Computer Science: Expecting the Unexpected
Computer science is a field defined by constant change. New technologies emerge, industries evolve, and career paths continue to expand. And, according to Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science (Ritchie School) professor Alex Stevens, its impact goes beyond the technologies we use every day.
“A lot of the people in the discipline are trying to stay organized on a machine so it can become an extension of how we’re thinking,” Stevens explains. Learning not just how technology works, but also how to think, solve problems, and create through it is central to the Computer Science educational experience at the Ritchie School.
Because the field is so broad, Stevens says the program is designed to expose students to a variety of possibilities early in their academic careers. While students build a strong foundation in programming and computational thinking, they are also introduced to emerging areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, research, and software development.
“We want to cover the fundamentals and basics, but we also want to give exposure to what could be next,” he says. “By the time you graduate, you should have a pretty good idea of where you want to go and what you want to do.”
Exploration happens in an environment where students work closely with faculty. With smaller class sizes than many computer science programs, students are known by name and have regular opportunities to engage with professors both inside and outside the classroom.
For Ritchie School computer science student James Weiner, those relationships have been instrumental. Pursuing a concentration in cybersecurity along with minors in mathematics and leadership studies, he has found mentorship, professional connections, and a strong sense of community.
“I always feel like I can go to office hours or pop into a professor’s office,” he says. “That smaller style allows you to really build those connections.”
With faculty support, Weiner has helped grow DU’s cybersecurity club, participated in competitions, and been introduced to industry organizations that have led to professional connections and internship opportunities.
The program’s emphasis on mentorship is something alumni Jared Kasner (BS ’04) remembers as well. He credits DU’s combination of technical education and liberal arts learning for helping him navigate leadership roles and complex workplace environments.
“All it really took was for me to raise my hand and say, yes, please,” Kasner says. “The world just kind of opened up.”
Ritchie School opportunities extend beyond coursework. Undergraduate students regularly participate in research alongside faculty and graduate students, gaining hands-on experience while exploring the future of the field.
“Really cool things are happening, especially with AI,” Stevens says. “We have people here interested in hardware, software, policy, and the interdisciplinary sides of the industry. I’m excited to see what the next few years will look like for Computer Science graduates.”
Learn more about our Computer Science undergraduate programs and graduate programs.
