This list of accredited computer science degree programs in Pennsylvania will serve as a starting point for students wishing to find a degree program that will be a good “fit” for them. Some of the programs detailed are in religious schools and, as such will have components of theology in their liberal arts educational requirements. One of the degrees is more intensive because it is offered through two colleges and students complete requirements for the degree from both schools. To see more accredited computer science degree programs in Pennsylvania, visit Computer Science Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (A-E) and Computer Science Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (T-Z).

Gannon University

College of Engineering and Business

This Roman Catholic school is one of the largest computer education facilities in the tri-state area. It is ranked in the US News and World Report of Best Engineering Degrees. This is a master’s university, which means that the majority of degrees it awards are master’s degrees. Gannon University is home to the Dahlkemper School of Business. It also houses the Erie Incubator, a source of support and advisors for launching new technologies and businesses in the area. There are 4,219 students enrolled at Gannon University. In-state tuition is $25, 980.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This 128 credit-hour program is designed to advance and change with the ever-morphing face of business in the global economy. The Bachelor of Science gives students foundational skills, theory and ethics they need to obtain their first professional position and the solid understanding of the field to sustain a career. Students learn to design and build algorithms, apply discrete mathematics to solve computational problems, understand the interface between computer architecture and software applications and apply quantitative measures to evaluate computational nodes. There are core classes in computer information systems and in computer science, technical and science/mathematics electives. Gannon also sets itself apart by the integration of the business classes with liberal arts courses like philosophy and composition, theology and ethics, to build good communication skills and develop the ability for critical thinking and logic .

Minor in Computer Science

Minors are intended to allow students in other disciplines to broaden their knowledge of computer systems and information systems. Computers are used in virtually every profession either in the digital storage of information or in the mechanisms that accomplish the work. The Minor in Computer Science consists of 18 credits which must be completed in addition to the requisites for the bachelor degree to which it is added. The required courses are: Principles of Computing, Introduction to Programming (with the lab), Problem-solving With Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures.

Accreditation

  • Computing Commission of ABET

Contact
College of Engineering and Business
Gannon University
109 University Square
Erie, PA 16501
814-871-7443
Brinkman001@gannon.edu
http://www.gannon.edu/Academic-Offerings/Engineering-and-Business/Undergraduate/Computer-Science/

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

This school tailors its courses to the “relation of citizens to their environment.” The programs of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are constantly monitored and altered to adapt to the radical innovations in technology. The university is ranked # 177 of National Universities by US News and World Report. Consumer Digest ranked the school #4 among the nation’s top 50 in 2007. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This degree balances fundamentals with breadth and supervised practice . Computer Science majors are encouraged to take a strong minor in a second area of interest. There are three tracks to the degree. The Applied Computer Science track is 120 credits and has 40 credits in computer science, 8 to 12 in other requisites, 48 credits in liberal studies and 8 to 18 credits in the minor as well as credits in free electives. This track is for people who want to become software engineers and database administrators. The Information Assurance track is for people who want careers as information security specialists, for instance. The degree path is 120 credits as well, but many of the courses differ and people in this track must minor in criminology. The third track is for people who want very specialized careers as language and systems managers. It, too, has 120 credits.

Accreditation

  • Computing Commission of ABET

Contact
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Weyandt Hall Room 305
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
975 Oakland Avenue
Indiana, PA 15705
724-357-2609
admissions-inquiry@iup.edu
http://www.iup.edu/compsci/

Lafayette College

Department of Computer Science

This private, coeducational college boasts a university feel because of the breadth of its curriculum. It awards 37 bachelor of arts degrees, 10 bachelor of science degrees in 10 fields of science and four in engineering. There are 215 full-time faculty members, 99 percent of which hold doctorates, and an enrollment of 2,488. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10.5:1. The school is ranked by US News and World Report as #36 of National Liberal Arts Colleges. Annual tuition is $43,970.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This degree provides comprehensive curriculum to give students the theory, skills and ethics of computer science technology. It focuses on the ability to work in a team to “analyze, design and implement a computer solution” for substantial problems. Core Computer Science classes include Introduction to Computers, Data Structures and Algorithms, Computers and Society, Analysis and Algorithms, Software Engineering, Principles of Programming Languages and other courses. There are 31 Common Course of Study classes including natural sciences and math requisites. Seniors have the option to do independent study upon approval of advisors. There is a senior thesis which takes two semesters to complete, and a senior project for those who do not choose a thesis. Students must take and pass a field exam at the conclusion of the degree program.

Accreditation

  • Computing Commission of ABET

Contact
Department of Computer Science
406 Acopian Engineering Center
Lafayette College
740 High Street
Lafayette, PA 18042
610-330-5428
compsci@lafayette.edu
http://compsci.lafayette.edu/

Lehigh University

P.C. Rossen College of Engineering and Applied Science

Lehigh University is a private research university in Bethlehem, PA. It was ranked 12th in the nation for return on investment. The college has 140 faculty members who teach the Rossen credo “ engineering is driven by humanity.” Students are expected to develop the skills and critical thinking ability to address what Lehigh sees as the four most pressing problems of the world: expanding health needs of the global community, inter-relation of energy, environment and infrastructure, and the impact of globalization on post-industrial urban communities.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business

This degree program is housed in both the College of Business and Economics and the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Students are assigned advisors in both colleges and are awarded a joint degree at the conclusion of the program. This method lends itself to providing a depth and a balance in the curriculum because graduates have skills and knowledge in business as well as in computer sciences. Applicants for the degree complete all coursework for degrees in both business and computer science. The four-year-program consists of 1/3 liberal arts, 1/3 computer science and 1/3 business. Graduation requires completion of 136 credit hours. This degree is intended for those who want to become chief information officers or general managers of corporations. It also prepares students to enter graduate school.

Accreditation

  • Computing Commission of ABET

Contact
Rossen College of Engineering and Applied Science
27 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-758-5308
Email through website
http://www.lehigh.edu/engineering/

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

School of Science and mathematics

The university was ranked #81 for best regional university, north, by US News and World Report. The college boasts state-of-the-art equipment, theory and concepts. Student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. The six-year university graduation rate is 64 percent. Because there are no graduate degrees offered through the university, it builds advanced studies into its undergraduate programs. Full-time undergraduate tuition is $7,359, but under a revised tuition schedule, the school bills per credit, which increases its affordability because students pay only for the credits they take and not tuition based on twelve-to-fifteen credits, which is an average student load.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This program went through a major revision in the 1990’s and received national recognition for its new format in 1999. Since that time, the program has been monitored continuously to make sure it keeps pace with the changing nature of computer technologies. The strong liberal arts component (48 credits) of the degree makes it extremely flexible and it prepares students for entry into general professional life. There are two components to the program: core classes which all computer science majors must take and electives which consist of four courses of study which students select based on personal interests and career goals. Students tailor their degrees to meet their needs while receiving the same basic education. There are five labs in the college, three of which are instructional and two of which accommodate research. The three instructional labs are Linux, Windows and Operating Systems and Computer Networks.

Accreditation

  • Computing Commission of ABET

Contact
School of Science and Mathematics
Computer Science Department
PO Box 1002
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
1 St. George Street
Millersville ,PA 17551
717-872-3859
info@cs.millersville.edu
http://www.millersville.edu/scienceandmath/

St. Joseph’s University

College of Arts and Science

This school is a private, coeducational university owned by the Roman Catholic Church in the Jesuit tradition. It is the 7th oldest Jesuit university in the United States, and is a “Master’s University” which means that the majority of the degrees they award are master’s degrees. Total enrollment is 8860 students. This university is ranked in the US News and World Report list of Best regional Universities, N orth. The undergraduate, in-state tuition is $38,800 annually. There are 319 full-time faculty members. 98 percent of who hold the highest possible degree in their field.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The anticipated outcome of this degree is that students will be able to apply knowledge of computing and appropriate mathematics to the discipline. Students are expected to gain experience working in teams to analyze problems and to design and implement computer solutions to them. Another focus of the program is the ability of graduates to communicate effectively. There are 40 courses in the degree: general liberal arts education courses, major and electives. The signature courses of the college are Jesuit Common Core, Cultural Legacy Core, and Variable Core. The Variable Core classes, which are used to tailor the degree, are: fine arts, natural sciences and their appropriate labs, mathematics, non-native languages, social and behavioral sciences, philosophy, theology and writing. Students may do independent study late in the program and there are internships available.

Master of Science in Computer Science

This degree is offered in a Concentration Option or in a General Option. The Concentration option contains a minimum of 10 courses. The concentrations are Information Sciences or Web and Database Technologies. Of the ten required courses, two may be in approved research projects. The required classes are Object-oriented Design and Data Structure and Design and Analysis of Algorithms. Students also take two electives plus fur courses from the same concentration and two others that are level 5000 or above. The Web and Database option involves XML technology and web services that form the basis for most computer applications. The Information services concentration is for those who want a highly technical career managing information systems. The Generalist format in which the degree is offered is for people who are interested in understanding and utilizing large structure systems. There are 10 courses of which six are required and four are electives. Two courses may be in approved research projects. Students who want to finish the master degree in 1.5 years may take four courses their last fall semester.

Computer Science Minor

Minors are intended for people who want to add an understanding if not a working knowledge of computational systems to a major in another discipline. Students who enter this program must have the approval of the department, and an advisor will assist in the selection of courses. The Minor in Computer Sciences consists of six courses which include: Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Data Structures and three computer science electives numbered 340 and above.

Accreditation

  • Council on Higher Education, Middle States
  • ABET

Contact
College of Arts and Sciences
St. Joseph’s University
5600 City Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19131
610-660-1567
tfasy@sju.edu
http://www.sju.edu/majors-programs

Shippensburg University

College of Arts and Sciences

This university was ranked #93 among Regional Universities, North, by the US News and World Report. There are 7,548 students, most of who are from Pennsylvania, and 300 full-time faculty, making the student-to-faculty ratio 20:1. The computer science department has 180 computer science students and seven full-time faculty. The school offers four computer science programs, and boasts 100 work stations in the Broadside Center and instruction in Java and “C” languages. In-state tuition is $9,448 and non-resident tuition is $17,726.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This degree combines practical experience and application with theory and offers the opportunity to specialize. Students who wish the broadest education need not declare a concentration. There are, however, three concentrations in the Computer Science Department of the College of Arts and Sciences. These are Computer Graphics, Embedded Systems and Related Discipline. The Computer Graphics option includes classes from the Art and Design Department of the college along with graphics courses. The Embedded concentration is for students who want to write software but who do not want to design hardware. The Related Discipline concentration is for people who want to add computer science technology to another discipline in the arts or sciences. The 120-credit program contains 50 credits in liberal arts studies as well as major and elective courses. A senior capstone projects is required of all computer science students, and all university students must take a diversity course as well.

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science program must be completed in seven years. If applicants for the program have lower than a 2,75 GPA they must take the Graduate Record Exam. The degree consists of 30 credits. Core classes are: Automata Theory, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems and High-Performance Computing. Electives are: Programming Languages, Computer Security, Scientific Visualization, Advanced Databases and Advanced Topics in Computer Science. The school offers a traditional master’s degree that accommodates people who want professional skills in software engineering or in IT leadership. Students who transfer to the program without a foundation in computer sciences must take three prerequisite courses before enrolling in the program. The traditional master’s degree program consists of 10 courses of which six are core and four are electives. Instead of the electives a student can choose to complete an entire concentration.

Accreditation

  • Commission On Higher Education Middle states
  • ABET

Contact
College of Arts and Sciences
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257
717-477-1178
compsc@cs.ship,edu
http://www.ship.edu/Academics/Programs/Undergraduate/Computer_Science/

Slippery Rock University

College of Business, Information and Social Sciences

US News and World Report ranks this university as #93 of Regional Universities, North. There are 7,860 students enrolled in this public, coeducational school. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1, and the four-year graduation rate is 38 percent. The College of Business, Information and Social Sciences has been recognized for having high-value degree programs. The college constantly updates the programs and the facilities to keep up with the rapidly-changing technology world. In-state tuition is $9,027 and non-residents pay $12,339.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

This degree provides an all-around in depth education. There are twelve teaching faculty members and research opportunities are offered to interested students. The college has five computer laboratories. The degree consists of 45 liberal arts course credits, 31 hours in required courses including Programming Principles, Advanced Programming principles, Computer Organization, Algorithms and Data Structures, Programming Languages, Theory of Computation and Computer Networks. There are nine hours of electives including an internship, 15 hours of required math classes and 13 hours of required science courses in the 125-hour degree. Students must also complete nine credits of “Enrichment Courses” such as “Interpersonal Relationships,” “The Arts,” or “Global Community.” If classes are not used toward the major requirements, they may be used to meet the liberal arts requisite of the degree. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA during the program. Internships are offered at 25 locations.

Accreditation

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • ABET

Contact
College of Business, Information and Social Science
Department of Computer Science
Slippery Rock University
1 Morrow Way
Slippery Rock , PA 16057
724-738-2040
Email through website
http://www.sju.edu/majors-programs

Students looking for a computer science program will save time and effort with the information contained in this list. For more information, visit the school websites shown in the “contact” sections of this list of accredited computer science programs in Pennsylvania.