Learn About Computer Science

The UVU Department of Computer Science provides a broad range of programs that support students in many areas. Faculty members in the CS department represent years of experience in various related occupations and their academic credentials span an impressive variety of specializations. All members of the CS department work together to provide an educational experience designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the dynamic fields related to computer science.

Learn More About CS

woman working at a desk

Programs

laptop screen

Computational Data Science

This program is designed to produce power users of machine learning and AI. Students of computational data science at UVU will build a foundation of knowledge by studying mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

laptop screen

Computer Science

Computer scientists master the theory and practice of computing and explore new and exciting ways to use computers. This program hosts three unique emphases for the bachelor's degree.

woman writing on a whiteboard

Computer Science Education

This program provides a solid foundation of software and web development skills, as well as courses necessary to obtain a Utah teaching license with endorsements in computer science and web development.

close up of code on a black screen

Software Development

Software developers work under the supervision of software engineers or computer scientists to develop software. They implement software designs, and may have a limited role in their design.

close up of code on a blue screen

Software Engineering

Software engineers employ innovative software development approaches, such as Agile software development, to effectively manage software development projects.

Faculty Spotlight

professional headshot of a man

"CS at UVU is hands-on and applied."

"UVU’s CS degree programs are fantastic and continue to grow in support of the increasing need
for domain-savvy programmers across all areas of industry, research, and government.
Degrees and emphases in web development, secure computing, core CS, software engineering,
software development, data science, and CS education for future high school teachers reflect
those needs. CS at UVU is hands-on and applied, with just enough theory mixed in to be rigorous
and relevant in today’s world and the future. Many of our students work and support families while in school,
and many find great jobs upon graduation as well. Employers say that they love our graduates because they can do stuff and make an instant contribution when they are hired."

George Rudolph, Department Chair

View All Faculty & Staff

Salaries & Job Outlook

$130,160

Median Salary for Software Developers

(BLS)

36%

Project Job Growth for Data Scientists from 2023-2033

(BLS)

$145,080

Median Salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists

(BLS)

$138,080

Median Salary for Computer Hardware Engineers

(BLS)

Awards & Showcase

Last year's winner supporting this year's winners

UVU took 1st & 2nd place - State Skills USA

Exciting news from our department! Two of our outstanding students brought home medals in the State SkillsUSA Computer Programming Championship. Kenyan Allen earned a gold medal and Jaxon Larsen earned a silver medal. This remarkable achievement reflects their dedication, technical skills, and passion for excellence. Last year's gold medalist, Christopher Aldous (middle), lent support. 

As a result of this success, Kenyan will be proudly representing our institution at the National SkillsUSA competition. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishment and wish him all the best as he competes on the national stage.  Congratulations Kenyan and Jaxon!

UVU Smith College of Engineering & Technology - Spring 2026

Group photo of award winners

UVU took 1st place - ACRP Design Competition

A collaboration of Mechanical & Civil Engineering  and Computer Science (CS)  students entered the Airport Cooperative Research Program's Airport Environmental Interactions Challenge with an Autonomous Electric Aircraft Tug and won first place. Team members: Colby Cowley, Curtis Van Ausdal, Graene Johnson, Bradan Penrod, Adam Freeman, Brendan Williams, Ethan Robbins, and Hyomin Cha. Cha was the CS member. Advisors: Dr. Brett Stone, Ph.D. and Dr. Matt Jensen Ph.D. Congratulations!

UVU Smith College of Engineering & Technology - 2023-2024

Events and Announcements

Honoring Dr. Thackeray

Dr. Thackeray
Dr. Lynn Thackeray passed away Feb. 3, 2026. There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony on May 5, 2026, 10 - 11:30am in the SE 1st floor Forum.

In addition, the Lynn Thackeray Memorial Endowed Scholarship has been established in honor of Lynn’s life and the deep care he showed for his students. Click below for more information. 

Dr. Lynn Roy Thackeray Memorial Page
Learn More

New Courses

Exterior view of new SCET building
New Courses Summer 2026

- CS 4390R-X01 Intro to Large Lang Models.

New Courses Fall 2026

- CS 4390R Adv Cur Topics in CS - Quantum Computing
- CS 4390R Introduction to Large Language Models. Build an LLM from scratch.

- CS 1380 Modern Programming Essentials
To replace CS 2370 C++ Programming

- CS 2310 Probability in Computing
To replace STAT 2050/ECE 3710 requirement

- CS 2900 Data Privacy and Security
To replace CS 3100 Data Privacy and Security

- CS 3360 Rust Software Development
To replace CS 3390R Adv Prog Lang Other - Rust
Learn More

Happy Retirement

Reza Sanati-Mehrizy

Reception: April 22, 12-2pm, SE 412

Dr. Sanati-Mehrizy joined
UVU in 2001 as an Associate Professor of Computer Science, earned tenure in 2008, and served as a full Professor until his retirement. He played a vital role in strengthening computer science and engineering education through curriculum development, laboratory innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies. A dedicated educator and mentor, he taught courses such as data structures, database systems, object-oriented programming, and data mining, and guided many students through capstone projects and research. He authored 88 peer-reviewed publications and was actively involved in national organizations such as ASEE.

The Computer Science Department invites all to join in celebrating his career at a retirement
farewell (details below). We thank Dr. Sanati-Mehrizy for his dedication, leadership, and service, and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

Click for more details on Dr. Sanati-Mehrizy's career!

Learn More

Accreditation

ABET computing logo
ABET engineering logo

Our computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, and our software engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental agency that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. ABET accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates.

Learn More About ABET Accreditation

Student Resources

CS Internships

Visit the SCET internships page for CS, or talk to the SCET Internship Advisor Stacey Brown.

View CS Internships

CS Student Resources

From credit for prior learning to tutoring and everything in between, you can find it all on the CS Student Resources page.

View CS Resources

Two-Year Course Plan

 Planned Computer Science course offerings regardless of degree for the next two years.

VIEW Courses

NSF BE-TEC Scholarship

For students studying electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, and software engineering.

View Scholarship

Faculty Schedule & Office Hours

Full-time faculty have physical offices located in the CS building and may conduct office hours in-office, by phone, or virtually.

View Office Hours

Loading Directory data....

Loading Directory data....

Loading Directory data....

Loading Directory data....

Get Involved With SCET on Social Media