Neumont College of Computer Science: A Deep Dive

Neumont College of Computer Science, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a private, for-profit institution focused on providing an immersive and accelerated education in technology-related fields. Founded in 2003, Neumont distinguishes itself through its unique academic approach, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills and real-world project experience. The college's commitment to innovation and student success has made it a notable player in computer science education.

History and Evolution

Neumont was established in 2003 by Graham Doxey, Marlow Einlund, and Scott McKinley, with the goal of creating a more effective model for preparing students for careers in technology. The institution welcomed its first students in January 2004. Initially accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), Neumont offered both bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science.

The college quickly expanded, moving to a new campus in South Jordan, Utah. In 2007, Edward H. Levine took over as the second president. By 2010, Neumont shifted its focus to refining and expanding its bachelor's degree programs, discontinuing its master's programs. During this time, a bachelor's degree program in business technology management was introduced.

A significant change occurred in 2013 when Neumont relocated to its current location in downtown Salt Lake City. The campus is housed in an 11-story historic building on Main Street. In July 2015, Dr. Shaun E. McAlmont was appointed as the third president.

In July 2017, Neumont officially changed its name from Neumont University to Neumont College of Computer Science. This change underscored the college's dedication to computer science education. Later that year, Dr. Aaron Reed became the institution’s fourth president. In 2018, the school adopted the mission of Improving Lives Through Education.

Accreditation and Recognition

Neumont College of Computer Science is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Additionally, Neumont is registered under the Utah Postsecondary Proprietary School Act.

Campus and Facilities

The Neumont College of Computer Science campus and corporate offices are located at 143 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. The Neumont tower is a 12-story building originally known as the Ezra Thompson Building. The building was erected on the site of the Salt Lake House, a home station for Pony Express riders. In 1924, the current high-rise building was constructed and named for its developer, who also served as a three-term Salt Lake City mayor.

Before becoming Neumont's campus, the building housed office suites until the late 1930s. It was then sold to the Salt Lake Tribune Publishing Company, who occupied the building until 2005. In 2012, Neumont began remodeling the building, creating a college environment conducive to learning cutting-edge technology. Classrooms, student common areas, and faculty and administrative offices occupy the lower level, street level, and floors 2 through 4. Floors 5 through 11 are 42 fully-furnished student apartments used exclusively for housing current Neumont students.

The Neumont campus is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. This location provides students with access to a vibrant urban environment.

Academic Philosophy and Programs

Neumont's academic philosophy revolves around student engagement and active learning. Traditional large lecture halls are not part of the Neumont model. The campus features rooms and breakout areas where small teams of students work collaboratively on class projects or other assignments. The common student area on the first floor is open and furnished with tables and chairs to accommodate students during their free periods.

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Neumont's curriculum combines classroom and lab work with collaborative learning through Introductory, Foundational, Developmental, and Enterprise Projects for national and local companies. Neumont offers bachelor's degrees focused on the computer sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS)

The BSCS program balances skills with theory. Students develop software using integrated environments and modern languages. Through a hands-on approach, they design algorithms and organize data.

The BSCS program is designed for individuals who can tackle the logic and advanced math needed to design, architect, and create digital works. The program focuses on the latest advancements in computer science.

Students work on project teams in classes like Developing for the Windows Platform, Java Development, Dynamic Web Programming, and Scalable Web Applications to create products that solve everyday problems. In classes like Intro to Web Services and Service Oriented Architecture, students advance their understanding of software development as they work in a team-based environment. In their ninth quarter, they present a Capstone Project demonstrating their understanding of the degree's learning objectives to their peers and professors.

Students spend three quarters, up to 20 hours a week, working on real projects developing software solutions for companies like Overstock, Novell, and eBay. Students develop professional written and verbal communication skills, experience teamwork and group dynamics first-hand, practice effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, and learn project management techniques for maximizing efficiency and resources.

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BSCS projects and coursework (including general education requirements) are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in relevant technical skills and standards, an understanding of the business environment, and the ability to work and communicate in a software development team.

Bachelor of Science in Software & Game Development

This program is designed for individuals with technical talent, an understanding of mathematics, and a willingness to learn.

Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MSAAI)

This program enhances students' academic portfolio and drives the technology that’s shaping tomorrow's business landscape.

The Neumont Approach

Neumont utilizes a unique approach to education. Students attend classes year-round, Monday through Friday. Typically, students are enrolled in three to four courses each sprint and have breaks throughout the day to study. At the end of each quarter, students have a two to four-week vacation. Each of the 10-week quarters is divided into two, five-week sections-called sprints. Students take two sprints per quarter for 12 quarters. Each sprint is designed to provide a maximum complement of courses, labs, and projects. Occasionally, a course will last for the entire quarter or two sprints.

Student Life

Neumont student life is about immersion into the culture and challenges of the technology industry. Students work hard and they play hard too. Intramural basketball, coding competitions, and gaming tournaments take place throughout the year.

Financial Aid and Tuition

Neumont University participates in the Federal Student Financial Aid programs (Title IV Funding). Students interested in attending Neumont University have the opportunity to complete a Free Application for Federal Financial Aid as well as an in-house Neumont University Financial Aid application in order to determine Title IV eligibility. Neumont offers financial aid for those who qualify.

Tuition is charged per quarter based on the full-time rate for the academic year in effect at the time of enrollment. An academic year is equivalent to three quarters. The minimum full-time course load is 12 credits per quarter. Textbook costs per quarter are dependent upon the classes for which the student is registered and the textbooks purchased. Security deposit on computer hardware issued to student $3000 Refundable under terms of Laptop Usage Policy.

Career Services

Neumont offers an extensive Career Services Center for all students. Each quarter, Neumont University hosts a Career Fair where students and employers come together to network, explore career opportunities, and interview. Prior to the fair, students are offered Resume and Interview Skills Workshops and may request interviews with specific employers coming to the fair.

Outcomes and Impact

Neumont College of Computer Science aims to educate the most sought-after software developers. The college believes the key to a useful and applicable degree in CS is team-based, hands-on experience with real software projects. The Neumont University graduate has a B.S. and is prepared for leadership roles in organizations seeking to utilize leading-edge technologies.

Neumont was awarded the top spot on a list of bachelor’s-degree-granting institutions giving the highest ROI to low-income students in a recent study published by Georgetown University.

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