The University of Saint Joseph offers an inspired program in computer science that is industry focused, interdisciplinary, and experientially oriented. At USJ, we offer a customizable educational experience in computer science where students and faculty work together to bring individual attention to planning for your career aspirations.
The B.S. in Computer Science at USJ is made up of a combination of core computer science courses plus a student chosen concentration. The core courses are anticipated by employers for all students earning a degree in computer science. Beyond these courses, USJ offers more specialized computer and data science courses that are taken in conjunction with your concentration choice, career interests, and are reflected in your personalized plan of study.
Please use this academic map as a reference guide. Academic advisors are always available to discuss the required courses depending on each student’s needs.
Curriculum
Students start their educational experience by taking the core courses and other arts and science requirements.
Computer Science Required Courses (22 credits):
COMP 110 – Computer Programming I 4 Credits COMP 150 – Computer Programming II 3 Credits COMP 210 – Database Design and Development 3 Credits COMP 220 – Data Structures 3 Credits COMP 320 – Web Application Development 3 Credits COMP 330 – Algorithm Analysis 3 Credits COMP 499 – Computer and Data Science Capstone Project 3 Credits
Mathematics Required Courses (9 credits):
MATH 110 – Elementary Statistics 3 Credits MATH 165 – Discrete Mathematics I 3 Credits MATH 270 – Discrete Mathematics II 3 Credits
Three Concentrations
During the sophomore year, all students choose a concentration to define their path going forward.
The CODE concentration is intended to allow students with interdisciplinary interests the opportunity to customize their learning and in effect create their own concentration with the guidance of advisors from computer science and the complementary discipline. Examples include, but are not limited to, pathways in: bio-informatics & genetics, environmental science informatics, healthcare technologist, educational technologist, business decision support technologist, serious-game (simulation) designer, digital media designer, AI & cognitive scientist, computational scientist (physics, mathematics, or chemistry), etc.
The data scientist combines mathematics & statistical knowledge, programming skills, analytical skills, specialty software (R, Tableau, data mining tools), and AI & machine learning techniques to uncover actionable trends hidden in data stores. Data driven decision making is an increasing trend in business as corporation are only just beginning to unlock the power of organizational data archives.
The Software Engineering Concentration allows students to specialize in the development of large scale application and system software design. This would include the study and practice of advanced cloud development platforms, mobile application development, backend web site development, software development methodologies, operating systems, communication systems, driver development, real time systems development, and best practices for software development.
Experiential Options
Students can incorporate experiential options to fast track their careers:
*Can apply to all three concentrations by completing the majority of your required courses in your first 21 months
Complete the majority of your required courses in your first 21 months!
Traditionally, you take your general education courses before you dive into your field of study. With the 21-Month Upside-Down Curriculum, jump right into your field of study classes!
Students complete the majority of the core courses for Computer Science in the first four semesters while working in USJ’s Information Technology (IT) department. Within 21 months, you willbe ready to enter the workforce full or part-time while finishing General Education and Capstone requirements.
Students will take a capstone course during their junior or senior year to complete a 16 week project that will allow them to showcase their talents and expertise. These projects are lead by faculty who will guide the student through many facets of product design, development, testing, documentation, and evaluation.
Students will focus on integrating skills while striving to develop a significant artifact of learning. Career counseling in conjunction with faculty advising comes together during the capstone phase, making students career ready!
At USJ, we work hard to seek out industry partners to help our students find new opportunities, internships and long term employment opportunities. Our partners participate in our computer science review board, give on-campus presentations, take on students for internship opportunities, avail themselves to students preparing for professional engagements, and offer expert training to USJ students and alumni.
WHY COMPUTER SCIENCE?
There are more computing jobs that exist than qualified applicants
You’ll solve complex and challenging problems across a variety of fields
Computer science is the new literacy
Computer science is a fast-growing field
Computing is everywhere in our lives
Computer scientists are problem solvers
It is a high paying field with a median annual salary above $95,000**
**According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Why Computer Science at USJ?
At USJ we realize that students need individualized attention and small class sizes to perform their very best. Interdisciplinary study, connections to industry, and flexibility in curriculum are designed to achieve their career goals. We offer a strong set of core courses taken by all computer science majors.
Paths and Career Opportunities:
Computing jobs are among the highest paid and have the highest job satisfaction. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics computer science related jobs will experience 24% growth through 2026.
Potential careers include:
Software Engineer
Data Scientist
Data Analyst
Application Developer
Business Intelligence Analyst
Cybersecurity Specialist
Computer Science Educator
Database administrator
Bio-Informatics Specialist
Educational Technologist
Computer Scientist
Digital Media Designer
Serious Gaming Developer
AI and Cognitive Scientist
Industry-Based Computer or Data Architect
Association for Computing Machinery, Student Chapter
The ACM chapter at USJ is a student club for those interested in the advancement of technology. Meet new people, learn from professionals, and our industry partners.
Career Connections
USJ’s close proximity to downtown Hartford, along with other urban areas, has given USJ students the opportunity of interning at professional organizations and companies including:
The Hartford
CGI
Rebel Interactive Group
VRSim Virtual Reality Simulations
Questions?
Contact: Thomas Calabrese, M.S., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Program Director Computer Science Phone: 860.231.5526 Email:[email protected]
USJ News
No posts to display
An Unexpected Error Occurred
We’re sorry, but something has gone wrong. Please try again.
Take the Next Step
Come and tour our beautiful campus, learn more about our programs and discover firsthand what makes our University so unique!