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."
In the Computer Science Department at Webster University Geneva, our objective is not just to provide students with a solid background in the different areas of the discipline, but also to 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 of 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.
Study Computer Science in Geneva
“The Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science prepares you to meet the demands for innovation in companies and organizations in Switzerland and across the globe.”
The Computer Science program covers all the fundamental aspects that a software developer
needs. It includes practical hands-on work, as well as theoretical knowledge acquisition,
including formal and mathematical aspects of the discipline. Students can specialize
in cybersecurity and join development projects when they graduate, or pursue their
education in a master’s program.Claude Chaudet, Head of Computer Science
Bachelor Programs in Computer Science
The Computer Science major at Webster Geneva 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.
Special (optional) emphasis in Cybersecurity
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 Links:
BS Computer Science
BS Computer Science: Cybersecurity emphasis
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.
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 emphasis in Cybersecurity.
Webster University is the only private school in Missouri to have this designation.
Why Study Computer Science at Webster University Geneva?
- 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 University Geneva 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.
Alumni Success — Wayel Ahmed
“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.”
“My Webster Degree equipped me with the skillset 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.”
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