Computer Science

Students can pursue concentrations to further their education in cyber defense*, artificial intelligence and data science and software engineering.

Our students learn the latest cutting edge technology through hands-on experience in labs such as VR/AR, interactive media, intelligent systems security, cyberspace, cyber-physical systems, programming languages and vision and mixed reality.

Computer science majors complete a two-semester capstone project that allows students in their senior year to work with a company in the Dayton area. Students are assigned a problem and develop a solution that will benefit the company.

*Students pursuing a computer science degree must apply to be part of the cyber defense concentration program.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about computer science at UD.

Computer science majors have the option to choose a concentration in artificial intelligence and data science, cyber defense* or software engineering.

AI and Data Science

This concentration in AI and data science offers theoretical/practical coursework to facilitate the improvement of intelligent and machine learning system design and the awareness of the role of such systems in society.

Cyber Defense

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Cyber Defense gives student the skills and experience needed to understand, prevent and operate through potential cyber attacks on software, computer systems and computer networks. This program also gives computer science students background in theoretical aspects of cyber defense and provides practical experience in hardening software, computer systems and networks against cyber attacks. The program explains the essential concepts of cybersecurity and applies those concepts to application development, operating systems and networks. Upon completion of this program, students will:

• understand the fundamental security concepts and techniques;
• know how these concepts and techniques are applied via various security mechanisms and controls;
• know where to find and how to apply up-to-date information on cyber-security best practices and threat information; and
• learn how to implement security techniques and controls in software, computer systems, and networks to achieve maximum effectiveness.

The cyber defense concentration is a validated program (PDF) which has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) National Security Agency (NSA) since 2022 and is valid until 2027.

“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure. The National Cyber Strategy, September 2018, addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace,” said the manager of NSA CAE program in the approval letter (PDF) to the University in March 2022.

Program Curriculum

To obtain the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Cyber Defense, students must fulfill the following two requirements:

1. Meet all the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
2. To be eligible for the Concentration in Cyber Defense, students must have taken 9 semester hours from the list of courses outlined in the catalog.

Computer Science (CPS) majors who completed the concentration’s requirements will be awarded a certificate with NSA and CAE logos in addition to their B.S. degree.

To enroll in this program, please complete the registration form.

Faculty

The following faculty members are affiliated with Cyber Defense Concentration:

• James Buckley
• Raghava Gowda
• Tasnia Heya
• Luan Nguyen
• Tam Nguyen
• Tom Ongwere
• Phu H. Phung, Point of contact

• Ju Shen
• R. Sritharan
• Nicholas Stiffler
• Zhongmei Yao, Alternative point of contact
• Mehdi R. Zargham
• Tianming Zhao

*Students pursuing a computer science degree must apply to be part of the cyber defense concentration program.

Software Engineering

This concentration in software engineering offers theoretical/practical coursework to facilitate the improvement of software system design and the awareness of the role of such systems in society.

The computer science program is the study of algorithms and their implementation as applications. This includes the study of data structures, software design, programming languages, operating systems and computer architecture.

Each student must take appropriate upper-level electives from any concentration areas of virtual/augmented reality and game development, cybersecurity and computer networks, theory of computation, software engineering and project management, autonomous systems and data science.

All students in both areas of study must take at least one course that includes the social and ethical implications of computing. In addition, students are required to take a series of courses that provide a general education in the humanities, arts, and social and natural sciences. Both courses of study also develop the students' abilities to express themselves accurately and effectively.

Additional Information

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about computer science, including degree requirements, course descriptions and a sample plan of study.

Additional Computer Science Programs

• Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
• Computer Information Systems (B.S.)
• Computer Science (M.C.S.)
• Computer Science (Ph.D.)
• Autonomous Systems and Data Science (Graduate Certificate)

Related Programs

• Computer Engineering (B.S.)
• Data Analytics (Minor)
• Entrepreneurship (Minor)
• Film Studies (Minor)
• Finance (Minor)
• Management Information Systems (Minor)
• Mathematics (Minor)
• Media Production (Minor)
• Music (Minor)
• Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)
• Discover (Undecided)
• Discover Business
• Discover Engineering

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.