Computer science practitioners build tools and systems to lift other disciplines, changing lives and communities.

Emmanuel students are well-suited for that responsibility, and our curriculum emphasizes ethics, equity, and sustainability. Our core requirements in programming, digital citizenship, ethics and technology, algorithms and data structures will give you an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of computing and proficiency in applying computer science principles to real-world situations. Whether you’re into numbers and data, art and design, big business, or the sciences, the major offers diverse electives in web development, application development platforms, physics and mathematics, cybersecurity, digital culture, social media and storytelling, business analytics and more.

A First-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Emmanuel Launches Major in Computer Science

Developed within the School of Business & Management’s Integrated Digital & Data Science (IDDS) initiative, the program is designed to empower students to understand, analyze, and effect change in our digitally-managed world.

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a B.S. in Computer Science:

  • COMP1101 Introduction to Programming (QA)(QR)
  • COMP2102 Programming II and Introduction to Computer Science 
  • COMP1000 Digital Citizenship 
  • PHIL2205 Ethics and Technology 
  • MATH2109 Introduction to Proofs (QA)(QR)(WI)
  • COMP2103 Data Structures 
  • COMP3101 Object-Oriented Programming 
  • COMP3xxx Algorithms 
  • COMP3496 Computer Science Internship
  • IDDS4942 Internship B
  • IDDS4900 Capstone Seminar 
  • Math Elective (choose one)
    • MATH1112 Calculus II 
    • MATH1118 Intro to Statistics with R 
    • MATH2101 Linear Algebra 
    • MATH2115 Intro Programming with MATLAB 
  • Technical Electives (choose two) 
    • COMP2xxx Web Development 
    • ART2132 Data Visualization (AI-A)(VCI)
    • COMP2132 Practical Machine Learning 
    • COMP2121 Software Development Tools
    • COMP2xxx Python Applications 
    • COMP3xxx C# and .NET 
    • COMP3xxx Cybersecurity
  • 15. Other Elective (choose one)
    • COMM3708 Digital Culture & Social Media 
    • COMM3501 Multimedia Storytelling 
    • PHYS2201 Physics I w/Lab 
    • MGMT2310 Business Analytics 

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor:

1. COMP1101 Introduction to Programming (QA) (QR)

2. COMP2102 Programming II and Introduction to Computer Science

3.PHIL2205 Ethics and Technology (ER)

4-6. Electives (choose three; at least one course must be at the 3000-level)

  • MATH2115 Modeling and Simulation with MATLAB
  • MATH2109 Introduction to Proofs (QA) (QR) (WI)
  • COMP2132 Practical Machine Learning
  • COMP3101 Object-Oriented Programming
  • COMP2103 Data Structures
  • COMP3xxx Algorithms
  • COMP2xxx Web Development
  • COMP2121 Software Development Tools
  • COMP2xxx Python Applications
  • COMP3xxx C# and .NET
  • COMP3xxx Cybersecurity


 

At the completion of the Computer Science Major, students will demonstrate:

  1. Proficiency in applying computer science principles to real-world situations
  2. Proficiency writing computer code across multiple languages, platforms, and conceptual styles
  3. Proficiency in construction and analysis of ethical implications of technologies
    •  Identify ethical issues in practice 
    • Argue constructively towards ethical decision-making in technology design
  4. Understanding of theoretical underpinnings of computing sufficient to apply concepts to problems and adopt new technologies
  5. Proficiency professional development tools
  6. The ability to communicate effectively about technical, conceptual, and ethical aspects of technology
  7. The ability to learn a real-world professional system and assimilate into the culture and processes of contributing to that system

What can I do with a degree in computer science?

A degree in computer science opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Here are some of the most common jobs and career paths for computer science majors:

  • Software Developer/Engineer: Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications and systems for technology companies, startups, financial institutions, healthcare organizations and more.
  • Web Developer: Create and maintain websites and web applications, focusing on both front-end (user interface) and back-end (server-side) development.
  • Data Scientist: Analyze large datasets to extract insights, build predictive models, and inform business decisions.
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats and attacks.
  • Systems Analyst: Analyze and design information systems solutions to help organizations operate more efficiently.
  • Network Engineer: Design, implement, and manage computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
  • Database Administrator: Manage and maintain databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and availability.
  • Cloud Engineer: Design and manage cloud-based systems and services, working with platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
  • Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer: Develop and implement algorithms and models that enable machines to learn and make decisions.
  • IT Support Specialist: Provide technical support and troubleshoot issues related to computer systems, software, and hardware
  • Game Developer: Design and develop video games for various platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
  • DevOps Engineer: Work at the intersection of software development and IT operations to streamline the software delivery process.
  • Business Analyst: Analyze business needs and translate them into technical requirements and solutions.
  • Technical Writer: Create manuals, user guides, and other documentation to help users understand and use technical products.
  • Robotics Engineer: Design, build, and maintain robotic systems and automation solutions.
  • Mobile App Developer: Design and develop applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
  • AI Ethics Specialist: Ensure that AI systems are developed and deployed ethically, addressing issues like bias, fairness, and privacy.
  • Product Manager: Oversee the development and lifecycle of a product, ensuring it meets user needs and business goals.

These career paths leverage the technical and problem-solving skills developed in a computer science program. The demand for computer science professionals is high across various sectors, making this field both versatile and lucrative.

Computer science is a broad field that encompasses many different areas of expertise. Some of the key skills that are typically associated with computer science include:

  • Programming: The ability to write code and develop software applications is one of the most important skills for computer scientists.
  • Problem-solving: Computer scientists must be able to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts and develop solutions that are both effective and efficient.
  • Data analysis: The ability to collect, organize, and analyze large amounts of data is essential for many computer science roles.
  • Mathematics: Computer science relies heavily on mathematical principles, including algebra, calculus, and statistics.
  • Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for computer scientists, who must often collaborate with team members, explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and document their work.
  • Creativity: Computer scientists must be able to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
  • Attention to detail: Computer science is a detail-oriented field, and computer scientists must be able to pay close attention to small details that can have a big impact on their work.
  • Adaptability: The field of computer science is constantly evolving, and computer scientists must be able to adapt to new technologies, programming languages, and methodologies as they emerge.

Computer science can play a vital role in addressing social justice issues by providing innovative solutions and tools that can improve the lives of marginalized communities. Here are a few examples:

  • Data analysis: Computer scientists can help analyze and make sense of large amounts of data related to social justice issues. For example, analyzing data on police shootings can help identify patterns of racial bias and inform policy changes.
  • Machine learning: Computer scientists can develop machine learning algorithms that can detect and prevent bias in decision-making systems. This can be particularly useful in areas like criminal justice, where bias can lead to unfair outcomes.
  • Mobile apps: Mobile apps can be developed to help marginalized communities access resources and support. For example, apps that provide information on legal rights or connect people with social services can help address issues of inequality and discrimination.
  • Accessibility: Computer scientists can work to make technology more accessible to people with disabilities. This can include developing assistive technologies like screen readers or designing more user-friendly interfaces.

Overall, computer science can help address social justice issues by providing new tools and solutions that can improve access, fairness, and equality.

"Spin" Control

Computer science students dive into data to detect struggling coders through keystroke analysis.

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Students from the School of Business & Management intern at all Big 4 accounting agencies, major financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, and creative agencies and cultural organizations such as Hill Holliday and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

For students in the School of Business & Management, capstone courses blend theory and practice, with experiences ranging from live case consulting, research and analysis on current industry topics, the assessment of company performance and strategy and thesis presentations.