Low view of students on computers during a mechanical engineering computer lab

Computing Sciences Department

What We Do:

The Department of Computing Sciences provides undergraduate and graduate programs in the computing sciences and plays a leading role in providing both general education and specialized courses in computing that serve other programs.

Our professors teach students to master the concepts of computing and software engineering utilizing state-of-the-art technology and contemporary insight.

The Liberal Arts tradition of The University of Scranton emphasizes the importance of the Trivium; gathering, evaluating, and disseminating information. Today, computing and communications technology provide the fundamental means of accomplishing this.

How We Stand Out:

  • Computing degree programs established in 1970.
  • Small class sizes.
  • Close interactions among students and faculty.
  • Seniors develop capstone projects in conjunction with faculty advisors.
  • Ample research and internship opportunities.
  • ABET Accreditation - The Computer Science degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Programs:

  • Computer Science - Enables students to master the underlying concepts of computing, with an emphasis on software engineering.
  • Applied Computing - Provides students with a strong technical preparation in computing, pairing an emphasis on software development with a depth of study in a chosen application area.
  • Information Technology - Focuses on applying computing technology to solve problems in organizations.
  • Software Engineering, M.S. - Designed to develop software professionals who are knowledgeable about and skilled in the application of principles related to the development and maintenance of computer software.
  • Combined B.S./M.S. in Software Engineering - Undergraduate students of the University may be admitted to the combined program of their undergraduate degree and the Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) graduate degree.
  • Data Science Concentration - Data Science is an emerging and interdisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge from data.
  • Game Development Track in Computer Science - Designed to prepare graduates for professional employment as software developers in the electronic entertainment industry.

Meet Our Faculty:

The outstanding professors of the Computing Sciences faculty average more than 20 years of teaching experience. Committed to scholarship, these faculty members remain on the cutting edge of evolving computer technology and enthusiastically share their knowledge with students. They offer a wide range of expertise including robotics and mobile applications development.

Prof. Richard Plishka

Prof. Richard Plishka

Chair

Department Chair, Associate Professor

B.S., The University of Scranton
M.S., M.B.A., Syracuse University

Phone: (570) 941-7774
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Dr. Yaodong Bi

Dr. Yaodong Bi

Professor, Computing Sciences

B.S., M.S., Northeast University of Technology Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
Ph.D., University of Illinois

Phone: (570) 941-7774
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Prof. Daniel Jackowitz

Prof. Daniel Jackowitz

Visiting Assistant Professor, Computing Sciences

B.S., M.S., The University of Scranton
M.S., Yale University

Phone: 570-941-7774
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Prof. Paul Jackowitz

Prof. Paul Jackowitz

Assistant Professor, Computing Sciences

B.S., The University of Scranton
M.S., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Phone: (570) 941-7774
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Prof. John Kaufman

Prof. John Kaufman

Faculty Specialist, Computing Sciences

B.S., The University of Scranton
M.S., Syracuse University

Phone: (570) 941-7774
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Dr. Robert McCloskey

Dr. Robert McCloskey

Assistant Professor, Computing Sciences

B.S., The University of Scranton
M.S., Ph.D., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Phone: (570) 941-7774
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Prof. Charles Taylor (Emeritus)

Inside the Classroom:

Our undergraduate programs in Applied Computing, Computer Science and Information Technology are based upon the curricula guidelines of the ACM and IEEE, and prepare students for careers in computing and for the life-long learning process that the discipline requires.
  • Theory and conceptual basis of computing is explored.
  • Students gain experience in a broad array of computer languages.
  • Hands on opportunities with emerging technologies.

Our graduate program in Software Engineering is based upon guidelines provided by the Software Engineering Institute and provides graduate level preparation to those students seeking careers in modern software development.

Student Research:

Students have the opportunity to conduct research along with faculty, as well as participate in NSF-REU projects. All undergraduate students are required to complete a capstone project in their senior year and MSSE graduate students complete a 6-credit thesis project.

Career Outcomes:

Scranton’s Computing Sciences programs prepare students for advanced study and wide-ranging professional careers in computing, including software development.

Some of the exceptional companies and organizations that have recently hired graduates:

  • BAE Systems
  • FBI
  • IBM
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Medico
  • Metropolitan Life
  • Microsoft
  • MTV
  • NBC
  • New York Times
  • NSA
  • TMG Health
  • Tumblr
  • Vonage

Accreditation:

The Computer Science degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.