Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering at St. Mary’s

One of the most innovative and essential fields of study, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering has been, is, and will continue to be responsible for most of our technological world.

The curriculum emphasizes important areas in the respective Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering fields, exposing students to state-of-the-art tools, including hardware, software and a variety of systems. Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering scientists create and work on tasks that run on the computers found everywhere in modern life, from military to medical, communications to transportation and manufacturing to entertainment. They find solutions to address issues for companies and the world.

Programs

The Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering students at St. Mary’s University study programming languages, operating systems, algorithms, databases, design software, computer architecture, computer networks, computer security and more. Students develop transferable skills across various industry standards. Most degrees within the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering offer the same core classes.

Students learn to develop not only strong software and hardware development skills but also problem-solving, oral and written communication skills.

Two SET female students in class.

Computer Science Programs

Computer Science (CS) focuses on the theory, design and development of software and computational systems. Students learn programming, algorithms, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science while building strong skills in logic and problem-solving. 

Typical careers include software developer, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst and AI/ML engineer.

Computer Engineering Programs

Computer Engineering (CE) blends electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on hardware-software integration in systems like embedded devices, robotics and IoT. It emphasizes digital systems and microprocessors and explores how software interacts with hardware.

Typical careers include embedded systems engineer, hardware designer, robotics engineer and firmware developer

Electrical Engineering Program

Electrical Engineering (EE) applies principles of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism to technologies ranging from circuits and microprocessors to power systems and renewable energy. Students gain skills in areas such as signal processing, control systems, communications and system design at both the micro and macro scales. The field also explores emerging technologies like wireless networks, biomedical devices and sustainable energy solutions.

Career paths include power systems engineer, electronics design engineer, control systems engineer and telecommunications engineer.

Software Engineering Programs

Software Engineering (SE) applies systematic engineering principles to build reliable, scalable software systems that meet real-world business needs. Students focus on software architecture, requirements analysis, project management, quality assurance and collaborative development processes like Agile and DevOps. The program emphasizes working with stakeholders and ensuring software maintainability in professional team environments. 

Graduates are well-prepared for software engineer, full-stack developer, software architect, QA/test engineer and project manager roles.

  • Earn Two Degrees

    Many of the Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering programs at St. Mary’s allow you to achieve both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees within a five-year time frame. Earn two degrees in less time with the accelerated degree option.

    Learn More about accelerated degrees

Student Activities and Events

Computer Science students talk while in a classroom equipped with computers.

The Department hosts seminars, which help students learn how to be great students, as well as provide them with opportunities to learn how to interview and meet potential employers.

Students can participate in the Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering club called Infinite Loops and the cybersecurity club called Buffer Overflow, which are open to all students. They can also join the St. Mary’s IEEE Student Branch, part of the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. The branch offers students valuable opportunities to develop their skills and connect with professionals across the globe.

Stem Outreach

Ample Opportunities

The Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering programs prepare students to be successful in the real world. As a result, many Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering students have the opportunity to work as interns in local industry organizations.

These students may work full-time in the summer and part-time in the fall and spring. Some have done co-ops at IBM and Microsoft, while others may complete their senior project as part of their internship or as a community service project helping local non-profit organizations become technologically up-to-date.

Student research opportunities are essential components of the programs at St. Mary’s. Students may assist in faculty research involving the National Science Foundation and other grants, as well as tutor mathematics and computer science in the Rattler Success Center.

  • Internship Opportunities

    Interns in local industry organizations such as:

    • H-E-B
    • USAA
    • Southwest Research Institute
    • Rackspace
    • Labatt Food Service
    • Valero

  • Employment Opportunities

    St. Mary’s students have obtained employment at many companies:

    • Accenture
    • CPS Energy
    • Denim Group
    • FBI
    • IBC Bank
    • Labatt Food Service
    • Microsoft
    • NSA
    • NuStar
    • Sirius Computer Solutions
    • Southwest Research Institute
    • Tesoro
    • Twenty-Fifth Air Force
    • Union Pacific
    • USAA

  • Research Opportunities

    Students are granted the opportunity to present to industry representatives. A few of the companies that have sponsored student projects include Toyota, Valero, NASA, UPS, Baylor College of Medicine, KCI, Friedrich, Samsung, HEB, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio Lighthouse, Methodist Hospital, Food Bank and San Antonio River Authority.

  • Funded Graduate Research Opportunities

    The Graduate Research Assistantship is available for master’s students. This opportunity covers tuition fees and provides a stipend to support their students in their studies. Not only does it allow them to focus more fully on their coursework and research, but it also offers an invaluable stepping stone for their future career development.

  • Annual Career Fair

    Students are given the opportunity to connect, grow and succeed during the annual St. Mary’s Career Fair. Students can connect with top employers, explore internships, career paths, co-ops and full-time job opportunities, allowing them to grow and succeed both in and outside of the classroom.

    Career Fairs

Customize Your Learning with Tracks

Engineering student connects wires during lab.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program offers students the option to pursue one of three tracks to meet their professional and personal goals: Cybersecurity, Data Science and Game Development. The 120-credit-hour major includes 12 hours (Cybersecurity or Game Development) or 9 hours (Data Science) of specialty courses in your track of choice. Examples of courses include:

  • eLearning and Gamification (Game Development track)
  • Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime (Cybersecurity track)
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (Data Science track)

Students also have the option to pursue a Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering degree without a specified track.

Students interested in teaching Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science with Teacher Certification.

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities

    Smiling student using computer in the Machine Learning Lab.

    Machine Learning Lab

    Students in the classroom.

    Cybersecurity Lab

    Drone Lab

NSADHS

Center for Cyber Excellence

St. Mary’s University, through the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).

The Center for Cyber Excellence at St. Mary’s is a collaborative venture drawing from the expertise of faculty and staff within the University. The Center provides guidance and general cyber defense information and promotes collaboration and interaction with other students, faculty and programs.

Learn more about the center

Marian Hall students study in their dorm rooms.

Live and Learn Together

Many of our students live in the Science Living Community, a residence hall dedicated to students who are majoring in the sciences. In this community, students live down the hall from their classmates studying similar subjects and have tutors available in the dorm for some math and science courses.

This community partners with the School of Science, Engineering and Technology to host programs throughout the academic year and invites faculty to visit the halls and share their passion and experiences.

themed living

Academic Programs in the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Computer Science (B.A.)

Computer Science (B.S.)

Computer Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Software Engineering

Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

Graduate Certificate in Educational Computer Gaming

Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Master of Science in Computer Science

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Master of Science in Software Engineering

Faculty in the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering

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