Computer Science + Sociology, B.A. (Beginning Fall 2026)

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, the Computer Science + Sociology, B.A. 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

Tuition/Fee Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $56,960

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. Apply fundamental techniques from computer science to solve relevant problems in sociology or use techniques and knowledge from sociology to deepen and inform a computer-science based project.
University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements74
CSCI 10XXIntroduction to Computer Science3
CSCI 1300Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming4
CSCI 2100Data Structures4
CSCI 2300Object-Oriented Software Design3
CSCI 2500Computer Organization and Systems3
CSCI 2510Principles of Computing Systems3
CSCI 3100Algorithms3
CSCI 4961Capstone Project I2
CSCI 4962Capstone Project II2
Systems Elective course3
Two additional 3000- or 4000-level CSCI elective courses6
Required Mathematics Courses
MATH 1510Calculus I4
MATH 1520Calculus II4
MATH 1660Discrete Mathematics3
STAT 3850Foundation of Statistics3
Required Computer Ethics
PHIL 3050XComputer Ethics3
Sociology Requirements
SOC 1110Introduction to Sociology: Diversity Emphasis3
or SOC 1120 Introduction to Sociology: Diversity and Health Emphasis
SOC 2000Research Methods3
SOC 3150XAnthropological Theory3
CS + Sociology Electives12
Select two of the following courses
SOC 1500
The Urban Community: Race, Class, and Spatial Justice
SOC 1600
The Power of Place: An Introduction to GIS
SOC 2010
Statistics and the Social World
SOC 2610
Mapping Urban Inequity
SOC 3600
Cartography for Social Justice
SOC 3615
Our World in Big Data
SOC 4640
Demographic Methods, Analysis, and Public Policy
SOC 4660
Intermediate Geographic Information Systems
SOC 4670
Spatial Demography – Applied Spatial Statistics
Select two courses with a Sociology Elective attribute
ANTH 2200
Cultural Anthropology
SOC 2490
Sociology of Medicine
SOC 3180
Immigration
University Electives11-14
Total Credits120

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.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CSCI 10XXIntroduction to Computer Science 3
MATH 1660 Discrete Mathematics 3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2
CORE 1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication 3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
 Credits15
Spring
CSCI 1300 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming 4
MATH 1510 Calculus I 4
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
COREEquity and Global Identities: Identities in Context 3
University Elective 3
 Credits17
Year Two
Fall
MATH 1520 Calculus II 4
CSCI 2100 Data Structures 4
SOC 2000 Research Methods 3
SOC 1110
or SOC 1120
 Introduction to Sociology: Diversity Emphasis
or Introduction to Sociology: Diversity and Health Emphasis
 3
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
 Credits14
Spring
CSCI 2500 Computer Organization and Systems 3
CSCI 2300 Object-Oriented Software Design 3
STAT 3850 Foundation of Statistics 3
SOC 3150X Anthropological Theory 3
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
CSCI 2510 Principles of Computing Systems 3
CSCI 3000-level or 4000-level elective 3
CS + Sociology Elective 3
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
COREEquity and Global Identities: Global Interdependence 3
 Credits16
Spring
CSCI 3000-level or 4000-level elective 3
PHIL 3050X Computer Ethics 3
CORE 3800 Ways of Thinking: Natural and Applied Sciences 3
CS + Sociology Elective 3
Systems Elective 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
CSCI 4961 Capstone Project I 2
CSCI 3100 Algorithms 3
CORE 4500 Reflection-in-Action 0
CS + Sociology Elective 3
University Elective 3
COREEloquentia Perfecta: Writing Intensive 3
 Credits14
Spring
CSCI 4962 Capstone Project II 2
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 3
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 3
CS + Sociology Elective 3
University Elective 3
 Credits14
 Total Credits120

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