Computer Science

Department of Computer Science offers majors and minors in Computing and Cybersecurity. Computing with three concentrations: Computer Science, Computing Analytics, and Information Technology. Cybersecurity with two concentrations: Secure Software Development and Security Governance. Minors in Computing; Cybersecurity; and Health Informatics

WHY CHOOSE COMPUTING AT SRU?

Up-to-date curriculum: The computing curriculum is designed to easily add new areas in response to a rapidly changing computing industry. The core curriculum consists of 9 courses and each concentration includes coursework to prepare students for a career in the computing field.
Highly Qualified Faculty: Our faculty, comprised of full-time members holding Ph.D. degrees, use their expertise and knowledge to enhance the learning experience of the students. Faculty members also undertake the role of academic advisers, provide the necessary guidance to the students and facilitate their journey throughout their academic program.
Projects and research with faculty: Computing students have numerous research projects to select from that result in presentations at regional, state, national and international conferences. Faculty work with any interested students on both existing and new projects. In addition, students are encouraged to compete in programming and security contests.
Equipment: The Computer Science Department is home to a variety of specialized equipment for students’ coursework and extracurricular projects in robotics, parallel programming, cybersecurity, 3D visualization and numerous Internet of Things devices. Students at all levels of the program have opportunities to work with devices such as the Lego Robot, iPad, Android Phone, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, NAO Robot, 3D printer and scanner, Alexa, Oculus rift goggles, drones, Furhat robot, and Pepper robot.
Industry experts and accreditation: The department has an active advisory board that holds events for the students and provides feedback on curriculum, hardware, software, and assessment. The board assists students in finding internships and jobs with mock interviews, resume workshops, and industry awareness dinners. The computing degree is accredited by The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The computing program earned accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring that students are receiving high quality education. ABET also helps maintaining high standards of education through updated curriculum that meets the needs of the technology and computing industry ABET.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

“The curriculum offers a wide approach to fundamental concepts of programming, computer hardware, administration, and cybersecurity. It offers opportunities for exploring broad, but specialized areas with major concentrations, and even more granular with a good choice of modern topical electives. My favorite part of my education was how hands-on and directly applicable it was. Most classes followed a format of interactive lectures, whose content was to be applied to a semester-long project. In my interview for a very competitive internship, a skill in Android development I developed primarily because of one of these projects, was the pivotal reason I was chosen for the position. That company has since hired me full-time, and I can say with confidence it is in no small measure due to one of these projects.”

- Wayne Bloom, ‘21 UPMC Enterprises, Associate Software Engineer

“The computing program at SRU is excellent. As a transfer student I started at the Rock as a sophomore and the transition in was almost seamless. The faculty helped me get into the necessary classes and excel in those classes. The program focuses on doing projects in many classes which in my opinion is one of the best ways to learn. Often you would have a few weeks of instruction then towards the second half of the semester you would start working on a project while instruction continued. The program focuses on getting you a job, and the skills you learn in class reflect that. Some of my favorite classes included Data Structure and Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence and Parallel Computing and Architecture. These were some of the upper level classes that really focused on doing project on your own and hands on learning. One of the professors in the department also helped me get an excellently paying job where I am still employed. I can’t thank the SRU Computing dept enough for everything they have done for me both inside and outside of the classroom.”

- David Gillette, ‘21 Armstrong, Software Engineer “Armstrong, System Administrator

Cybersecurity

Department of Computer Science offers the Cybersecurity major with two concentrations: Security Governance and Secure Software Development.

WHY CHOOSE CYBERSECURITY AT SRU?

Multidisciplinary: Our cybersecurity program encompasses classes within specific academic departments as well as liberal studies curriculum.
Unique: SRU is one of the few educational institutions in the nation offering a cybersecurity degree program specializing in secure software development or security governance which ensures that students know how to write robust, secure software and to implement practical and constructive coding strategies that aid in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the software and data.
Projects and research: Students have numerous opportunities to collaborate with faculty in undergraduate research. The Center for Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing at SRU facilitates many collaborative research opportunities focusing on cybersecurity, safety, ethics, social engineering and emotional intelligence models and protocols that all students should know and be able to apply independently.
Support and guidance: Every undergraduate is assigned an academic adviser within the department to guide them through their program of study and help them make decisions about educational and career goals.
Resources: Through the highly advanced computing cluster, specialized security equipment and with expert guidance from industry experts, SRU’s cybersecurity program prepares undergraduates for careers in the field of cybersecurity, its subfields and related occupations.
NSA CAE Accreditation: The cybersecurity program has been validated by the National Security Agency for a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Program.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

"My time as a student in the Cybersecurity program on the Secure-Software development track has been very fulfilling. I was able to experience and learn about a wide range of content such as network security, malware analysis, data structures, and crucial security principles. Some of my favorite things about the program were the understanding professors who are truly there to help you learn what you need in order to succeed, as well as the ability to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge through many cooperative projects. I am grateful for my time and the professors at SRU that allowed me to break into the start of my career in the tech industry."

- Shane Smith, 23, Fraud Analyst & Technology Development Program Associate, PNC Financial Services

"The cybersecurity program at SRU provided me an in-depth exploration of the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer science. While in the program, I was able to explore topics ranging from AI and robotics to penetration testing and malware analysis. At my job, I rely on the fundamentals to adapt to the ever-changing climate of the internet and its security. The inclusive environment and supportive staff promoted my self-expression and success to obtain a degree and graduate into a full-time position."

- Abbigail Rowe, 22, Engineer, Computer and Technology Services, Epic Systems Corporation