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Department of Computer Science

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The Computer Science degree program at Eastern Connecticut State University provides students the foundations and skills for future work and careers in computing. Additionally the curriculum prepares students to continue acquiring new knowledge and skills, to further their study, and to advance in a fast-changing world. We accomplish these goals by placing our computer science program in the context of the liberal arts core curriculum. Upon graduation, students will:

Possess practical and theoretical knowledge of computer science sufficient to work professionally and contribute to the regional and global economic development.
Be able to apply computational techniques to design and implement solutions to real-world problems.
Be prepared for advanced education in computer science and continued professional development.
Possess the skills and the intellectual abilities that will enable them to adapt in the ever-changing field of computer science.

Dept. Chair: Garrett Dancik, Ph.D. Science Building Room 257 (860) 465-4587 (860) 465-0479 dancikg@easternct.edu	Secretary: Cheryl Le Beau Science Building Room 168 (860) 465-4510 (860) 465-0479 lebeauc@easternct.edu
Mailing Address: Department of Computer Science Eastern Connecticut State University 83 Windham Street Willimantic, CT 06226 USA

Faculty Spotlights

Garrett M. Dancik

Professor and Department Chair

Professor Dancik has dedicated much of his work to teaching and developing courses in computer science, data science and bioinformatics, an interdisciplinary field that uses computational and mathematical tools to organize and analyze biological data. Read More

Garrett M. Dancik

Miriam Espino

Jafet Aparicio

In the News

Stock image of a data center server control specialist

Eastern launches new cybersecurity minor

November 11, 2025

Eastern Connecticut State University launched a new cybersecurity minor in the fall 2025 semester. Spurred by broad interest and increasing workforce demands, the 18-credit minor is available to students of all majors.

Computer Science Alumni speak at panel

Computer science alumni discuss careers and AI

October 31, 2025

The Computer Science Department hosted three alumni and a current student for a career and internship panel in the David G. Carter Science Building on Oct. 15. Zak Helte ‘28, Barrie Fraley ‘09, Patrick Boyne ‘15, and Chisom Sunny-Edupta ‘18 spoke to undergraduate students about their respective career paths and shared their thoughts on recent technological developments.

The "Social Spark" team (left) celebrates the launch of the app.

‘Social Spark’: Recent graduates design app to streamline ‘going out’ experience

August 28, 2025

A group of several students and recent graduates from Eastern and the University of Connecticut recently launched an app intended to help college students make the most of a night out. “Social Spark” launched for Apple this summer and will soon launch for Android devices.

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Programs of Study

Computer Science Major/Minor/Concentration

Students in Eastern’s Computer Science major develop essential skills required for careers in computing and are ready to adapt to and succeed in a fast-changing global technology landscape. Graduates apply their acquired knowledge and computational skills to solve real-world problems in a variety of occupations. Critical thinking and adaptive learning are fostered inside and outside the classroom by faculty who are committed to high quality teaching and their own professional development. Faculty offer specialized courses in the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data mining, and genomic data analysis. Two degree options are available. The B.S. degree is a traditional Computer Science degree that has a greater emphasis on mathematics and engineering, while the B.A. degree is designed for students who are interested in applied computing and the flexibility of a more interdisciplinary experience through elective courses in business, science, and the humanities.

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Computer Engineering Science Minor

Students in the Computer Engineering Science minor gain a background in mathematics and engineering to prepare for graduate engineering schools and to pursue careers in engineering.

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Data Science Major/Concentration

Students in Eastern’s interdisciplinary Data Science program receive training in statistics, computer science, business analytics, and geospatial information systems. They learn Python, R, SQL, Tableau and other software languages. Data-driven team projects provide opportunities for students to apply data science tools and techniques as well as develop collaboration and communication skills. Students also build a portfolio of their work by graduation. Students may choose between a B.A. and a B.S.; Bachelor of Science students must declare one of four concentrations in Mathematics, Business Analytics, Geographic Information Systems, or Computer Science, while the Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who wish to combine Data Science with an additional major. In addition to this interdisciplinary major, there is a Data Science concentration in the Mathematics major.

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Data and Information Engineering Minor

The goal of the Data and Information Engineering Minor is to prepare students to design systems and solutions for the collection and analysis of data. Data engineers prepare data and create data pipelines for operational use by data scientists and analysts, which ultimately leads to knowledge discovery and better products and services.

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Game Design Minor

Students in the Game Design minor use simulation, human machine interaction and gaming to learn artistic and computational skills. Courses may consist of animation, game engines, mathematics, modeling, network design, and state-of-the-art hardware and software.

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Bioinformatics Minor

Students in the Bioinformatics minor use computers to analyze genomic information, which is revolutionizing our understanding of health and disease. Students will learn core concepts in computer programming, genomics and data analysis, and will apply bioinformatics programming and analytic skills to solve biological problems.

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Cybersecurity Minor

The Cybersecurity minor enhances students' understanding of modern cybersecurity concepts, technologies, and tools. It provides an opportunity for students to develop essential cybersecurity and networking skills aligned with their academic and professional goals. Students will gain expertise in identifying vulnerabilities, detecting attacks, and implementing security solutions. With the increasing integration of computers into various fields, this minor equips students with the knowledge needed to design systems resilient to cyber threats.

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