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The Department of Computer Science prepares students for leadership roles within professional careers in the fast-growing fields of computing and information technology, finding success as software engineers, business analysts, programmers, system analysts, and network specialists, among many others. Students also will gain preparation for job opportunities in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.
Meet What's Next: Master's in Computer Science
Meet the Major: Computer Science
Alumni in college of science and health are employed in or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation
Average starting salaries in Computer Science (NACE)
Noteworthy Computer and Information Technology Jobs and Mid-Career Salaries 8+ Years of Experience (PayScale)
The Department of Computer Science offers a comprehensive program of study in both the theory of computer science and its applications, leading to a nationally accredited bachelor of science degree in Computer Science. This program includes a broad and solid foundation in problem solving, modeling, and decision making, and the ability to program is developed and refined. Theoretical concepts are reinforced through extensive lab work and computer projects.
View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:
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Information Technology offers students a partially distinct set of abilities (relative to core computer science) and knowledge at a more pragmatic level. Students in IT will acquire the practical knowledge of networking, system administration, data management, cyber security, as well as system analysis, design, and programming.
A minor in Computer Information Systems compliments any degree. Completing a minor in CIS gives students supplemental skill with data management, information systems, and computer hardware.
A minor in Computer Science compliments any degree. This program of study gives students a foundation of knowledge in computer science, discrete structures, and computer language.
The MS in Computer Science is designed to equip students with a robust foundation and keen interest in computer science for careers in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. It also provides an excellent preparation for those who wish to pursue further studies at the doctoral level. Learn more »
The Department of Computer Science offers study in both the theory of computer science and its applications—leading to the BS degree in computer science, which is internationally accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), or the practical, hands-on BS degree in information technology (IT). Students in the program have the opportunity to engage in research using specialized campus facilities outfitted with state-of-the-art computing technologies.
In our computer science programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:
Our graduates hold rewarding jobs in mainstream computing industries as software engineers, data analysts, business analysts, programmers, system analysts, database administrators, test engineers, network specialists, or computer scientists. Many pursue graduate studies at prominent regional and national universities.
Our professors are proud practitioners in their fields and love to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Mentorship is at the core of our department, and it’s our goal that every student work directly with a faculty member to expand their knowledge and worldview.
Computer science major, software engineer, BAE Systems, Inc.
And we're ready to help you grow. At William Paterson, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to forge forward as a powerhouse—both in the classroom and in their careers. Apply today to discover your potential.
Cyril Ku, professor of computer science, Balmurli Natrajan, professor of anthropology, and Danielle Wallace, associate professor of Africana-world studies, were recognized during the University’s 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 28 as the recipients of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards.
Provost Joshua Powers presented the awards. Ku received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression; Natrajan received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Service, and Wallace received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching; The awards were instituted in 2004 to recognize faculty achievement and contributions as the University celebrates the success of students at their graduation.
Ku was honored for his distinguished record of research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scholarly leadership in the fields of data science, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, data mining, and software engineering. A member of the faculty since 2002, Ku gained scholarly recognition through pioneering work in deductive databases and intelligent information systems. His research, which has expanded to include publications that examine the application of text mining and AI in healthcare and criminal justice research, the integration of AI technologies into software engineering and education, and ethical frameworks for responsible AI development, has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Ku has served as principal or co-principal investigator on multiple major grants, including $3.3 million in funding through National Science Foundation programs and projects funded through the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Through the Data Science Research Lab, which he founded and directs, Ku has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers in AI, big data analytics, and machine learning, resulting in student publications, conference presentations, and meaningful research experiences.
Natrajan, who joined the faculty in 2005, was recognized for his engagement and leadership in a wide range of service to the institution. Currently serving a third term as chair of the Faculty Senate, he engaged faculty representatives in a strategic analysis of key areas for development in support of the strategic planning process. Natrajan, who has served as a department chair, is the founding director of WP’s Ghandian Forum for Peace and Justice. He was the inaugural director overseeing the launch of the University Core Curriculum (UCC) program in 2010 and again served as UCC director over the past two years to support the program’s revision, advancing programs centered on social justice and interdisciplinary learning. A member of various University committees and councils, including the Council for Equity and Justice, Natrajan has worked to develop innovative curricular programs in a variety of disciplines, and is active nationally in advancing inclusive scholarship and pedagogy, as well as research in his field of cultural anthropology. Natrajan’s grant initiatives include a Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad to advance international educational experiences for area teachers. He is an advisory member of the Impact Passaic Steering Committee focusing on youth empowerment.
Wallace was honored for her consistent and transformative excellence in teaching, mentorship, curricular leadership, and University service since joining the faculty in 2012. Her excellence in teaching has received multiple campus honors, including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award and the Roland Watts’ Outstanding Mentor Award presented by the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. Wallace, chair of the Department of Community and Social Justice Studies, teaches a wide range of undergraduate courses in Africana-world studies and leadership and professional studies, directs the Honors College Social Sciences Track, and serves as a mentor for doctoral students in the Doctor of Education in Leadership program. Building on a strong sociological foundation, many of Wallace’s scholarly publications and presentations focus on pedagogy and curricular innovation in Black studies. An Ubuntu Teaching Fellow with the Center for Teaching Excellence, Wallace leads the Social Justice Project on campus, which provides faculty development for those who wish to better integrate issues of race and ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality into their courses.
