Investments in the Computer Science program in Emporia State’s School of Business will prepare students for the fastest-growing career fields in the nation and answer student and employer needs.

Additions include:

• Computer Science, Ph.D. — Tenure Track Faculty
• Cybersecurity Center Director, Full-time Staff

The addition of a faculty member with a Ph.D. in computer science allows the computer science program to seek accreditation from ABET, the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. ABET accreditation is the premier quality assurance marker that informs students, employers and society that students from a program meet high standards of knowledge and are prepared to enter a global workforce.

The School of Business’ Computer Science program offers three concentrations: Cybersecurity, Data Science and Application Development. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science will select at least one concentration. Students also can take courses from the other concentrations as electives.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, “Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

Cybersecurity will also see growth. According to U.S. Department of Labor, the projected growth rate of cybersecurity jobs in Kansas is 38.7% from 2020 to 2030.

ESU’s reinvestment follows a $1.5 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for a new Cybersecurity Center. Plans for the new center include benefits for both Emporia State students and the Emporia community. Funds from the federal grant will purchase technology equipment. In addition, Emporia State University is spending an estimated $200,000 to build out the center and the required HVAC system.