Eight LUC Degrees for Computer Science Careers
Loyola University Chicago appears in our ranking of the Top 10 IT Degrees Online (Bachelor’s).
At Doyle Center, the College of Arts & Sciences offers a 120-credit, four-year BS in Computer Science for Loyola University Chicago Ramblers to study computational systems throughout courses like Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Algorithms with 16-week practicum sessions. Chaired by Dr. Chandra Sekharan, the BS in Software Engineering follows a 120-credit, ABET-accredited curriculum focused on digital app development with hands-on Software Systems Lab projects and Google Code Jam participation. Since 2003, the NSA Center of Academic Excellence has awarded a 120-credit BS in Cybersecurity with opportunities to engage in the Center for Cybersecurity, join Cybersecurity Club, and enter the DoE CyberForce Competition. Headed by Dr. Ronald Greenberg, the BS in Information Technology has a 120-credit Lake Shore Campus sequence centered on the ever-growing IT field with courses from Visual Information Processing to Metagenomics plus a Dual BS/MS option.
Online on Sakai, the MS in Information Technology delivers a 30-credit, 1.5-year plan 24/7 across 50 states for Loyola University-Chicago post-grads to advance knowledge in four tracks: Technology Management, Information Assurance, Enterprise Networking, or Enterprise Information Management. Directed by Dr. Konstantin Laufer, the MS in Computer Science compiles 10 three-credit courses like Markup Languages and Distributed Systems before optional thesis research at the Emerging Technologies Lab. Each 16-week semester, the MA in Digital Humanities admits interdisciplinary cohorts of 5-10 for a unique 30-credit, project-based master’s emphasizing computing tools in liberal arts fields. Led by Dr. George Thiruvathukal, the 30-credit MS in Software Engineering also sharpens coding skills for nearly 100 percent job placement at Motorola, Oracle, Lucent, Hewitt, Microsoft, Yahoo, and more.
About Loyola University-Chicago
Loyola University-Chicago originated on September 5, 1870, when Father Arnold Damen welcomed an inaugural class of 37 men to St. Ignatius College on Roosevelt Road. The next year, St. Ignatius College served as a shelter after the Great Chicago Fire. In 1875, St. Ignatius notably founded the Chrysostomian Society for debate. In 1895, the first science lab was opened for STEM research. On October 23, 1909, Illinois chartered the college as Loyola University. In 1910, the College of Engineering was organized. In 1922, Loyola launched the Correspondence Study Division. By 1955, Loyola Hall was opened for on-site dorm residency. In 1962, Loyola established the Rome Center for Liberal Arts in Italy. Four years later, Loyola University became coeducational for women. In 1970, the Loyola University-Chicago name was adopted. In 1995, LUC created a Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society chapter. In 2008, the Klarchek Information Commons was unveiled.
Endowed for $640.3 million, Loyola University Chicago now employs 1,008 full-time and 852 part-time faculty teaching 17,007 Ramblers from 82 countries on its 105-acre Lake Shore campus, at four satellites, or online with 250+ clubs like the Illinois Technology Association. In 2019, Loyola received an NABC Academic Excellence Award. In 2018, LUC won the Environmental Protection Agency’s Grant for Innovative Technology. Loyola University-Chicago accepted the NACDA Campus Sustainability Award too. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Loyola 104th nationally with the 19th best service-learning and 49th top undergrad teaching. On Niche, LUC boasts America’s 19th best Catholic education and 226th top computer science programs. The Wall Street Journal placed Loyola University-Chicago 172nd overall. Forbes picked LUC 57th for diversity and 130th for research impact.
Loyola University Chicago Accreditation Details
On June 23, 2015, the Higher Learning Commission on North Central Association (HLC-NCA) Institutional Actions Council sent formal notification to Loyola University-Chicago that the Level VI accreditation was reaffirmed through the next 2024-25 review under President Jo Ann Rooney, JD, who received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. Headquartered just 9.8 miles south on LaSalle Street, this mega 19-state Midwest Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate LUC’s 93 undergrad, 101 master’s, and 32 doctoral offerings. Further, Loyola University-Chicago earned initial accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in October 2018.
Loyola University Chicago Application Requirements
Admission to Loyola University-Chicago is classified as “more selective” by the U.S. News & World Report since 17,064 of the 25,122 Fall 2018 applicants were chosen for 68 percent acceptance. First-year Ramblers entering the Department of Computer Science must finish a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Completing four units of English and four units of math, including calculus, is required. The Class of 2022 reported an average secondary GPA of 3.68. The middle 50th percentile had SAT scores of 1120-1310. Mid-range admitted ACT scores were 24-29. The Interdisciplinary Honors Program requires a minimum 3.75 GPA, 29 ACT, and 1310 SAT mark. Hopeful BS in Computer Science transfers need at least 20 accredited credits and GPAs above 3.0. Non-U.S. residents often must prove English proficiency with 53 PTE, 6.0 IELTS, 79 TOEFL iBT, and better scores. Grades of B+ or higher in ESL programs also qualify. The Graduate School seeks a four-year bachelor’s completion with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Computer science prerequisites, such as Data Structures and Basic Programming, are listed. Taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional.
Loyola University-Chicago has a convenient rolling admissions process. The priority freshman deadline is December 1st. Suggested transfer filing dates are November 1st for Spring and June 1st for Fall starts. The Department of Computer Science considers master’s candidates year-round. Those seeking graduate assistantships must file before September 15th or February 15th though. Accordingly, submit the LUC Application online for free ($50 if graduate). Send official English transcripts to 1032 West Sheridan Road Room 150 in Chicago, IL 60660. Forward test results using ACT code 1064 or SAT/GRE code 1412. Attach supporting materials, such as the school counselor report, statement of purpose, current resume or CV, 1-3 references, and declaration of finances. Contact (800) 262-2373 or admission@luc.edu with questions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2019-20, Loyola University Chicago has charged full-time BS in Computer Science majors $22,065 per term or $44,130 annually. Studying part-time incurs $814 per credit. Overload credits over 21 are $352 apiece. Undergrads cover the $419 development fee and $125 technology fee each semester. Health insurance premiums are $3,095 per year. Living at dorms like Mertz Hall adds $7,390 to $14,680 for yearly rent. All-access meal plans for DeNobili Dining Hall are $2,610 extra each term. LUC budgets $1,200 for books and $1,600 for personal expenses. Annual bachelor’s attendance averages $63,123 on-site and $48,343 if commuting. The College of Arts & Sciences bills graduate tuition of $1,033 per credit. Master’s majors still pay a $172 development fee and $125 technology fee per semester.
According to the NCES College Navigator, the Financial Aid Office at the Sullivan Center for Student Services helps 98 percent of new full-time LUC Ramblers get mean tuition assistance of $22,692 apiece for $58.52 million combined. University funds include the William Zolp Scholarship, David Prasse Community Schools Scholarship, Rachel Carson Scholarship, John & Kathy Schreiber Scholarship, Sisters of Christian Charity High School Scholarship, James Wesley White Jr. Scholarship, Gannon Center for Women & Leadership Scholarship, Cristo Rey Network Scholarship, Dreamer Scholarship, Catholic Heritage Award, Damen Scholarship, Graduate School Tuition Scholarship, and Dean’s Scholarship. The Mulcahy Scholars Program presents $2,000 total to STEM majors undertaking research projects in the College of Arts & Sciences. The $2,500 SIM Chicago Scholarship supports sophomore and junior BS in Computer Science students with minimum 3.0 GPAs. Federal resources, such as the Pell Grant and Graduate Plus Loan, require FAFSA applications coded 001710. Illinoisans also pursue the Anhelo Project Scholarship, Monetary Award Program, National Guard Grant, Veteran Grant, and others.
Learn more about Loyola University Chicago at the Department of Computer Science website.
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