university-of-bridgeport

Computer Science Programs at Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport appears in our ranking of the Top 30 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.

Since 1949, the School of Engineering has become Connecticut’s largest ABET-accredited department giving 1,400 Knights access to 12 degrees, including the Computer Science B.S. Chaired by Dr. Ausif Mahmood, this 130-credit, intensive program introduces majors to the Digital Age’s primary engine for tech growth. On the Gold Coast, students interact with several NSF-funded faculty at a 15:1 ratio in interactive courses like Discrete Structures, Software Engineering, Microprocessor System Design, and Data Analytics. There’s also a 132-credit Computer Engineering available for greater depth in electrical engineering and FE Exam prep. Undergrads could earn co-ops with IBM, research in the Cloud Computing Lab, attend Student Startup Madness, join Robotics Club, study abroad in Perth, and enter the Honors Program.

Face-to-face in “Park City” or online via Canvas, the University of Bridgeport confers a Computer Science M.S. for post-grads to deepen their technical backgrounds for upper-level management and advisory roles. Directed by Dr. Tarek Sobh, the 34-credit, customizable program has 14 different concentrations, such as CAD/CAM, Robotics, Wireless Communications, Microelectronics, and E-Commerce. Some might pursue the 52-credit Computer Engineering M.S. Dual option. Emphasis is placed on hands-on, STEM work in cutting-edge facilities like the Nanomaterials Engineering Lab and at co-op partners like Raytheon. Other opportunities include attending the ASEE Northeast Conference, joining L.E.A.D. workshops, continuing for the Computer Science & Engineering Ph.D., adding the Cybersecurity Certificate, and earning CISSP certification.

About the University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport was founded in May 1927 on Fairfield Avenue as New England’s first two-year, coed institution. Eight years later, it had acquired Arnold College and created a School of Business that would flourish after World War II. During James Halsey’s tenure, the University of Bridgeport saw enrollment spike by 3,500 and the first master’s awarded. A vocal United Nations advocate, UB has grown into a comprehensive private, nonprofit R3 university with one of the largest ESL programs. Featuring a $37 million economic impact, Bridgeport has 128 full-time faculty members teaching nearly 6,000 Knights from 80 nations at its 50-acre campus in Connecticut’s largest city. The University of Bridgeport is affiliated with scientists like Abdul Razaque, John Rassias, Igor Sikorsky, and Clark Wilson.

The U.S. News & World Report ranked Bridgeport the 146th best North university with the 69th best online engineering school and 40th top computer tech online degrees nationally. On Niche, UB is recognized for Connecticut’s third most diversity, sixth best campus food, and 12th top athletics department. The Princeton Review featured the University of Bridgeport on its “Best Northeastern” list. College Factual declared UB the country’s 431st best computer science school with the 219th highest-paid grads. PayScale reports a median MCS salary of $65,000 for Bridgeport alums. Washington Monthly chose Bridgeport for the 138th best financial aid and 326th most research expenditures. On WalletHub, the University of Bridgeport also landed 419th for career outcomes and 204th for campus experience.

University of Bridgeport Accreditation Details

Continuously since 1951, the University of Bridgeport has submitted to quality checkups from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) to maintain the maximum 10-year Level VI accreditation without sanctions. This regional body in Burlington is authorized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to continually review all of Bridgeport’s five associate, 40 baccalaureate, 30 master’s, and nine doctoral programs overseen by Provost Dr. Stephen Healey from Stamford to Waterbury. In particular, the Computer Engineering B.S. is approved by the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) through 2021.

University of Bridgeport Application Requirements

Getting into the University of Bridgeport is considered “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s with only 53 percent of applicants accepted. First-year Knights seeking the Computer Science B.S. must present a high school diploma or GED with 16+ units of academic work. Taking three years of math and college-prep physics is suggested. Freshmen need an overall 2.5 GPA or better, but the average is 3.08. Undergrads also have a median 1010 SAT score and 21 ACT score. The School of Engineering considers transfers with 12+ attempted college credits and minimum 2.0 GPAs. Starting the Computer Science M.S. will involve proving completion of an accredited baccalaureate. Master’s prerequisites include Linear Algebra, Calculus, Data Structures, and Programming Languages. Graduated STEM majors should hold a 2.9 GPA or greater, but GRE scores are optional.

The University of Bridgeport has rolling undergrad admission with February 15th priority and August 1st final deadlines. Computer Science M.S. entrants must abide two dates: May 1st for Fall and November 15th for Spring. The UB Application or Common Application is easily completed online. Extra documents might be mailed to 126 Park Avenue in Bridgeport, CT 06604. Assistance is available at (203) 576-4552 or admit@bridgeport.edu if needed. Future computer innovators shouldn’t miss these:

  • $25 application fees ($50 for graduate)
  • Official high school and university transcripts
  • Typed, 500-word graduation goals essay
  • Professional résumé or CV of tech experience
  • College entrance exams (SAT, ACT, or GRE)
  • Two or three letters of non-family reference
  • English proficiency tests if applicable

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2018-19, traditional full-time undergrad tuition at the University of Bridgeport will be $15,375 yearly. Part-time Computer Science B.S. study would cost $710 per credit. Budgets must account for the $955 general fee, $100 government fee, and $150 PAL deposit. The health insurance premium of $1,600 can be waived. Living at the Connecticut campus’s dorms like Seeley Hall adds $13,590 for room and board. The annual cost for bachelor’s attendance equals $54,508 for residents and $41,804 for commuters. Pursuing the Computer Science M.S. will bill $725 per credit with a $645 general fee every semester for roughly $27,230 total.

According to the NCES College Navigator, 95 percent of starting full-time UB Knights share $9.8 million each August for median first financial aid offers of $25,474. Computer science majors access institutional funds like the Trustee Scholarship, Challenge Grant, Transfer Presidential Scholarship, Grand Challenges Scholars Award, Jeffrey S. Fugerson Scholarship, Mark L. Ritter Scholarship, and Jasper McLevy Scholarship. Completing the FAFSA application with code 001416 would determine Federal Pell and FSEOG Grant eligibility. Nutmeg State natives can claim the Capitol Scholarship Grant or Connecticut Independent College Student Grant. Yellow Ribbon certification requests can arrange veteran benefits. The Federal Work-Study (FWS) jobs pay at least $10.10/hour for students with minimum 2.0 GPAs. LendEDU lists average debt of $21,200 for Bridgeport alums from Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Graduate Plus, and alternative loans.

Learn more about the University of Bridgeport at the Computer Science & Engineering Department website.