding careers as software engineers, associate tech assistants, software developers, software engineers and missionaries. Many have gone to work for Northrup Grumman, Astro-Panda Studios, Paycom, J.B. Hunt, Inc, and Pais Movement.

Program Options

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. David Houghton

Dr. David Houghton

Chair, School of Business
Lloyd G. and Betty E. Minter Chair of Business
Professor of Business
Director, MBA Program

Dr. Timothy Darr

Dr. Timothy Darr

Lawrence Peitz Chair of Business
Assistant Professor of Computer Information Science

Paul Dickinson School of Business