Computer Science

Department of Computer Science offers the Computing major with three concentrations:

Computer Science: it deals with theoretical and algorithmic foundations of computation. Students will take an extensive core of computer science courses, including data structures and algorithm, discreet computing structures, operating system, computer architecture and organization. Traditionally, computer scientists work in designing and implementing software, devising new ways to use computers, and developing effective ways to solve computing problems.
Information Technology: it prepares students to create highly dynamic information handling systems that are Web-based. The program focuses on the programming applications of the Internet and WWW: dynamic scripting, information processing, and visual interfaces. You will take a strong core of computing courses supported by classes in business, communications, and art.
Computing Analytics: the computing analytics concentration emphasizes the analytical skills that are increasingly requested by organizations. You’ll learn recent technological advances to capture data streams, apply analytics on generated data and create visualization of the data for corporate strategical planning. Graduates are prepared for careers in the data science field such as data analyst, data scientist, business analyst, data architect and data engineer.

The Bachelor of Science in Computing degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Department of Computer Science offers majors and minors in Cybersecurity with two concentrations:

Secure Software Development: this concentration offers a comprehensive coverage of diverse and interdisciplinary topics, such as, network administration, cryptography, software assurance, secure coding, security tools, security analysis, incident response, security management, automation, data science and data analytics, scripting, malware behavior, and analysis. The graduates of this concentration know how to write robust, secure software and to implement practical and constructive coding strategies that aids in maintaining the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of the software and data.
Security Governance: this concentration provide students with the fundamental concepts, practices, processes, tools and techniques for managing cybersecurity. The curriculum provides the students with the awareness, knowledge, opportunity and resources for managing various technologies in emerging areas of information assurance including computer and network security, digital forensics, cryptography and biometrics. The graduate of this concentration possess skills focusing on fraud detection, strategic directions, security design, principles, ethics, compliance, regulations and risk management that all students should know and be able to apply independently when using technology, computing systems, digital media and information technology, including the Internet.

Highlights of the Department and majors

Abundant career opportunities: employment of computer programmer is projected to grow 8 percent from 2012 to 2022. The median of salary was $72,480 in May 2012. Employment of network and computer administrators will grow 12 percent, and the median of salary was $72,560 (source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Caring and friendly study environment: all the faculty have Ph.D. in Computer Science or related fields. They are committed to provide quality education and to help students succeed.
State-of-the-art computing equipment on campus: with four smart classrooms, artificial intelligence/robotics lab, architecture lab, networking lab, and undergraduate research lab, the students have plenty of opportunities to practice and apply their technical skills.
Internship: students are regularly placed with companies including Bayer Corp., US Steel, Highmark Blue Shield, and McKesson Robotics. They gain valuable work experience, academic credit, and paychecks.
Student research: students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on research project ranging from robotics to Web graphics. Each year our students have papers published in international and national conferences.
Extracurricular activities: with two student-driven clubs and an honor society, students will build their self-motivation, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
The faculty are active in the initiative to encourage women in pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math degrees ( Women in STEM), as well as minorities.

news

SRU researchers team with Berkeley Lab to develop augmented reality cybersecurity app

Quotes from Alumni

"As an alumnus of Slippery Rock University (SRU) and a member of the Board of Visitors, I want to thank you personally for taking the time to consider SRU to further your education. SRU understands the important decision and financial impacts associated with furthering your education. Every consideration is taken so that you are comfortable with the academic program and the campus setting. I can assure you that SRU offers a wide variety of opportunities which will help you facilitate your learning opportunities for the future."

-- Matthew P. Piroch, Senior Vice President, Highmark Blue Shield, SRU CS alumni