Computer Science is one of the fastest-growing fields in Maine and across the country, and this new UMPI degree program is strategically designed to prepare you for a wide variety of careers within the field while providing you with in-depth and hands-on learning experiences that uniquely position you for those careers. Our program focuses on building high-demand skills in areas ranging from data science, big data, and cybersecurity to programming, software engineering, and IoT (the Internet of Things).
Program Highlights
Optimized Learning
Our Computer Science Instructional Lab is a highly-collaborative space that creates the perfect environment to practice writing programs and developing software.
Capstone Experience
Senior year caps off with a special project where you decide how you’re going to use the computer skills you’ve gained to answer a unique research question.
Unique UMPI Benefits
From one-on-one learning opportunities to assistance in developing professional connections, UMPI provides unparalleled support.
Get Certified
Students in our program can look into unique certification opportunities, including Certified Security Analyst and Certified Ethical Hacker.
EXPECT generous scholarships
EXPECT generous scholarships
Optimized Learning
Our program provides an environment that fosters forward-thinking and innovation and our faculty prioritize personalized, adaptive learning experiences, all of which helps to support student success. Our major learning space, the Computer Science Instructional Lab, leverages technology–like moveable whiteboards and shareable screens– and collaborative learning, allowing students to develop cutting-edge skills with faculty and by solving problems with fellow students.
Capstone Experience
Our seniors participate in a capstone experience–it could be an internship, an independent study, a senior thesis, or another in-depth research project–as the culmination of their learning experience at UMPI. Students choose the topic, in consultation with faculty, and then leverage the knowledge and skills they’ve gained in the program to complete a major project and present the results of their work.
EXPECT an education tailored to your needs
EXPECT an education tailored to your needs
Unique UMPI Benefits
Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from experienced faculty, fostering a supportive learning environment. UMPI’s connections with local industries and businesses provide students with valuable networking opportunities and potential job placements upon graduation. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, accommodating the diverse interests and career goals of students, whether they aim to work in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, or pursue advanced studies. Our program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional connections necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
Get Certified
Students will be prepared for specific certification opportunities that make them highly valuable in the job market, including Certified Security Analyst (CSA) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). The CSA certification equips students with skills in identifying and mitigating security threats through comprehensive assessments and strategic planning. The CEH certification prepares students to understand and counteract the tactics used by malicious hackers.
Undergraduate Research
Under the direction of the Computer Science faculty, students in the program are encouraged to conduct undergraduate research, at times in collaboration with faculty members, related to a wide range of topics. Faculty are especially interested in having students explore topics connected with emerging job sectors in Maine, from bioinformatics in laboratory research to precision agriculture in farming, and finding ways that these research efforts can help make predictions and solve problems for industries in the State of Maine and beyond.
Computer Science Club
UMPI’s Computer Science Club was designed not only for Computer Science majors, but also those students who are interested in computer science topics. The club explores a wide range of offerings related to the computer sciences. Club members get the opportunity to put their academic learning and skills to real world use through public events and training sessions.
What You’ll Learn
Computer Science majors complete 120 credit hours to earn their degree. That includes:
- 51 credit hours of core Computer Science courses
- 40 credit hours of general elective courses (including Math, Probability, and English courses)
- A number of elective courses (e.g., Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Big Data, Game Development, Advanced Programming, Software Testing, etc.)
During your time with us, you’ll get a basic understanding about computing, software and hardware; receive an introduction to programming in Python, C/C++, Java; and learn about the following:
- Algorithms and data structure
- Concepts of Networking
- Computer Architecture
- Web designing with applications
- Advanced programming language
- Advanced web designing
- Database management
- Big data analysis and cloud computing
- Machine learning
Experiential Learning & Research Activities
Computer Science Instructional Lab
Computer Science students have the opportunity to learn in a highly functional space equipped with the latest technology. Folsom Hall 101B received a $100,000 transformation, including renovations and new technologies, to become the new Computer Science Instructional Lab. The space includes 20 new ergonomic workstations featuring new i9 Dell computers with 24” video capable monitors and instructional technologies including Zoom capacity. It also has significant collaboration capacity with moveable whiteboards and shareable screens, creating an ideal instructional setting for students to practice writing programs and developing software.
Research Activities
UMPI’s Computer Science program is known for its state-of-the-art research and innovation activities. Students in the program will have the opportunity to participate in such research in collaboration with faculty. Program faculty conduct research in the areas of big data, deep learning, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biomedical engineering, geology and mine engineering, bioinformatics, and financial engineering. For example, Dr. Rafiul Hassan’s latest research is on ransomware predictions and using artificial intelligence to make COVID-19 predictions.
Dr. Hassan has three U.S. patents published and has had peer reviewed publications in a wide range of journals, including the Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience, Applied Soft Computing, Neurocomputing, and Computers in Biology and Medicine.
Faculty
Rafiul Hassan
- Location
- 305 South Hall
- Phone
- (207) 768-9627
- md.hassan@maine.edu
Mark Royer
- Phone
- (207) 768-9411
- mark.royer@maine.edu
Fred Strickland
- Location
- 304 South Hall
- Phone
- (207) 768-9441
- fred.strickland@maine.edu
Chunzeng Wang
- Location
- 306 South Hall
- Phone
- (207) 768-9412
- chunzeng.wang@maine.edu
Other Important Links
EXPECT to Finish in Four
EXPECT to Finish in Four
Computer Science Program Offerings
If you’re interested in exploring a degree or minor in Cybersecurity, check out our Cybersecurity program.
What can you do with a degree in Computer Science?
Next Step: Admissions
We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!
No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!