Welcome to the Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at the University of Central Missouri - one of the largest Computer Science departments in the state of Missouri. The department is also designated as a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. As you explore the information about our programs, curriculum, faculty, and student organizations, you'll discover a strong, diverse, and student-oriented academic community. The faculty are highly qualified and dedicated. Most hold a terminal degree in their field and are active in their professions either through research and/or continuing professional development.
The computing programs at the University of Central Missouri have over 50 years history of academic excellence. UCM’s Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Software Engineering programs have a balance of practice and theory and are designed according to curricula guidelines from corresponding professional organizations. We offer the first and only ABET accredited undergraduate Software Engineering program as well as the first ABET accredited Cybersecurity program in the state of Missouri. This is an exciting and growing department that has a balanced approach to teaching and scholarly activities. We provide an unmatched education to students in the region, and we're proud of it. With the demand for qualified technical personnel far exceeding the available supply, the opportunities awaiting our graduates are nearly limitless.
Through excellence in teaching, research and service, our dedicated faculty has distinguished itself in the core areas of computer science and in many related multi-disciplinary areas. All permanent computer science and cybersecurity faculty have a Ph.D. degree in computer science, cybersecurity or closely related areas. They conduct both theoretical and applied research in their own areas and publish their research results on major research journals. In addition, they also travel to give technical talks at various national/international conferences. They are committed to deliver today’s technology to students.
Faculty ProfilesComputer Science
Welcome to Computer Science at UCM. You can choose from a wide offering of major options in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Networking, Game Development and Data Science.
Cybersecurity and Information Technology
Welcome to Cybersecurity and IT at UCM. One of only a handful of ABET accredited Cybersecurity programs in the nation. We also offer a bachelor's degree in Information Technology. Maximize your potential as you pursue one of our outstanding degree programs.
Software Engineering
Welcome to Software Engineering at UCM. We offer the first and only ABET accredited undergraduate Software Engineering program in Missouri. Maximize your potential as you pursue this outstanding engineering degree program.
Majors
A growing number of endowed scholarships are awarded each year to the Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity majors and minors. The application deadline is usually March 1 of each year. Apply online at https://ucmo.edu/mocents.
For Entering Freshman
Scholarship Name |
Minimum Criteria for Eligibility |
Department Achievement Award
|
1. major in one of the school majors 2. ACT >= 23 3. high school GPA 3.5 or higher |
Harmon |
1. major in Computer Science or Electronics (preference given to double major) 2. completed 3 units of mathematics and/or computer science in high school 3. ACT >= 23 4. Missouri resident |
Kennedy |
1. declare a major in the department 2. enroll in at least 12 s.h. each semester at UCM |
For Current Students
Scholarship Name |
Minimum Criteria for Eligibility |
ACM |
1. major in Computer Science 2. ACM member 3. enroll in at least 12 s.h. each semester at UCM |
Department Achievement Award
|
1. major in one of the school majors 2. GPA >=3.2 |
Griffith |
1. major in Computer Science 2. enroll in at least 12 s.h. each semester at UCM |
Harmon |
1. major in Computer Science or Electronics (preference given to double major) |
Moore |
1. major in the department 2. junior or senior class 3. GPA >= 3.0 in the major 4. enroll in at least 12 s.h. each semester at UCM |
The department sponsors several student organizations. They provide our students with platforms of peer interaction and active participation in out-of-the-classroom experiences.
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Association for Computing Machinery
Upsilon Pi Epsilon
Cybersecurity
Cyber Mules, chapter of the National Cybersecurity Student Association
The department has state-of-the-art computing labs to support both instruction and research needs. The main lab for computer science classes consists of 40 Dell computers running both Linux and Microsoft windows operating systems. Six computer classrooms, with more than 30 computers each, are ideal for upper classes and special lab sessions. Lab computers are upgraded regularly. The School strives to provide our students with the latest technologies. We offer both Windows and Linux platforms so that our students are well-prepared for a career as a software professional under those two leading industry-standard platforms. The School is a member of the Microsoft Imagine, Oracle Academy and VMWare Academic Program.
Three student common areas provide a space for students to collaborate on homework and projects, as well as relax between classes. These rooms are conveniently located near faculty offices to help establish a community of learners.Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity sponsors UCM Esports team. For more information, please click the following link.
The B.S. in Computer Science - Computer Science Option is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Annual Student Enrollment and Graduation Data
The B.S. in Cybersecurity program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Annual Student Enrollment and Graduation Data
The B.S. in Software Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Annual Student Enrollment and Graduation Data
Designated as a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency.
Dr. Belinda Copus
Assistant Professor, Chair
WCM 222C
Tel: (660) 543-4930
Fax: (660) 543-8013
Leslie Cooper
Office Professional
WCM 222
Tel: (660) 543-4930
Fax: (660) 543-8013