Computer Science: Home

Computer science is the study of computing systems, computing processes, information processing, and software engineering. Computer scientists and software engineers develop technologies such as web browsers, special effects in movies, communications systems for controlling “driverless” robots, and media players.  Due to its flexibility, creativity, job growth and average salary, Money Magazine reports that software engineering is the best job in America.

The University of Portland offers a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. The program offers students the advantage of learning in small classes while earning an ABET-accredited degree that stresses an understanding of problem-solving, computational analysis, and software development practices.  These practices include designing, implementing, debugging, extending, testing, documenting, and analyzing algorithms and software. To achieve this goal, students are introduced to programming “in the small” to lay a foundation for designing and building larger software projects.  Every senior participates in a capstone design experience, where he or she works with a team to propose, design, and build a project.  With the companion liberal arts core curriculum at the University of Portland, computer science students are prepared to make contributions to the world guided by concerns for issues of justice and ethical behavior.  Faculty members focus on the areas of software engineering, compilers, programming languages, graphics, computer architecture, artificial intelligence, multimedia, networking, and databases to achieve the objectives of the computer science program.

The Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science is part of the School of Engineering, along with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering.  The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (CAC/ABET).  The curriculum ensures graduates are well-rounded computer scientists.  Courses in programming fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, mathematics, computer organization, software engineering, operating systems, programming databases, artificial intelligence and human computer interaction allow students to pursue their interests.