Computer Science + Sociology, B.A.

Data about people is everywhere — in census records, health systems, and housing markets. But data without sociological interpretation produces maps without meaning. With specialized coursework in GIS, demography, and spatial demography, Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Arts Computer Science + Sociology, program builds students who can compute and think critically at the same time — asking not just what the data shows, but what it means and for whom.

Curriculum Overview

• Database systems, statistical computing and data visualization
• Sociological theory, research methods and social stratification
• GIS and spatial analysis: ArcGIS, QGIS, Python geopandas, R spatial
• Demography and spatial demography: population data and geographic inequality

Experiential and Applied Learning

• Partnerships with planning agencies, public health departments and nonprofits
• Internships with GIS firms, urban planning offices and statistical agencies
• Research placements with SLU faculty in sociology and public health

Careers 

• GIS analyst, demographer, urban planner, public health data analyst
• Social data scientist, environmental justice researcher, census analyst
• Typical entry salary: $55,000 – $95,000

Tuition

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information about Saint Louis University scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, evaluate and test a software system that meets a given set of computing requirements.
3. Apply computer science theory, knowledge of computer systems and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
4. Communicate effectively to both professional and general audiences in both oral and written forms.
5. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
6. Function effectively as a member of a team in developing computing technology and solving technical problems.
7. Synthesize computational methods and sociological analysis to investigate the spatial and demographic dimensions of social data, interpreting population patterns and geographic distributions in their structural and historical context.

Introduction to Computer Science

Systems Electives Courses

Non-Course Requirements

All School of Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program. 

Continuation Standards

After declaring a computer science major, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in computer science courses by the conclusion of their second year as a major and maintain such a GPA at the conclusion of each semester thereafter. Furthermore, students should require at most two attempts to successfully complete any computer science courses required for the major (where an unsuccessful attempt is considered a "D" or "F" for courses numbered 2100 and lower, and an "F" in higher-level courses).

Students are also expected to make adequate progress in the major, typically by enrolling in at least one computer science course per semester until completing their coursework (with exceptions made for premed scholars during their first year, and all students if studying abroad or facing other such extenuating circumstances).

Program Notes

At most, three credit hours of internship with industry courses can be applied to the degree.

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

For more information about computer science programs, please call 314-977-6667 or email cs@slu.edu.