About Computer Science

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science!

Computer Science is at the center of today’s most important technological, scientific, and social transformations, and our department is proud to be one of the most popular and dynamic academic departments at SFSU. We serve a diverse and growing community of students who are preparing to become the next generation of software engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, and technology leaders.

Our faculty are deeply committed to both teaching and research. They are active scholars whose work attracts multi-million dollar grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy. Just as importantly, our faculty bring their research into the classroom, giving students the opportunity to learn about emerging ideas, tools, and challenges from experts who are helping shape the field.

Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, with close connections to Silicon Valley, our department offers students access to one of the world’s most innovative technology ecosystems. Our programs combine strong foundations in Computer Science with hands-on learning, real-world problem solving, and opportunities to engage with industry, research, and the broader community.

We are also proud to be leaders in emerging areas of computing education. The department was the first in the United States to offer a certificate in AI Ethics in collaboration with SFSU’s Philosophy Department and College of Business, reflecting our commitment to preparing students not only to build powerful technologies, but to understand their social impact and use them responsibly. We also offer certificates in Generative AI and Cybersecurity, helping students develop timely and highly relevant expertise in areas of growing importance.

Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, an alum, an industry partner, or a member of the community, I invite you to explore our programs, meet our faculty, and learn more about the many opportunities that our department offers.

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a smiling person with short gray hair wearing a dark zip-up jacket against a wood-paneled background.

Dr. Arno Puder
Chair, Department of Computer Science

 

Diversity, Equity & Outreach Committee

The department is committed to making the computer science field more diverse and to provide an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. We celebrate and value justice, equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission.

Purpose

  • Establish ties with off-campus professionals, companies, foundations, and other educational institutions.
  • Solicit feedback for curricula updates from off-campus entities.
  • Represent the Department at outreach events.
  • Maintain and engage alumni of the Department.

Function

  • Alumni management:
    • Create and maintain a list of alumni.
    • Send occasional updates to alumni.
    • Organize the Department's annual Alumni Mixer event.
  • Industry Advisory Board (IAB):
    • Define statues of the Department's IAB.
    • Solicit and recruit members for the IAB.
    • Organize regular meetings with the member of the IAB.
    • Relay feedback from the IAB to the Department Affairs Committee.
  • Offer at least five presentations for the Department's Computer Science Seminar Series.
  • General outreach (e.g., K12)
  • Update the Department's web presence and social networks.
  • Organize the Department's Graduation Celebration.
  • Seek unrestricted funding opportunities and donations for the benefit of the Department in collaboration with the college's development office.