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Computer Science Program

The computer science major prepares students to analyze and apply ethical computing solutions to real-world problems. Students develop knowledge and in-demand skills that are sought after by employers and graduate programs.

The department is committed to educating students to have the technical skills that are expected of a computer science graduate, and to become socially responsible professionals in line with our Franciscan mission and our liberal arts tradition.

Our alumni network

Graduates readily find entry level computing positions. Alumni working in the industry frequently recruit new graduates for their firms, resulting in clusters of Bonaventure alumni at several companies. Alumni also recruit upper-division undergraduates for summer internship positions at their companies. All students are expected to complete an internship or perform technical consulting in the community.

Academic track choices offer students flexibility

In line with current trends in computing, students can choose between either the Software Engineering & Big Data track or the Networks & Systems Administration track. A third track, Artificial Intelligence, will be offered in fall semester 2024. Students pursuing one track are able to take other track courses as electives.

The program is closely aligned with our cybersecurity program, with the two sharing resources and some of the same accomplished faculty. Cybersecurity offers a bachelor's degree and an online-only master's program.

Research experience enhances career options

The program culminates with a two-semester senior capstone course which guides the students through original research in an area of their interest. Graduates are well prepared for continued study at the graduate level. Two recent graduates received research assistantships to pursue Ph.D. degrees, one at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the other at the University of Arizona.

Recent research projects include the development of software to collect and analyze Tweets, security analysis of unmanned aircraft systems, and development of a shared database for nonprofit organizations.

Bonaventure undergraduates have presented poster sessions at regional and national computer science conferences as well as the Student Research & Creative Endeavors Exposition held on campus each spring. Upper division students also assist faculty members as lab assistants in lower division labs.

Department faculty are active members of the ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) communities. Faculty members have published numerous articles and several books. They have won many grants to support the program, including four National Science Foundation grants, an IBM Corona grant for support of student research on automated software testing, and a George I. Alden Foundation grant for the robotics project Inside the Mind of a Robot. Undergraduates have benefited directly by carrying out directed research with faculty.

Modern facilities support a diverse curriculum

The department maintains two computer labs in one of the newest buildings on campus, the Walsh Science Center. Labs provide students with up-to-date hardware and software to support the curriculum and independent student research.

The Software Development Lab supports the first two courses in the major curriculum as well as courses focused on app development and user experience design. The Systems Lab supports upper-division courses in big data/databases, operating systems and networking.

Zach's into gaming

Computer science major Zachary DeChane worked on developing a game for the Xbox 360 game system.

Student assistance to local nonprofits and internships

Our students can get hands-on real-world experience by working with nonprofits in the region, providing free assistance with organizations' computing projects. Assistance may include developing such things as constituent management systems, dynamic websites, or other web or mobile apps.

Projects typically last a semester and can be scheduled during the school year. Many take place over the summer. Students are advised by a faculty member throughout each project.

Nonprofit organizations interested in collaborating with the Department of Computer Science on a project or learning more about this program may contact Dr. Chris Bopp, assistant professor of computer science.

Computer science majors are also available to companies or nonprofits looking to hire an intern. Those who wish to learn more about hiring computer science students as interns are also asked to email Dr. Bopp.

Program information

The Department of Computer Science offers a B.S. and a minor in computer science.

Bachelor of Science in computer science

The major in computer science prepares students for entry-level positions as well as for graduate study.

Degree requirements and a four-year plan for the computer science major

Goal 1: Students will be able to understand computer science-based problem solving and computational thinking, and apply those tools to real-world problems.

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to read, write, and analyze programs.
Students will analyze the interconnected world of computer-based technologies.
Students will apply their knowledge to work with real-world clients.

Goal 2: Students will recognize the way that computing relates to other disciplines across campus through CS^PLUS.

Learning outcomes:

Students will explore different disciplines based on CS courses.
Students will collaborate across disciplines to work on interdisciplinary projects.

Goal 3: Students will become critical thinkers who critically reflect and on the ever-changing world of computing, and effectively communicate the impact of technologies on human beings.

Learning outcomes:

Students will develop needs-assessment and problem-solving skills.
Students will articulate and discuss current events and technologies.
Students will communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Students will analyze the societal consequences of new technologies.

Computer science minor

For nonmajors, the computer science minor provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computer science to aid in the understanding of their major fields.

Requirements for the computer science minor

Interested in cybersecurity?

The Computer Science Department also offers a B.S. in cybersecurity and a minor in cybersecurity. To learn more, visit the Cybersecurity Program.

Foerst to give keynote at synod of U.S. Presbyterian Church

Apr 11, 2024 | Dr. Anne Foerst, professor of computer science and program chair, will deliver the keynote address at the annual synod of the U.S. Presbyterian Church in Chicago on April 20.

SBU to receive $450,000 to develop Cyber Operations Center

Mar 27, 2024 | St. Bonaventure University will receive $450,000 in federal funding to develop a Cyber Operations Center on campus. The university would bring actual cyber-attack material into a configured, closed-network environment and use that material for hands-on learning regarding attack prevention and detection/response techniques.

St. Bonaventure adds concentration in AI to its Computer Science program

Mar 14, 2024 | Computer Science majors at St. Bonaventure University will be able to take a concentration in Artificial Intelligence beginning this fall.

Dr. Anne Foerst

Chair of the Computer Science Program

Professor of Computer Science

(716) 375-2245

Send an email

Walsh Science Center 111