IUP’s computer science programs share a curricular core covering fundamental concepts, programming, problem solving, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, database, and seminars on technical topics and the profession. The department focuses on providing a broad foundation to create agile graduates who can adapt to the rapidly changing trends in the computer science field. Upper-level courses are designed to provide depth of theory and build career skills. Courses held in computer classrooms offer hands-on learning that blends theory with supervised practice to train workforce ready graduates. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science program allows greater flexibility by having fewer required courses. Students often choose this track when planning to double major or if they want to tailor their degree program meet specific interests. Graduates leverage their wide scope of knowledge by applying computing skills to fields outside of computer science and are effective in communicating across disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
Students completing the program are prepared to work in computer-dependent areas of business, government, and industry. Recent graduates have started their careers with positions in programming and systems analysis, business applications, computer software development, applied scientific programming, and other computer-related areas.