Applied Computing

Applied Computing

Are you interested in applying software development skills to applications domains such as health management, data science, criminal justice, history, business. etc.

About

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. The business track requires a specified collection of courses in accounting, economics, management and marketing. The individualized track requires the student to complete a declared minor, concentration or second major.

Note: Computer Information Systems has been subsumed by Applied Computing.

Why Applied Computing is in Demand:

Our lives are impacted by computer technology more everyday which means that the demand for applied computing majors continue to grow.

  • Computer information systems is one of the top ten best college majors for the future. (Source: Best College Reviews)
  • Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.  Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Is it for me?

Are you:

  • Tech-savvy?
  • Interested in software development in an application area that interests YOU?
  • Creative and motivated?

Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Applied Computing

1.
High placement rates.   Graduates have success in securing relevant jobs at good starting salaries.
2.
Dedicated faculty.   Full-time professors teach all required courses and work one-on-one with students in their research. Students receive individual attention in small classes. Professors are on the cutting edge of evolving technology and trends in the industry.
3.
Hands-on student projects.   Students have an opportunity to gain real-world experience by working on projects with software development companies. And, through the senior capstone project, students, with a professor as their advisor, develop their own software system.
4.
Jesuit education.   Academic excellence, liberal arts tradition, commitment to service, social justice and focus on the individual are all facets of a Jesuit education that benefit computer information systems students.
5.
State-of-the-art technology.   Inside the 200,000 square-foot Loyola Science Center are laboratories housing state-of-the-art computer systems and hardware. Networked servers are accessible from both on- and off-campus locations.
  • Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus

    You'll learn how to:

    • Develop software applications
    • Solve problems with creativity and practicality
    • Analyze and understand organizational challenges and opportunities
    • Stay abreast of emerging technology and its uses

    In addition to developing software, our students strengthen their team, writing and presentation skills. In our project capstone class, for example, students are required to give three oral presentations. This experience is a big selling point in job interviews.

    - Richard Plishka,
    Associate Professor and Department Chair

  • What You'll Learnplus or minus

    Curriculum

    Students majors in applied computing take many core classes with computer science majors. These courses give students a background that enables them to develop software applications.

    Click here to see the curriculum.

    Applied computing students may be interested in the data science concentration. Students with strong undergraduate records may be accepted and dually enrolled in the graduate program in software engineering through the combined Baccalaureate/Master's degree program.

    Hands-on learning

    In the senior year capstone course, the student, under the direction of a faculty mentor, undertakes a software project pertinent to the student's track.

    • One senior developed a software interface for a patent-pending system for a local business.
    • Another student developed an app that provides hikers on the Appalachian Trail with information about food and water locations. 
  • Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus

    Applied computing students and professionals have ongoing opportunities to contribute greatly to society through efficient problem-solving technology.

    Students are encouraged to do internships to gain workplace experience. In addition, faculty-sponsored research opportunities give students a taste of how their work can result in technological advancements.

    With the Jesuit emphasis on service, each Scranton student is inspired by the challenge and responsibility to make a difference in the world.

Careers

Where will Applied Computing Take Me?

Students enter the workplace armed with practical skills and experience. 

Here are some examples of employment possibilities:

  • Information systems managers
  • Software developers
  • Data scientist
  • DevOps Specialist

Top Graduate Schools

Students are well prepared to pursue graduate study in computer or business fields.

Often students continue at The University of Scranton and pursue an MBA or MS in software engineering.

Other alumni have completed advanced degrees at

  • Carnegie Mellon
  • Harvard
  • Penn
  • UConn
  • Drexel
  • Iowa State
  • Lehigh
  • Rensselaer
  • UMass
  • Yale

Leading Employers:

You’ll find Scranton graduates working in a wide range of companies and organizations, including:

  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • IBM
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Met Life
  • Prudential

How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge

Competitive Edge

The skills of Scranton applied computing majors rise above those at similar programs in other universities. Graduates not only know how to use programs, but also develop software and understand the functions of the programs. 

The valuable experiences of the senior projects allow students to show prospective employers examples of their expertise in action. And, due to strong faculty/student interaction, faculty members provide meaningful, customized letters of recommendation for job seeking and advanced degree seeking graduates.

Take the Next Step

Get the Facts

View PDF with Program Overview
& Curriculum

For More Information

Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu

Computing Sciences Department
(570) 941-7774
cmps@cs.scranton.edu