Design + Computer Science B.S.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Design degree prepares students for careers in User Experience and User Interface Design (UX/UI) without the need for additional graduate or professional education.
The Computer Science and Design major involves designing, researching and programming technological interfaces and products in a way that is easy and intuitive for people to adapt to and use.
Computer science courses cover the analysis, design and implementation of information and computing systems.
Design courses integrate software skills with creative decision-making as well as integrating human perspective into the design process.
Skills developed within this major include: writing computer code and scripts; application development; data organization; computer theory and science; typography; design principles; motion graphics animation; web coding; user experience design and user interface design (including the design of mobile and web apps); data visualization; design research methods; analytical skills; communication skills; time management skills; and problem-solving skills.
Job Outlook
An integrated Computer Science and Design degree prepares students for careers in: user experience design (UX)/design research, sser interface design (UI), interaction design (IxD), programming, web/mobile app development, motion/animation, 3D modeling, data analyst, computer system analyst or related fields that include extended reality technologies (virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality).
A multi-disciplinary field, UX/UI teams can include designers, developers, psychologists, and researchers. As UX/UI is an emergent field, computer science and design undergraduate programs rarely include comprehensive user experience content that would enable graduates to find employment in UX/UI jobs directly out of school. Presently, most computer science or design undergraduates would need to pursue additional certification or master's-level education.
Annual Wage Information for UX/UI Careers
- Annual Mean Wage (web developers): $87,690
- Annual Mean Wage (web and digital interface designers): $81,890
- Median pay for Web and Digital Interface Designers: $83,240
According to the 2024 salary guide provided by the staffing agency Robert Half, wages in Cleveland/northeastern Ohio can be broken down into the following categories and corresponding pay:
- UX Designer: $84,480 (25th percentile)-$129,840 (75th percentile)
- UX Researcher: $85,200 (25th percentile)–$120,960 (75th percentile)
- Product Designer: $70,800–$102,000
- User Interface Designer: $73,680–$113,040
- Interaction Designer: $70,800–$96,240
- Web Developer: $87,360-$130,080
- Front-End Developer: $82,080–$118,560
- Mobile Applications Developer: $117,360-$164,880
Curriculum
Computer Science Courses
- CIS 151: Invitation to Computing
- CIS 260: Introduction to Programming
- CIS 265: Data Structures & Algorithms
- CIS 340: Systems Programming
- CIS 345: Operating Systems
- CIS 390: Introduction to Algorithms
- CIS 424: Comparative Programming Languages
- CIS 430: Data Base Concepts
- CIS 434: Software Engineering
- CIS 454: Computer Networks
- CIS 492: Special Topics in Comp Science
- ESC 100: New Student Orientation (or ASC 101)
- MTH 181: Calculus I
- MTH 148: Math for Business Majors I
- MTH 182: Calculus II
- MTH 149: Math for Business Majors II
- MTH 220: Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
- PHL 215: Engineering Ethics
- PHL 216: Data Ethics
- EEC 414: Technical Communication
- ESC 282: Engineering Economy
Design Courses
- ART 242: Intro to Typography
- ART 244: Intro to Visual Technology
- ART 327: Intermediate Visual Technology: 3D Modeling
- ART 342: Advanced Typography
- ART 343: Data Visualization & Info Design
- ART 346: Human-Centered Graphic Design (design research)
- ART 347: Intermediate Visual Technology: Web
- ART 348: Intermediate Visual Technology: Motion
- ART 390: Internship
- ART 436: Digital Art
- ART 447: User Experience/User Interface Design (UX/UI)
- ART 448: Motion Graphics and Animation
- ART 450: Design Capstone
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