Computer Science

Harness the power of technology

Computer science is vital in every industry and it serves multiple purposes: to make it possible to research, track and analyze information and to communicate and transact. The volume of data we exchange globally on any given day is infinite. Looking ahead, the speed at which data is sent and received will continue to increase and new technological innovations will continue to transform how we live and work in ways that we can now only imagine. 

The power of technology in today's world has opened the door to unlimited career opportunities across every industry. Alvernia's Computer Science Program provides the specialized skill set and expertise that students will need to stay on the leading edge of this continually evolving field and succeed in tomorrow's workforce.

Learn more about Alvernia's Computer Science program.

Getting Started

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Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Program Overview

Curriculum

All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-55 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, Computer Science majors must complete 51-54 credits in the major.
 

Required Major Courses (51-54 credits)

• CS 110: Intro to Computer Science
• CS 155: Intro to Object-Oriented Programming
• CS 210: Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming (pre-requisites: CS 110 and CS 155; or permission of the Chair)
• CS 220: Data Structures and Algorithms (pre-requisites: CS 110 and CS 155; or permission of the Chair)
• CS 310: Operating Systems (pre-requisites: CS 110 and CS 155; or permission of the Chair)
• CS 320: Algorithm Design and Analysis (pre-requisites: CS 110 and CS 155; or permission of the Chair)
• CS 345: E-Commerce (pre-requisites: CS 110 and CS 155; or permission of the Chair)
• CS 400: Database Systems (pre-requisites: CS 220; or permission of the Chair)
• CS 425: Software Development (pre-requisites: CS 220 and CS 320; or permission of the Chair)
• SCI 402: Senior Seminar
• Select one 6-credit option:
  • Research Sequence: SCI 406: Research I and SCI 407: Research II OR
  • SCI 480: 6 credits of Internship or taken 3/3 in back-to-back semesters (pre-requisites: junior status and a 2.5 GPA)

Choose One Track (6 credits)

Cyber Security

• CS 325: Computer Networking and Cyber Security (pre-requisites: CS 110 and CS 155 or permission of the Chair)
• CS 435: Computer Forensics (pre-requisite: CS 325 or permission of the Chair)

Data Science

• CS 300: Data Analytics (pre-requisites: CS 110 and CS 155 or permission of the Chair; a background in statistics and calculus is desirable)
• CS 415: Data Mining/Machine Learn (pre-requisites: CS 300 or permission of the Chair; a background in statistics and calculus is desirable)

Math Related Requirements (10 credits)

• MAT 209: Probability & Statistics (pre-requisite: Satisfactory score on the math placement test)
• MAT 230: Calculus I (pre-requisite: MAT 131 or satisfactory score on the math placement test)
• MAT 250: Discrete Mathematics (pre-requisite: MAT 131 or satisfactory score on the math placement test)

Recommended (3 credits)

• MAT 131: Pre-Calculus

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Washington Center Experience

Alvernia students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.

Accreditation Statements

• Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Career Outlook

After earning your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, you can pursue careers at Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, banks or local, regional, and national firms:

 

• IT specialist
• Software developer
• Network and computer systems administrator
• Computer programmer
• Computer network architect
• Computer support specialist
• Database manager
• Information security analyst
• Web developer
• Cyber security analyst
• Digital forensics specialist
• Data analyst

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $97,430 in 2021.

Tour Our Beautiful Campus Virtually

The best way to experience Alvernia is to visit the campus and immerse in its vibrant campus.
 

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