Online Applied Computer Science Degree  

Pittsburgh’s Online Computer Science Degree

The field of applied computer science is robust and offers plenty of opportunities. With your applied computer science degree, you’ll gain an understanding of programming and other technical skills that are in high demand in various industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations in the field of computer science and information technology are expected to grow 12% between 2018 and 2028, faster than the national average.

You can join this rapidly expanding field with a degree from Point Park University. The online computer science bachelor’s degree program allows you to choose from four concentrations that help tailor your education to your career goals. They include software development, big data and analytics, networking and security, and a general track.

Point Park University Applied Computer Science Curriculum  

Point Park, located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers an affordable online applied computer science bachelor’s degree covering relevant topics like:

  • Web Development
  • Big Data
  • Digital Security
  • Key Skills Needed for Degree Preparedness

Applied computer science students are exposed to a diverse curriculum with concentrations that help you narrow your focus of study. Each course is developed for professionals by professionals, with our highly experienced instructors offering expertise from their own unique experiences. With our supportive online community on your side, you’ll have access to our dedicated support staff from application to graduation. With an applied computer science degree, your future is at your fingertips.

Transform your experience into college credit toward your bachelor’s in applied computer science.

Point Park University offers robust Prior Learning Assessment and Advanced Standing/Experiential Learning Credit opportunities. Students can transfer credits from qualifying experiences, including other college institutions, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST exams) or UEXCEL exams, Advanced Placement credit and experiential learning assessment portfolio submissions. Experiential learning credits are not considered current coursework for financial aid and they do not fulfill any of the minimum 30 credits that must be completed at Point Park University to graduate. In addition, experiential learning credits through portfolio submissions are capped at 18 credits.

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.

Tell me more about Point Park University’s Online B.S. in Applied Computer Science

  • Next Start Date: July 2, 2023

  • Est. Program Length: 2 – 4 Years

  • Credit Hours: 121

  • Course Length: 8 Weeks

  • Cost Per Credit: $495

  • Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

Est. Program Length: 2 – 4 Years
Credit Hours: 121
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Cost Per Credit: $495
Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

B.S. in Applied Computer Science Degree Course Offerings

Admission Requirements

Course Description

This course introduces students to the kinds of communities that people construct for themselves (e.g. social, political, artistic, etc.), explores how those communities are defined, and analyzes the values and dynamics that define online and on-ground communities. The notion of what it means to be a responsible member of the “community” will actively be explored and discussed through engagement and analysis of multiple communities including the online classroom community and the Point Park University community. Students will also begin to develop research skills, and analyze and create texts with attention to audience and purpose.

Course Description
This course includes communication theory as well as speech preparation, delivery, and communication technology. Student learning focuses on researching, composing, and delivering formal and impromptu speeches and presentations. Topics include research, analyzing and adapting audiences, message construction, outlining, delivery of messages and effective use of visual aids and technology. This course will develop each student’s ability to communicate effectively with respect to audience and purpose. The major emphasis is on the preparation and delivery of presentations ranging from one-on-one pitches and small group discussion to large audience speeches.

Course Description
Students will write argument-based assignments leading to an independently researched project based on academic and professional goals. Students will be required to 1.) find and integrate a variety of sources, 2.) read and analyze these sources, 3.) develop strong thesis statements that reflect perspectives on topics or issues, and 4.) construct persuasive arguments that engage with the viewpoints of experts and commentators. As the term progresses, students will have the opportunity to rethink or revise the ideas and perspectives they explored in earlier writing assignments by engaging with peer feedback and revising earlier drafts. Placement recommendations will require students to take ENGL 101 as a three-credit course OR in conjunction with an additional credit of lab or studio instruction. Students who earn F or NP grades in ENGL 101 will be required to retake the course in conjunction with a one-credit Writing Studio course.

Course Description
This college level algebra course includes the study of linear, polynomial, rational, radical, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs. Other topics include inequalities, factoring, systems of equations, complex numbers, and applications. Students enrolling in this course should have a background in college preparatory algebra, including high school Algebra I and Algebra II or equivalent.

Course Description:

A course on how Information Technology impacts organizations and how to use Information Technology to solve problems. Topics include: main concepts of Information Technology at a general level, online collaboration tools, application software, and information literacy as applied to searching and using the Internet. In addition, students will become proficient at an intermediate level in using application software. The student will learn each of the four software applications (Spreadsheet, Database, Word Processing and Presentation) and be able to apply them successfully to problem-solving scenarios.

Course Description:

A philosophical investigation of the main concepts and theories of ethics, with applications to fundamental moral questions as they arise in different areas of business. The following issues may be used as illustrations: affirmative action, investment in unethical companies or countries, product safety, whistle-blowing and advertising.

Choose ECON 201 and one of the following courses:

  • ECON 201 – Principles of Macroeconomics (*Required by Department Major)
  • GCS 175 – Intro to Global Cultural Studies
  • HIST 201 – Western Civilization I
  • HIST 202 – Western Civilization II
  • PADM 210/POLS 204 – Public Administration
  • POLS 205 – World Geography
  • POLS 250 – Intro to Study of Gov’t Systems
  • PHIL 215 – World Religions

Choose one of the following courses:

  • NSET 110 – Intro to Natural Sciences I
  • NSET 111 – Intro to Natural Sciences II

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ENGL 250 – World Lit: Drama, Poetry, Epic
  • ENGL 251 – World Lit: Novels

Choose one of the following courses:

  • PSYC 150 – Psychological Foundations (*Required)
  • PSYC 214 – Psychology of Emotion
  • SOC 150 – Sociological Foundations

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ART 100 – Intro to Visual Arts
  • COMM 290 – Seminar in Media Studies
  • COPA 250 – Exploring the Arts

Course Description:

In this course, the student will demonstrate their mastery of material undertaken in coursework by selecting and creating a programming solution to a significant business application. The group will work together to construct their solution and present a working model of their problem to the class. This project is designed to give the student a hands-on demonstration of their coursework suitable for a portfolio of accomplishments. Prerequisites: All Applied Computer Science departmental major requirements.

Course Description
Introduction to and application of financial accounting concepts relating to the importance of accounting in business and the application of generally accepted accounting principles related to the collection, recording, analysis, interpretation and reporting of financial accounting information. Prerequisite: MATH 180.

Course Description
Introduction to and application of managerial accounting concepts related to the use and interpretation of accounting data in decision-making. Prerequisite: ACCT 210.

Course Description
Data analysis and charts, rules of probability, conditional probability, distributions, random variables, sampling, confidence interval estimates, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation. Students enrolling in this course should have a background in college preparatory algebra, including high school Algebra I and Algebra II or equivalent.

Course Description
An introduction to the law in general and a survey of the law as it relates to business transactions including the law of contracts, agency and employment, personal property, bailments, real property, wills, descendants’ estates, trusts and international law.

Course Description
This foundational marketing course introduces students to the principles and practices of marketing, including core marketing concepts, the marketing mix, the marketing environment, business and consumer markets, marketing research, marketing technology, and marketing planning. Students will explore marketing careers and gain an understanding of the dynamic role of marketing in an organization and in society.

Course Description
Overview of HR functions with a focus on: recruitment and selection processes, performance appraisal systems, compensation & benefits systems, EEOC compliance, employee relations and discipline. An introduction to the SHRM Competencies Model will be addressed in this course.

Course Description
This class will prepare students for entry into the professional world by developing foundational skills in interviewing and marketing themselves utilizing resumes, cover letters, social media, and e-portfolios.

Course Description
The problems associated with the effective management of capital. Includes the development of corporations, legal aspects, securities market, and financial planning and development. Prerequisites: ACCT 210; MATH 175.

Course Description
Students will study concepts of operations management. Students will learn to use statistical techniques and quantitative analysis to apply to business type problems. Topics will include: Project management (PERT), use of formulas/mathematical equations/probability to make business decisions, models such as linear programming, forecasting, and basic inventory models.

Course Description
Examines the role of individual and group behavior within work organizations. Review the traditional theories of management. Topics will include motivation, leadership, group behavior, organizational structure, conflict management, and resistance to change.

Course Description
The course focuses on the computerized and Web-based systems used in business. Topics covered will include knowledge management, customer relationship management, enterprise resource management, and supply chain management.

Course Description
An introduction to the pricing and allocation mechanism of the classical market economy.

Course Description
This Database course surveys topics in database systems. The course emphasizes the effective use of database (management) systems. Topics include access methods, data models, query languages, database design, query optimization, concurrency control, recovery, security, integrity, client-server architecture, and distributed database systems. Hands-on use will be a key part of the course.

Course Description
This course introduces basic networking and security concepts. It serves as a precursor to the more advanced and specialized networking and security courses. Coverage of topics focuses on identifying and understanding the nomenclature of hardware and software use in modern networks.

Course Description
This course introduces basic programming concepts. Hands-on programming will be a key part of the course. The course is designed to teach and reinforce basic programming techniques and strategies.

Course Description
This course will provide you with concepts and tools to utilize data for making informed business decisions. We will start with the raw data and work our way to conclusions and examine all the intermediate steps in detail. Topics such as data collection, model selection, built-in assumptions, and uncertainty will be at the core of the course. You will familiarize yourself with tools to apply these concepts in practice.

Course Description
In this course, fundamental data structures will be explored that are indispensable when programming. Some major areas are objects, lists, arrays, stacks, queues, and more. Tradeoffs in terms of computational complexity and operations on these data structures are also discussed. Prerequisite: CMPS 162.

Course Description
In this course, students will learn how to administer a server. This ranges from installing an operating system, remotely installing software packages through a package manager, configuring the system, managing security and encryption, backups, to shell scripting. A big component of this course is lab work. Prerequisite: CMPS 162.

Course Description
This course continues where CMPS 162 and CMPS 260 leave off. The focus will be on problem solving but with a much higher difficulty level. The students will be required to write programs that involve multiple units of organization, e.g., classes. Several advanced algorithms will be discussed and should be implemented by the students. Prerequisite: CMPS 260.

Choose 15 credits from the following:

Concentration Details

  • CMPS 360 Survey of Programming Languages
  • CMPS 361 Web Application Development
  • CMPS 460 Mobile Application Development
  • 6 credits of IT major electives

Concentration Details

  • CMPS 364 NoSQL Databases
  • CMPS 461 Big Data Applications
  • CMPS 462 Data Mining
  • 6 credits of IT major electives

Concentration Details

  • CMPS 362 Networking
  • CMPS 363 Digital Security
  • 9 credits of IT major electives

Concentration Details
Students can complete the program without picking a concentration. In that case, they should complete a total of 15 credits of IT major electives.

Electives provide students with the opportunity to study content areas that meet personal, professional, or vocational interests.

sabrina-tatalias

B.S. in Applied Computer Science Student Highlight

“Another major factor for me coming to Point Park was the IT program. It is very unique compared to other colleges since it is in the Rowland School of Business, allowing you to get background in business while still pursuing a degree focused in information technology and data science.”

Sabrina Tatalias
Bachelor of Science Graduate

Career Outcomes

The BLS reports the median annual wage for computer science and information technology occupations was $91,250 in May 2020. An online technology degree offers you access to this highly rewarding field through a variety of careers, including:

Network architects design and build computer networks to meet the technological needs of companies and organizations. These professionals may create plans and layouts for networks, ensure system security, upgrade hardware and software, research new technologies and provide continued support to clients. These jobs are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate by 2024.

Computer programmers are responsible for writing and testing code for computers and their software. They may write programs in computing languages such as C++ or Java, assess programs for errors, create code, update and expand programs, and work with other technology professionals such as software developers. Fluency in several computing languages and systems platforms gives these professionals an advantage in the workforce.

Systems analysts are responsible for examining and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of computer systems. Combining business knowledge with information technology, systems analysts may prepare cost analyses, conduct testing, oversee system installation, research new systems and solutions, train end users, write instruction manuals and generally work with organizations to help them resourcefully meet their goals.

Database administrators help ensure sensitive digital information is stored, organized and secured. Their responsibilities include backing up and restoring data, creating databases through identifying the needs of end users, ensuring efficiency of database usage, making modifications to systems when necessary and more. These professionals may work as general administrators or specialize in specific applications, software or skills.

Information security analysts work to ensure the security of an organization’s computer networks and information systems. Their responsibilities may include monitoring for security breaches, installing security software, developing and implementing security standards, researching security trends and teaching others about security procedures when relevant. These individuals are crucial in protecting sensitive data in the digital world.

The role of computer systems administrators is to implement the day-to-day operations of computer networks found in companies and organizations. They may work with management to determine computer system needs, install hardware and software, make repairs, maintain security, train users in system operations, collect data and more. They may also serve as supervisors to computer support specialists.

Next Steps

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Official Transcripts

Print and complete the Transcript Request Form and email it to getstarted@pointpark.edu