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Department ofComputer Science and Engineering

About Us

Mission Statement

The mission of the Computer Science and Engineering Department is to graduate students of competence, conscience, and compassion, who are prepared to excel in the field of computing, whether their objective is to enter the workforce or to continue for advanced studies. Our programs combine the theoretical foundations of computing with the practical engineering knowledge vital to industry, to provide a broad and integrated curriculum. At the graduate level, the department provides advanced and specialized education in computing, offered in formats that meet the needs of both working professionals and full-time students. The Ph.D. program equips students with the ability to advance the state of knowledge in their specialty area. As faculty, we continually strive to contribute to the advancement of the field of computing through our scholarly activities and those of our students.

ABET Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering is also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs. The Program Educational Objectives are ...

  1. Our graduates will achieve success in their professional endeavors, equipped with the liberal education and technical expertise required for the creative practice or advanced study of computing, will be motivated to communicate and work effectively in diverse personal and professional settings, and will demonstrate an appreciation of lifelong learning through continued personal and professional development.
  2. Our graduates will understand their personal and professional ethical responsibilities, and will observe and promote the highest ethical standards.
  3. Our graduates, equipped with their knowledge of science and engineering, will engage in activities that contribute to the benefit of society.

Student Learning Outcomes

B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering

The student outcomes for accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission are that all graduates of the CSE program will have ...

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

The student outcomes for accreditation by the Computing Accreditation Commission are that all graduates of the CSE program will have the ability to ...

  1. analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions
  2. design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline
  3. communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts
  4. recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles
  5. function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline
  6. apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions

B.S. in Web Design and Engineering

  1. Students will be able to analyze, design and improve the computational infrastructure of the World Wide Web.
  2. Students will develop interactive multimedia content that is appealing, engaging, effective and easy to use.
  3. Students will be guided by an understanding of and sensitivity to, the social, political, ethical and legal relationships between their work and those that it affects.

M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering

  1. Students will demonstrate mastery of the three fundamental areas of computer architecture, systems, and theory.
  2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in at least two advanced topics of computer science and engineering.
  3. Students will demonstrate a breadth of perspective through successful study in the areas of emerging topics in engineering, engineering and society, and engineering and entrepreneurship.

Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering

  1. Students will demonstrate mastery of the three fundamental areas of computer architecture, systems, and theory.
  2. Students will contribute original scholarship to the field of computer science and engineering.
  3. Students will demonstrate technical mastery of an original thesis through scientific inquiry, generation of new ideas, and discovery and validation of novel solutions.
  4. Students will articulate, communicate, and defend an original thesis.
Contact Us

Chair: Prof. Silvia Figueira

Department Manager (contact for Graduate Matters): 
Pam Lin 408-554-6805

Department Manager (contact for Undergraduate Matters): 
Valerie Woitte 408-554-5281

Computer Science and Engineering
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053

SCDI Bergin, Bldg. 203