Fully-remote program provides flexibility, while matching professional demand
GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest will soon offer a fully-remote Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree beginning January 2024. The degree program will be a collaboration between IU Northwest and four other IU campuses: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, IU Kokomo, IU Southeast and IU South Bend.
The new joint program intends to reach undergraduates, graduates and working professionals by providing students with the flexibility of fully online and asynchronous courses that they can take at their own pace.
According to Dr. Olatunde Abiona, a professor of computer information systems at IU Northwest, the online format answers the charge of the Indiana University Bicentennial Strategic Plan.
“This collaborative degree program provides an excellent education that promotes retention and completion through innovative online instruction that accommodates the work schedules and family demands of Hoosiers,” he said.
A degree that matches demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2032.
About 378,000 openings are projected each year, on average, in computer and information technology occupations due to employment growth and demand. The median annual salary is projected at $100,000, or twice the annual wage for all occupations.
“Graduates with a degree in Computer Science have some of the most sought-after skills of any college graduate. Currently, the number of graduates cannot keep up with the demand for qualified applicants,” Abiona said.
Potential occupations for those who earn their bachelor's in computer science include computer programmers, computer network architects, information security analysts, network and computer systems administrators and software developers.
Diversifying the degree
IU Northwest currently offers a similar degree, Bachelor of Sciences in Computer Information Systems, but this new degree program looks to differentiate itself by focusing on the science behind the software and technologies the students are using.
"Some programs will teach you how to use (Microsoft) Excel to do data analysis, but they do not teach you the concept behind the development of such programs. This program gives the student the foundation to know the science behind Excel” he said.
In addition to the online program, IU Northwest will spend the next year developing classes to offer the computer science program in person.
IU Northwest currently offers a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and recently began offering a minor in cybersecurity during the fall 2023 semester. In the future, IU Northwest looks to offer a Master of Science in Computer Science.
For more information about the computer science degree, including degree requirements, contact Olatunde Abiona at oabiona@iun.edu.
