Vision

Achieving excellence in education and research in the field of computer science and communication at the computer science departments in Lebanese universities, by ensuring a pioneering level of education and publishing scientific research in prestigious international conferences and journals.

Mission

Preparing distinguished graduates capable of contributing to serving the community and providing economic prosperity for the country, by equipping them with the latest techniques related to problem-solving, self-learning, and leadership skills, as well as imparting work ethics.

Goals

• Providing high-quality education in the fields of computer science by enhancing the effectiveness of education in both theoretical and practical aspects, and developing curricula that keep pace with technological development and meet the needs of the job market.
• Strengthening the teaching of computer science and contributing to the creation of a productive young generation in this field in general and in the world of programming in particular.
• Building a partnership with the local community through the utilization of the available scientific capabilities in the implementation of projects that contribute to the development of its various aspects.
• Providing an academic and research environment capable of contributing to the development of sciences related to the world of informatics.

With the advent of technological progress, it has become increasingly evident that computers have surpassed their initially assigned role of mere computation. They have evolved into electronic brains capable of much greater generality, revolutionizing various fields. One such field that has greatly benefited from this progress is computer science itself.

Computer science is a multidisciplinary discipline that not only advances its own domain but also contributes significantly to other fields such as health care, environmental science, and engineering. The impact of computer science can be seen in the way it has transformed these fields, enabling breakthroughs and innovations that were previously unimaginable.

Within the realm of computer science, the Computer Science (CS) department in USAL plays a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. The CS department offers an undergraduate major that provides students with a broad and solid knowledge base, supported by technical skills and a high capability for problem-solving.

The undergraduate majors of computer science aim to provide students with a well-rounded education that covers both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Students are exposed to a wide range of topics, including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and more. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students have a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of computer science.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the CS department also emphasizes the development of technical skills. Students are given opportunities to apply their knowledge through hands-on projects, programming assignments, and real-world case studies. This practical approach helps students develop the necessary skills to tackle complex problems and find innovative solutions.

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical analysis are key focuses of the CS department. Students are trained to approach problems analytically, break them down into smaller components, and apply their knowledge and skills to devise effective solutions. This analytical mindset is highly valuable in a wide range of industries and sectors, where there is a constant need for individuals who can tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.

Furthermore, the CS department recognizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate emerging technologies and trends, ensuring that students are equipped with the most relevant knowledge and skills. This adaptability to change is crucial in an industry that constantly evolves and demands professionals who can keep pace with new developments.

This document provides an overview of the primary majors available in the computer science department, as well as the key prerequisites for admission into these majors. It also outlines the program’s design and how the courses offered meet the demands of the job market.

The majors’ programs also allow students to obtain a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science with one of the following three major areas of high needs for the labor market in Lebanon and worldwide:

• Computing
  
• Computer and Network Security 
• Computing for Data Science (Artificial Intelligence) 
  

Candidates applying for the Computer Science Department at USAL must undergo four placement tests to determine their level:

• English Language
• Arabic Language
• Mathematics
• Information Technology

Students who do not successfully pass these tests are required to take a number of remedial courses, determined according to their results.

Achieving successfully 104-105 credits depending on the enrolled program as follows:

Obtaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 over

3 years for non-transfer students, with an official Lebanese BACC II degree, who successfully pass their placement tests (English, Arabic, Math, and IT).

3 -3.5 years for non-transfer students, with an official Lebanese BACC II degree, who need some remedial courses (English, Arabic, Math, and IT).

Transfer students’ study duration depends on the amount of transferred credits.

The design of our computer science program with its three concentrations is built on the CS2023 – ACM/IEEE-CS/AAAI Computer Science Curricula (Gamma Version) guidelines coupled with the inputs from the domain experts of the program advisory board.

The CS2023 curricula design guidelines were developed throughout a worldwide joint effort between leading industrialists, experts, and leading educators in the field of computer science. It provides a framework for adopting institutions to create their own competency model tailored to local needs. 

The CS2023 builds on and extends the CS2013 design guidelines to incorporate all the updated needs for the computer science curriculum from social, professional, programmatic and pedagogical perspectives. 

Our computer science program, meticulously designed in accordance with the cutting-edge CS2023 Computer Science Curricula guidelines, is optimally positioned to equip graduate students with the essential competencies required for seamless integration into local, regional, and international tech markets.  The adoption of the CS2023 framework, a product of extensive global collaboration, guarantees alignment with dynamic industry standards and evolving demands within the computer science field. Furthermore, the active involvement of industry professionals and educators within our program advisory board strengthens our commitment to remaining perpetually attuned to the evolving needs of the tech market. Through this strategic alignment and unwavering commitment to collaboration, the program cultivates graduates equipped with a diverse skill-set and comprehensive knowledge base, empowering them to excel within the dynamic and interconnected world of computer science.

To ensure that every student is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, we have established a set of competencies. These competencies encompass the following areas:

1. Proficiency in the practice of computer science, with a focus on computing, computer and network security, or computing for data science.
2. Analysis, modeling, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Research skills and the ability to adapt to evolving technology.