Computer Science Student Opportunities

Projects that Matter

Current students are carrying out real world projects with industry and nonprofits.  Computer Science Student Development Teams are:

• studying the feasibility of SFU becoming a tablet university by pushing the IPAD and other mobile technologies capabilities to the edge
• investigation of zero client machines feasibility as replacement technology for laptops
• designing and developing a Diocese iPhone app
• designing and developing a Web app for Diocese to publicize church events
• developing an application to track and communicate computer science internships in the local geographic area

These real applications enhance our students’ portfolios, communication skills and career networking opportunities.

Opportunities to Excel!

Our students get real-world experience that equips them with the skill sets they need to land world class careers. A vast set of opportunities awaits the engaged student, including:

• Serving as Network Administrators on the the departments own server cluster running VMware Enterprise.
• Providing real CS services to clients on and off campus
• Internships with such technology research organizations as CERMUSA
• CS teams participate in the ICPC Programming Competition.

Department Fellowship for students

A four - year fellowship of $2,000 per year is awarded annually up to ten incoming students per year majoring in Computer Science. Prospective Fellows must have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.5, a SAT (critical reading and math) score of at least 1100 or ACT of at least 24, and a letter of recommendation. Additionally the Fellowship requires the student to remain as a Computer Science major, maintain good academic standing (3.0 QPA) and participate in either an internship or an undergraduate research project or a study abroad experience prior to graduating. Students, as Computer Science Fellows, should also be willing to participate in outreach, tutorial or service activities. Click here for more information and to complete the online application.

Department Awards for Students

Computer Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award

Computer Science majors may receive an award to carry out Undergraduate Summer Research with a faculty mentor. A number of research topics are possible ranging from applied real world problems to theoretical questions. Students in previous years have received a stipend for the eight - week research program.

Computer Science Department Travel Award

Students who present at regional and national conferences may receive a monetary award to help with travel related expenses. Students also present their summer undergraduate research results, seminar research projects, and independent study projects at on and off campus events as well as participate in programming competitions.

Computer Science Department Senior Award

This award is presented to the top senior student in the department based upon academics and service to the department.

MECS Club

The MECS club at Saint Francis University is made up of mathematics, engineering, and computer science majors. Their mission is to advance student learning experiences through speakers, community service projects and field visits to industrial sites, graduate schools and conferences. The MECS Club is also highly active in tutoring students on campus.

DiSepio Chair Endowment

This $1.5 Million Endowment provides a rich set of resources and opportunities

• The DiSepio Endowed Computer Science Scholarship,
• Funding for Undergraduate Research for students as early as the freshman year mentored by Computer Science faculty.
• Library resources on Information Assurance and Computer Security
• The DiSepio Information Assurance Laboratory: a dedicated space for CS majors equipped with enhanced technology resources to work and play in.

Gaming: New Media Design and Production Concentration Partnership with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

An exciting next generation combination of web and entertainment technologies, including computer science, visual story-telling, and graphic arts where words, images (still and video), sound and human commands are integrated to produce a dynamic and exciting new media format. Saint Francis University students in this concentration will spend two semesters onsite at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology where they will complete concentration coursework in HU’s state of the art media production facilities.

Our dream for a new sciences facility is becoming a reality with completion expected in fall 2013. This 70,000 square-foot facility will house state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and research facilities (including an aquatic research facility), advanced chemical instrumentation and youth outreach areas, in addition to places for students and faculty to gather, study, and learn.

Take a look inside the Science Center

This state-of-the-art facility has significant space dedicated to the Computer Science Program. These exceptional spaces include:

• The New DiSepio Information Assurance Laboratory: This dedicated CS laboratory will have more than twice the square footage for Security and Computer Science Research than present space.
• The "Wall of Monitors": Multiple student team stations with large screen monitors for design and programming activities.
• Upgraded VM Enterprise Network and enhanced bandwidth: This unique space will be a playground for the CS student and provide ample opportunities for students to exercise their talents in network and security administration on the dedicated CS Network.
• The Advanced Programming Classroom: Dual monitors and mac mini parallel client technologies will provide a unique environment for Computer Science students to learn, develop and administer. CS students will manage the technology of the room as well as administer the various software environments.