LAWRENCE -- Rider University is adding a major in computer science, a field that has become increasingly in demand as technology continues to evolve.

The school's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will offer a new bachelor's degree starting in the fall. Students will be prepared for careers in software development, systems analysis, computer networking and programming, and for graduate study, in computer and data science.

"Computer science touches every aspect of modern human life," said John Bochanski, the program's director and assistant professor of physics. "Whether you work in biology, chemistry, business or another field -- computing is used. We wanted to give students the chance to make their own impact on this exciting industry and we've constructed a bona fide computer science program for the needs of today's students."

Rider said the new program comes at a crucial time for prospective students. There are currently more jobs available than there are qualified graduates and the median starting salary in 2015 was $57,273, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computing and information technology jobs will grow by 22 percent through 2022.

Bochanski says the program will help students develop skills that can transfer to any line of work.

"The program is cutting-edge and we're following the latest trends," he said, pointing to cybersecurity and data analysis as examples.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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