Computer Science and Engineering serves thousands of students  | Radio

Electrical Engineering student Jade Ford and Computer Science and Engineering Department Chair Nathan Jack discuss the department in an episode of the <i>Fulfilling the Mission</i> podcast.

BYU-Idaho Radio

In a recent **Fulfilling the Mission** podcast episode, senior electrical engineering student Jade Ford and Computer Science and Engineering Department Chair Nathan Jack shared insights into what makes their department unique, how they're preparing students for evolving tech careers, and what it means to "be a disciple leader" in an engineering field.

Brother Nathan Jack is originally from Monticello, Utah. He has a bachelor's degree from Utah State University in electrical and computer engineering and a master's and holds a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Illinois. He has 12 years of industry experience and has been working at BYU-Idaho for about two years.

Ford is from Okeechobee, Florida. She found her passion in computer engineering after discovering a love for math and hardware design.

The Computer Science and Engineering Department offers bachelor's degrees in Cloud Computing, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Web Design and Development.

"It's OK being a nerd," Jack said.

The program now serves nearly 3,000 students and is one of the largest on campus.

Computer Science jobs are in high demand and have high wages, but beyond the financial stability, students are drawn to the problem-solving nature of the work. Whether it's through hardware or software, the goal is to solve real-world problems and improve lives.

"You might think programmers just design video games--and some do--but really, you have the chance to change the world through technology," Jack said.

In addition to preparing students for a career in Computer Science, Jack said they prepare students for the spiritual side of their lives after school.

"We also help you to see how you can use that to bless God's children, improve the world around you and do it in a way that builds others," Jack said.

Reflecting on her time as an electrical engineering major, senior Jade Ford shared how meaningful it has been to learn from professors who are passionate and who teach from real world experience.

"They bring a lot to the table," she said. "They have this compassion and this love for what they teach and a love for the students and I feel like that draws in the students' attention and it just makes them feel more comfortable and more willing to ask questions."

Above all, the department focuses on developing disciple-leaders who are capable, compassionate and Christlike in any setting.

"The professors are trying to teach us how to be a light of Christ, to stand out and how to speak our minds, I feel like that helps us a lot in the workforce as we're learning to love God's children," Ford said.

In the Computer Science and Engineering Department, it's clear they not only fulfill BYU-Idaho's mission but actively work to change the world, build others up and exemplify Christlike leadership at BYU-Idaho and in the workplace.

Learn more about the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

You can watch or listen to this episode of the **Fulfilling the Mission** podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. The episode is also available below.

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Fulfilling the Mission Podcast