University of San Diego

What you'll study

The Applied Computer Science degree combines core computing fundamentals with applied coursework and team-based projects. The curriculum emphasises programming, software engineering, systems-level understanding and data analysis, preparing students to design and deploy real-world computing solutions.

• Core programming and algorithms: introductory and intermediate programming, data structures, algorithms and complexity analysis.
• Systems and architecture: computer organisation, operating systems, networks and embedded systems.
• Software engineering: software design, development methodologies, testing, version control and team-based project work.
• Data and intelligent systems: databases, data modelling, machine learning fundamentals, and data visualisation.
• Mathematics and foundations: discrete mathematics, calculus, linear algebra and probability/statistics for computing.
• Cybersecurity and ethics: fundamental security principles, secure coding practices and professional/ethical issues in computing.
• Applied projects and capstone: a year-long or semester-long senior capstone project where students design and implement a complete application or system, often in collaboration with industry or faculty research groups.
• Electives and special topics: students can choose electives such as mobile and web development, human–computer interaction, cloud computing, computer graphics or advanced AI, allowing specialisation within the applied track.
• Practical experience: strong emphasis on laboratories, internships/cooperative education and opportunities for undergraduate research under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of San Diego undergraduate programmes is competitive and based on a holistic review of academic achievement and extracurricular engagement. For the Applied Computer Science programme applicants should typically demonstrate:

• Secondary school completion: a recognised high school diploma or equivalent.
• Academic preparation: solid performance in mathematics (including algebra and preferably calculus) and science; prior coursework in computer science or programming is advantageous but not always required.
• Standardised testing and credentials: where applicable, submission of national or international examinations (for example A-levels, IB, or national matriculation results) is used for assessment; the university’s admissions office provides guidance on required documentation for international applicants.
• English language proficiency: non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through recognised tests or other institutionally accepted evidence.
• Holistic factors: personal statement, letters of recommendation and evidence of relevant extracurricular activities, projects, coding experience or internships strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Applied Computer Science programme enter a broad range of technology roles across industry, government and non-profit sectors. The applied focus and project experience equip students for immediate employment and for graduate study.

• Software developer or engineer (front-end, back-end, full-stack)
• Systems engineer, site reliability engineer or cloud engineer
• Data analyst, data engineer or entry-level machine learning engineer
• Cybersecurity analyst, security engineer or information assurance specialist
• Mobile and web application developer
• IT consultant, technical product manager or technical project lead
• Pathways to graduate study in computer science, data science, cybersecurity or related fields

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers this degree within a small, professionally oriented school of engineering that emphasises personalised instruction and applied learning. Students benefit from hands-on laboratory facilities, capstone projects with real clients and robust support for internships in the San Diego region’s vibrant technology ecosystem.

• Project-based learning: curriculum designed around team projects and real-world problem solving to build portfolios employers value.
• Industry connections: strong ties to local tech companies, defence-related organisations and start-ups provide internship and employment opportunities.
• Undergraduate research and mentorship: opportunities to work with faculty on applied research projects across AI, embedded systems, cybersecurity and data science.
• Career support: dedicated career services, technical workshops and networking events that help students prepare for interviews and job placement.
• Values-driven education: a university mission that encourages ethical practice, leadership and community engagement alongside technical excellence.