Expanding Horizons: New Data Science and Cybersecurity Programs
Over the past year, the Department of Computer Science initiated new degree programs and significantly revised existing curricula to better align with the evolving tech landscape. These updates reflect growing demand for specialized expertise in data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
In Fall 2024, the new Bachelor of Science in Data Science began. This interdisciplinary program combines coursework in computer science, mathematics, and application domains such as marketing, economics, and environmental studies. Students explore the full data science lifecycle, including data collection, cleaning, analysis, visualization, statistical modeling, machine learning, and model deployment. The program emphasizes communication and ethics and culminates in a year-long, data-intensive capstone project.
In Fall 2025, the department launched a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. This technical degree prepares students to design secure software, protect networks, and conduct digital forensics. Coursework includes cryptography, secure systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Students will complete a senior design project, guided by faculty and co-sponsored by professionals from the cybersecurity industry.
Also debuting in Fall 2025 is the Master of Science in Data Science, an in-person graduate program focused on machine learning, AI, statistical modeling, communication, and project management. Students use the department’s new GPU server to train and fine-tune neural network-based models. The program includes an accelerated option that allows Gonzaga undergraduates to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. This pathway is open to students from various majors who meet the prerequisites in statistics, calculus, and programming. These new programs complement the existing Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, while also responding to strong market demand for graduates with skills in data analytics, secure systems, and AI-enhanced software development.
A major revision of the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (formerly Computer Science and Computational Thinking) features a streamlined structure, including fewer general electives and reorganized technical electives into thematic clusters such as software development, data science, and machine learning. New required courses include computer organization, databases, networks, and algorithms, along with a leadership or management elective offered in partnership with faculty from other departments.
To further support student learning and reflect current industry standards, the department is transitioning its introductory programming sequence from C++ to Python. Because Python is widely used in industry and academia, particularly in data science and AI, this change will make foundational programming concepts more accessible. These efforts represent a strategic transformation of the Computer Science department’s academic portfolio, positioning graduates for success in fast-moving, tech-driven fields while reinforcing Gonzaga’s commitment to innovation, ethics, and interdisciplinary learning.