Computer Science, Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship

Our human-centered approach to design work: gather, generate, build, and share.

Through a range of course offerings, the Computer Science, Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship Department provides students with opportunities to engage in hands-on, real-world, creative problem-solving in a number of disciplines (engineering, manufacturing, robotics, computer science, and entrepreneurship). These courses prioritize work that partners with authentic audiences, both here on campus and in the Greater Hartford area.

Key Highlights

Courses focus on giving students the essential skills they need to communicate their ideas effectively to others.
Significant time in most of the courses will be spent in the Pearse Hub for Innovation (PHI), where students will engage in our human-centered approach to design work: gather, generate, build, and share.

Featured Courses

CL Computer Science

This course is a programming-intensive follow-up to Introduction to Computer Science. Students will spend most of the initial term learning how to code in Python and establishing a solid foundation in key techniques, such as iteration and data management, as well as some common higher-order programming paradigms. Along the way, students will delve deeper into the theory behind computer architecture to bolster their understanding of algorithms and data structures. By the second term, the course will circle back, and students will combine the concepts they have learned with Python libraries to build larger and more in-depth projects.

Problem Solving for the Common Good

Students will learn about and gain experience in the process of design thinking and how it can be applied to problems related to the common good and social entrepreneurship. Students will identify and design solutions for problems/challenges on campus as well as within the local community (Windsor or Hartford area). At least one of the challenges will be global or environmental in nature.

Computer Science: AI and Digital Literacy

This computer science course builds foundational digital literacy and practical skills through a non-coding, hands-on exploration of artificial intelligence. Students will learn essential computer skills — from navigating online resources and managing data securely to understanding how algorithms and AI influence daily interactions. Focusing on large language models (LLMs), students will gain a practical understanding of AI’s capabilities, examining both the opportunities it presents and its ethical implications. With real-world applications and interactive case studies, students will build the skills to use computers effectively, analyze AI-driven information, and understand the impact of these technologies on privacy, fairness, and society. This course synthesizes essential computer skills with a deep understanding of AI’s role in society, preparing students to use technology effectively and thoughtfully in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tools do you have available in the PHI?

What kinds of computer science classes are taught?

Can students work on personal projects in the PHI?

The Pearse Hub for Innovation is true to its name: a central place where students can find the tools, faculty, and resources to flesh out their ideas and bring them to life — for their classes, for their own projects outside of classroom, and for their teams, dorms, and clubs. Students can apply for PHI grants if they need additional resources to carry out their projects.