A High-Demand Discipline

In a well-known speech on education, former U.S. President Barack Obama once stated, "Learning the new computer science skills is not just important for your future, but is important for our country's future. Don't just buy a new video game — make one. Don't just download a new app — design one. Don't just play on your phone — program it."

Professor works with a student at a computer in the classroomIn the Computer Science Department at Webster Geneva Campus, our objective is not just to provide students with a solid background in the different areas of the discipline, but to also encourage and help develop students' creativity and originality. Classes combine theory and practice with practical work constituting up to 50% of the class time. Individual and teamwork projects are another essential feature of our pedagogy, and classes are small to enable you to receive individual help from professors. Many of our faculty are also IT professionals or active researchers and will provide you with insight on the latest technologies.

Joining the Computer Science Department you will have the option to enrich your degree with an emphasis in cybersecurity. This domain, sitting at the edge of multiple disciplines, is in high demand on the American and European markets.

 

 

 

 

 

Student Testimonial – Talia Odjou

Pursuing a BA in Business Administration with a Minor in Computer Science, Talia Odjou discusses how she came to choose Webster Geneva Campus for her education. 

Transcript

[Music]

Text on screen: Webster Geneva Campus logo, Student Life, Opinions Academic Environment, Student Testimonials appear on screen in a moving graphic.

Text on screen: Talia Odjou, Business Administration student

[Odjou sits in a classroom at the Webster Geneva Campus near lighted windows showing a view of trees in the background.]

Odjou: So, my name is Talia. I'm 21 years old, and I come from the Ivory Coast. I'm doing a bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Minor in Computer Science at Webster Geneva Campus, and I’m going to graduate in May 2025.

Text on screen: Do you feel Webster has been a good fit for you?

Odjou: When choosing a university, I looked at locations where I had been before, and I used to come here during the summer. So when I looked at Webster Geneva Campus, I just thought it was very interesting to have an American degree and be in such a good environment to be in. Having an education here is such a great opportunity, which is why I chose this campus.

Why do I think it's a good fit? Well, when I came here, I saw that the campus was very small, so it was very easy for me to make friends. I got to work and meet a lot of people very easily, so I think it was a very good experience.

Text on screen: How have you found the campus experience?

Odjou: My experience so far has been great. I’ve been able to join a few clubs, including SGA, which is the Student Government Association. It's a great opportunity to get involved in campus life, attend events, and gain some volunteer experience. I've also been part of LEADS, which is a leadership program that gives you some leadership experience and the chance to travel with others. I think that’s great.

Text on screen: Did you receive any scholarship awards?

Odjou: When I joined Webster Geneva Campus, I received a merit-based scholarship thanks to my grades from high school, and I think that really helped me to stay focused on getting good grades. It was a great opportunity, and it also helped contribute to my tuition.

Text on screen: Have you had any work experience during your studies?

Odjou: Since September 2022, I’ve been working as a library assistant. It’s been a great experience because it was my first actual job. I’ve learned a few skills such as responsibility, completing tasks, being on time and following orders. These are things that will help me in my future career.

Text on screen: Would you recommend attending Webster Geneva Campus?

Odjou: I think Webster is a great opportunity because, being able to study in Switzerland while having an American degree, being in a small campus with small classes, with guidance that professors can provide you at any time, while enjoying life in Geneva, is the perfect fit if you’re looking for something like that.

Text on screen: Graphic of moving words: Campus Life, Opinions Student Life, Webster Geneva Campus logo

[Instrumental music swells and ends.]

Wayel Ahmed
Alumni Success

“Webster University is not only an educational institute, it is a holistic experience that provides knowledge, career support and a great selection of social and networking opportunities.”

Wayel Ahmed
Wayel Ahmed

BS in Computer Science and Cybersecurity, ’10

How Webster helped Ahmed succeed My Webster Degree equipped me with the skill set and accreditation I needed to pursue my master’s degree in cybersecurity at King’s College London, and paved my path toward a career in IT Vendor Management at IATA.

Bachelor Programs in Computer Science

The Computer Science major at Webster Geneva Campus brings knowledge and skills that range from methodology (project management, specification and requirements analysis, GUI design, etc.) to practical skills (C++, algorithms, data structures, databases, networks, operating systems, etc.). Over the four years of their Bachelor of Science, students learn what they need to join a software development project.

The program balances theory and practice, allowing students to develop their problem solving skills through various projects without leaving aside the fundamental and theoretical aspects. Human and business aspects are also present directly in the major, as well as through our general education program (GCP).

Students who graduate are ready to join a team, as well as to pursue in master's degree studies.

Course Catalog Links:

Computer Science majors can elect to declare an emphasis (an academic specialization) in the emerging field of cybersecurity. Student who choose that path focus on security aspects of today's IT large-scale distributed and always connected systems, as well as on how to produce secure code as programmers, making them ready for junior position both in the development world and in the information technology world.

The Cybersecurity emphasis is integrated into electives within the Computer Science major and does not require additional semesters of study. Students can then choose to pursue their studies in the graduate certificate in cybersecurity (coming soon in Geneva).

Course Catalog Link:

Program Recognition

Due to longstanding research collaboration between Webster professors and both public and private organizations in the U.S., Webster University’s Cybersecurity program has been endorsed by the National Security Agency (NSA).  Webster has also been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through academic year 2024 for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity. Webster University is the only private school in Missouri to have this designation.

The management of computer information systems is one of the fastest growing job areas in information technology. As a result, an information systems manager can be one of the most important figures in any business or agency. Webster University's Bachelor of Science degree program in Management Information Systems will help you prepare to meet the demand for innovation and technological growth of the future. Our program integrates technology and business concepts that provides students with the knowledge and skills they will need to solve current and future IT related business challenges.

Webster University's Management Information Systems bachelor's degree integrates technology and business concepts, providing students the knowledge and skills they will need to solve current and future IT related business challenges. 

Course Catalog Link:

Webster University has established strong alliances with many organizations and companies in the greater Lake Geneva region. Our Career Services department helps students exploring internship opportunities (in Switzerland or abroad) in order to get a hands-on experience in a real environment.

Webster students pursue different pathways to gaining experience: some volunteer as campus Computer Lab Assistants, some become interns at organizations or companies, locally in Geneva or in their home country over the summer. Students have the possibility, depending on the subject, to have their internship count in their degree, as an “Academic Internship,” coordinated between a professor and an employer.

Recent computer science graduates now work at companies such the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Swisscom and Apple.

Internship FAQ:

Can I be paid as an intern?

Each year, Webster Geneva receives and transmits both for paid and unpaid internships offers.

Paid internships usually require work eligibility (either Swiss/EU citizenship or family resident permits that allow work). However, International Organizations — from the United Nations and its agencies to specialized NGOs like The Global Fund or the International Committee of the Red Cross — have regular unpaid internship offers, for which international students are welcome.

Can I do an internship during the academic year or only during summer?

Academic Internships are organized between the school and the employer; generally, these need to coincide with the academic calendar (Fall semester, Spring semester or Summer term).

Other internship opportunities are sometimes dependent upon the employer’s need. They may have an annual internship program (advertised in advance) or have just-in-time needs about which they advertise for immediate placement.

How many hours of work are typically required?

This depends on the needs of the organization. A typical Academic Internship (which earns 3 credits — equal to one course — toward your graduation) would be 14 hours of work per week during a 16-week semester.

Why Study Computer Science at Webster Geneva Campus?

  • Geneva has a longstanding history with the founding of the internet: the city is home of the CERN, headquarters for the International Telecommunications Union and is an Engagement Center for ICANN.
  • Many local organizations advocate for international governance of the internet, from the Geneva Internet Platform to the Geneva Initiative.
  • Webster Geneva Campus regularly hosts conferences on related topics — such as an international conference on the Internet of Things in May 2019.
  • Students can earn a minor in Mathematics that complements the Computer Science degree and helps with admission to master's programs. The Computer Science major itself already includes math classes.

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