Ball State University
2000 W University Ave, Muncie, IN 47306, United States

Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie, Indiana. It has three off campus centers in Fishers, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne.

Video Link
Brochure
Tuition URL
Shortlist
Apply

The Department of Computer Science offers a major in computer science with a focus in five concentration areas, plus two minors. BSU computer science graduates pursue high-paying careers that make a difference in the world, with titles such as software developer (ranked #2 best job in 2021 by U.S. News and World Report), software engineer, computer programmer, game developer, software test engineer, full-stack web developer, database administrator, business analyst, data scientist, and product manager.  Our students also continue on to graduate studies in computer science, business administration, and other related subjects. Further information about careers for computer science majors can be found on the departmental website, www.bsu.edu/cs.

The core courses required for all concentrations build a foundation of understanding of the principles of computer science.  Students in all concentrations take the same courses during their freshmen and sophomore years, specialize in their junior and senior years, and join back together in a 2-semester immersive learning capstone experience shared by all concentrations.  The core courses provide foundations in algorithmic principles and computing theory, strengthen design and development techniques, instill ethical professional competence, develop communication abilities, and build the teamwork skills necessary for working on a software project in today's industry.

Each of the five concentrations offered within the major focus on a specific area of computer science, while allowing flexibility in the choice of electives to customize a students' learning journey:

General Computer Science (GCS) concentration dives deeper into the core computer science knowledge areas, gaining an in-depth understanding of computer science theory, networks, operating systems, programming languages, and database design.  GCS concentration students are poised to continue their studies into graduate school, tackle advanced problems in computer science research, or transition into a career in many different specialty areas.

Web and Mobile App Development (WMAD) concentration focuses on one of the most in-demand specialties in the field, where dynamic software is delivered on demand to mobile devices or accessed through web browsers.  Students in the WMAD concentration gain experience designing and deploying web-based and mobile-based applications following a user-centered design process, with a focus on effective user interface design.

Cybersecurity and Secure Software Design (CSSD) concentration emphasizes understanding the current cybersecurity landscape and building the next generation of secure software and systems.  Students in the CSSD concentration learn to design and evaluate secure software, develop security policies, and manage complex network systems and software environments.

Game Design and Development (GDD) concentration is a uniquely interdisciplinary program that builds the full suite of knowledge needed to design and implement digital games.  Students will learn how to follow a player-centered design process for creating original interactive media, as well as take cross-discipline courses to learn 3D animation and digital sound manipulation.  GDD concentration students collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to create original video games in an authentic modern studio environment, using contemporary best practices and industrial-strength tools.

Data Analytics and Machine Learning (DAML) concentration applies computer science techniques, including machine learning, to the study of large amounts of data in order to extract meaning.  DAML concentration students use these computer science techniques as a basis for critical thinking and decision-making in multiple domains, including scientific inquiry and enterprise-level data analysis.

Computer Science majors are required to own a laptop computer and may be required to bring the laptop to class. Some classes may require running software under Windows, but a Mac with Parallels Desktop software will work as well.

https://bsu.smartcatalogiq.com/2023-2024/undergraduate-catalog/college-of-sciences-and-humanities/computer-science/major-in-computer-science-babs/

 

Ball State practices rolling admission, which means our staff will review your application and decide on your admission after we receive all of your credentials. You should follow the admission requirements for international applicants if you are not a United States citizen, a Permanent Resident of the U.S., refugee, asylee, or DACA status holder. This includes prospective students with pending U.S. Permanent Resident applications.

Make sure to review all the steps to apply, which depends on what type of student you are: traditional freshman, transfer, exchange, or online.  Please read each description carefully to ensure you apply correctly and have the best chances of being admitted to Ball State.

Ball State University recommends all undergraduate international applicants to submit a Duolingo, TOEFL, Pearson's PTE, IELTS, SAT, or ACT score if you do not qualify for one of the waivers listed below. Your official English proficiency test must be sent by the testing agency directly to admissions@bsu.edu. English proficiency test scores are good for 24 months. Test scores older than 24 months will not be accepted.

SAT or ACT scores must be officially submitted to Ball State University (school code 1051).

Please note that English proficiency requirements are based on educational history alone, and not on immigration status or status as an international or domestic applicant. Domestic applicants may also be subject to English proficiency standards and admission practices if they do not meet English proficiency requirements or qualify for a waiver as listed on this page.

Required Scores for English Proficiency

Duolingo — 110 or higher

TOEFL — 79

Ball State University accepts MyBest™ scores for the TOEFL iBT® test, in addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date

IELTS — 6.5 Band

Pearson's PTE — 53

SAT Critical Reading Section or SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing — 500

ACT English Section — 21

Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB)

https://www.bsu.edu/admissions/international/undergraduate/application-requirements-and-procedures

International Admissions must receive all of your application materials by these dates for consideration for a specific term

Fall Term - application materials due by June 15th

Spring Term - application materials due by November 15th

Summer Term - application materials due by March 15th

https://www.bsu.edu/admissions/international/undergraduate/application-requirements-and-procedures

Please send the student details and documents to admissions@indoglobalstudies.org. IGS team will submit the application through channel partner.