Major Minor
Major in Computer Science
Learn problem-solving • Become a computer professional/scientist • Impact the world
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.,
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
What are you looking for?
In the computer science major, you will be prepared even for the jobs that don't yet exist in the fast-moving world of technology. At JBU our faculty and staff will guide you through the process of discovering your vocation and developing your skills to impact God's kingdom.
Start your applicationJBU computer science majors have every opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment and engage with technology in any form they'd like, preparing them for any career in computer science.
Computer science at JBU isn't just about coding. Students learn how they can integrate their faith and education, learning to serve the kingdom not just on Sunday but in their vocation.
The Northwest Arkansas Council reports that there are over 400 unfilled software developer positions in the region with a median salary of $104,000.
The computer science major allows students to engage with technology and software on many levels and in many fields to be able to solve problems and create solutions for this rapidly-growing industry.
The computer science program allows students to choose from a variety of emphases to be able to enter any field and be industry-ready.
The Balzer Technology Center has 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art labs and learning space.
With JBU's 4+1 program, you can begin taking master's level classes as an undergraduate and finish both your bachelor's in computer science and master's in cybersecurity in five years. (You can even finish online once you get a full-time job.)
JBU’s computer science program does an excellent job of combining abstract concepts and theories with practical implementation. The professors are friendly, experienced in their area of expertise, and care about the well-being of their students. One of my favorite classes was junior collaborative design. I learned alot about teamwork while creating a prototype for a fictional company. I am confident I can help others using the skills I’ve learned.
Jacinth Boggess '24
Computer Science Major
The computer science department is well-equipped to prepare students for any field in technology and software.
Network architects maintain several data communication networks, from large cloud infrastructures to smaller intranets.
Storage and organization are key to a database administrator profession. In this career, you will do a variety of tasks, including installation, configuration, database design, performance monitoring, security and troubleshooting.
Web developers create mobile & web applications and work with a variety of coding languages, from HTML5, CSS and JavaScript in the client to PHP, JsReact, ASP.NET, Python, Node.js, Go or Java on the server.
Work a vital and essential role as an information security analyst protecting information in an organization's computer systems from security breaches, data leaks and cyberattacks.
Learn more about our other engineering and computer science programs.
The course introduces basic programming concepts, collections, and object-oriented analysis and design. Object-oriented concepts like abstraction, polymorphism, inheritance, and encapsulation are covered in detail with hands-on experience in programming and problem-solving with practical applications. Usage of Python packages and libraries for solving advanced real-time problems will also be covered.
This course primarily focuses on several models of data structures along with their application in software programs. The concepts, data structures, and their functionalities are implemented using a modern programming language. This course is a good foundation for algorithm development, helping to build efficient applications. The course will emphasize both conceptual understanding and practical laboratory work.
This is an introductory course in database modeling and designing database schemas for software applications. This course begins with basic concepts in database systems, data and schema modeling, and writing SQL queries. The course introduces some important concepts in data storage, query optimization, and concurrency control.
An essential course in preparing the student for a role in software design and development. This engineering course covers the disciplined processes involved in software application/product development life-cycle - the analysis, design, construction, testing, and deployment. The focus will be on the practical aspects in preparing requirements specifications, drafting design diagrams, coding using any programming language of choice, and validating the developed product using industry-standard testing frameworks.
Dr. Tim Gilmour joined the engineering faculty in August of 2012. He teaches electrical engineering and computer science courses. He received his B.S.E.E. from Cedarville University in 2003, his M.S.E.E. from Penn State University in 2005, and his Ph.D. from Penn State University in 2012. In his master's research, he applied artificial intelligence methods to brain-computer interfaces. In his doctoral work, he applied signal processing techniques to investigate the impact of cell transplants on brain electrical activity in Parkinson’s Disease. He has published seven journal papers and presented several conference papers, and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Arkansas. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and music. He is passionate about apologetics and spreading the good news about Jesus Christ.
Professor of Electrical Engineering
Jonathan earned his B.S. in Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering from John Brown University, and later went on to complete the M.S. in Cybersecurity program at JBU. Jonathan currently works as a Senior Systems Engineer and the Lead Developer at Engineering with IT that specializes in contract electrical and computer engineering. Through this work, he has had the privilege of working on many high-profile projects with multiple fortune 500 companies ranging from security analysis and penetration testing to point of sale application development. Among his many hobbies, Jonathan enjoys building electronics or software projects, cooking with his wife, Janae, studying scripture, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Department Chair, Graduate Cybersecurity; Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity
Dr. Justus Selwyn holds a Doctorate in Computer Science with a specialization in Software and Knowledge Engineering. Before joining John Brown University, he spent two decades (2001–2021) contributing to academia, industry, and research across several Indian universities.
His research areas of interest include: Software Design & Engineering, data modelling, artificial intelligence in software system design & development. His scholarly work has been published in reputable international journals, and he has presented his research conferences in Germany, Israel, and the United States.
Alongside his academic career, Dr. Selwyn serves as a part-time software consultant, delivering software solutions to technology companies, non-profit organizations, small and medium businesses, Christian ministries, and former employers.
‘Keep things simple to build big’—a philosophy that guides his approach to teaching, research, family life, and community service, where he affirms that little things matter the most.
Department Chair of Computer Science; Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Ted Song, a member of the President’s Cabinet, serves as Chief Intercultural Engagement Officer, providing institution-wide leadership for intercultural engagement across education, board engagement, and oversight of global and intercultural programs, and as Chief Innovation Officer, leading academic innovation and strategic program development. He joined the university in 2012 as a professor of electrical engineering and has since served in a range of faculty and administrative leadership roles. Through these roles, his work advances the university’s mission by strengthening academic programs, cultivating a Christ-centered culture of hospitality, and building strategic partnerships that prepare people to honor God and serve others.
A Korean-American who grew up in both Korea and the United States, Dr. Song’s formation includes service as an ROTC cadet and later as an officer in the Republic of Korea Army, international experience with the United Nations and Christian mission work abroad, and interdisciplinary academic training across engineering (Ph.D.), theology (M.Div.), and law (M.S.L.), with a focus on higher education law and compliance.
Beyond the university, Dr. Song serves the broader higher education community as a Peer Reviewer and Team Chair for the Higher Learning Commission, as Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Commission of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), and as a board member of the Western Benton County Partnership. His contributions to teaching and leadership have been recognized through multiple awards, including selection as an inaugural CCCU Presidential Fellow.
Dr. Song and his wife, Michelle, live in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with their three daughters. They are active members of Siloam Springs Bible Church (an Evangelical Free Church), where he serves as an elder and leads the College Ministry.
Professor of Electrical Engineering; Chief Intercultural Engagement Officer, Chief Innovation Officer
Dr. Hepsiba Mabel grew up in the Southern part of India and received an opportunity to begin her education at an institute that was established by her great grandparents, and college education at Sarah Tucker College, which was established by American Missionaries. After graduation, she began teaching undergraduate and graduate students. She loves to interact with and provide counseling to students, parents and has many success stories in placing students in top positions in their career and personal life.
Hepsiba has had many opportunities to serve the Lord, such as ministering in the college chapel, organizing and conducting fellowship meetings, and uplifting youngsters. Even to this day, she conducts daily devotions to Sunday school children & teenagers in her community to teach them the Scriptures and help them grow spiritually.
Hepsiba is married to Justus, also a professor at JBU. They have one son, Handel. All three of them are into music ministry and serving God in all possible ways.
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Shanon Vuglar joined the JBU engineering faculty in 2018. He received his B.Tech. (Aeronautical Engineering), B.E. (Electrical Engineering), and M.Sc. (Information Technology) from the University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia, while serving in the Royal Australian Air Force. On completing his undergraduate degrees, he served as an Engineering Officer, predominantly working in the areas of Information Operations and Communications. In June 2015, he was awarded a Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering) from the University of New South Wales. His doctoral research was in the area of quantum control and considered the physical realizability of quantum systems. Before joining JBU, he held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Melbourne and Princeton University. He has published four journal articles and five peer-reviewed conference papers. Dr. Vuglar values being an active part of a vibrant Christian community and has led prayer and Bible study groups as well as serving on worship teams, playing saxophone and drums. He enjoys running, cycling, mountain biking, and skiing and in July 2018, he successfully completed his first Ironman Triathlon (Lake Placid, NY). He also enjoys playing chess and other board games.
Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering
After earning her B.S.E. in Early Childhood Education from John Brown University in 2007, Kim spent five years teaching in the classroom followed by several years of teaching and coaching virtually. She received her Master of Educational Technology degree from Boise State University in 2015. Kim joined the ATLAS team in January of 2016 as an instructional designer. In addition to instructional design, areas of interest include online and blended learning, multimedia, and esports. Kim is a Google Certified Educator, and she is a doctoral candidate in educational technology at Boise State University.
Adjunct Instructor, Interdisciplinary Studies, Computer Science
JBU offers a variety of minors related to the engineering, computer science and cybersecurity fields.
Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.