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Applied Computer Science

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A degree in applied computer science will provide you with the problem-solving skills, knowledge of computing and information systems, and hands-on experience that today’s employers are seeking.

Degrees & Offerings
  • B.S.
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Lock Haven
Department
College
Program Contact
Chair, Professor of Computer Science
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Enrollment Update

The Applied Computer Science program's Mobile and Game Application concentration is not open to new students. Students who previously declared for this concentration may continue and complete the program.

Program Overview

The senior Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg digital forensics and cybersecurity major and ROTC cadet turned that closed door into a successful mission of transforming a medically disqualified recruit into a cyber-focused Army officer.
  • Learn to solve real‑world problems using proven technologies while building strong problem‑solving, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Develop the ability to analyze challenges, guide teams, and communicate solutions across an organization.
  • Collaborate with classmates to design, develop, and implement software, including mobile apps, video games, and robotics projects.
  • Gain hands‑on experience through practical projects while building a solid theoretical foundation that prepares you for a meaningful, successful career.
  • Students gain hands-on experience working with data, analytics, and emerging technologies driving modern AI-powered tools. 
  • Students can complete the bachelor's and master's in Information Technology through the accelerated pathway. With proper planning students can earn the MS IT within 8 months of earning the B.S. Information Technology and Analytics.

Course Delivery Format

  Bloomsburg

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

  Lock Haven

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

  Mansfield

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

This program maintains articulation agreements with community colleges and other academic institutions to create clear, defined pathways for transfer students continuing their education at Commonwealth University.

Courses and Curriculum

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills using technology appropriate to the problem domain.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed and equitable judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program track.
Commonwealth University

Applied Computer Science

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Labs & Facilities

Located in Akely Hall on the Lock Haven campus, the Linux Lab includes the following equipment for independent studies:

  • Arcade Machine components
  • EV3 Robots running Java Run time environments
  • Quad copter with programmable control
  • 3D Printer from Makerbot
  • Desktop supercomputer running Matlab with the Signal Processing and Image Processing toolkits

Scholarships

From honorariums to full-tuition waivers, scholarships exist to reward your hard work and dedication to the major.

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Real-World Experience

Internships

As part of the degree program, you will complete twenty-eight hours of external experience which can be fulfilled through internships. Students have interned with companies including:

  • Quicken
  • Los Alamos National Lab
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • IBM
  • Students have also participated in summer programs including:
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology SURF Program
  • National Science Foundation REU Program

Careers

Applied Computer Science majors can move into a wide range of careers because the field blends problem‑solving, math, systems thinking, and creativity.

Potential Job Opportunities

  • Software Engineer
  • Full‑Stack Developer
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Mobile App Developer
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Game Developer
  • Data Scientist
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Network Engineer
  • AI Researcher
  • Technical Product Manager
  • Solutions Architect
  • Database Administrator
  • IT Project Manager

Program Contacts

Drue Coles

Drue Coles

  • Chair, Professor of Computer Science
  • Bloomsburg
CommonwealthU University Employee

Peter Huegler

  • Associate Professor of Business and Computer Science
  • Lock Haven
CommonwealthU University Employee

Richa Sharma

  • Associate Professor, Business and Computer Science
  • Lock Haven

Applying to This Program

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