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AI Is Here. Are You Ready?

Unleash your potential in Computer Science & Innovation. Explore our program and discover limitless possibilities.

Major (BS)
Division of Information Technology & Sciences 
Internships
On-Campus Employment Opportunities
Study Abroad
Leahy Center 
Current Students College Catalog 
Internships 
Admissions 
Related Majors 

Start Building In-Demand Tech Skills for Today’s Highest-Paying Careers

In a world where every company is now a tech company, employers are competing for skilled computer science professionals who can solve real business problems.

At Champlain, you’ll start coding and building software from day one, learning the exact skills employers need—while earning industry certifications that help you land high-paying jobs even before graduation.

  • Computer Science & Innovation combines technical programming skills with creative problem-solving. In today’s digital economy, these skills are in extremely high demand across every industry. At Champlain, you’ll master both the coding fundamentals and the innovation mindset that employers are actively recruiting for right now.

  • At Champlain, you start working on real tech projects immediately. While students at other colleges are still taking general education courses, you’ll already be:

    • Building working software applications that solve actual problems
    • Learning programming languages that today’s employers require
    • Earning credentials that make your resume stand out
    • Working in small classes (average of 15 students) with professors who know your name

    Our exclusive four-course Innovation Sequence connects you directly with emerging technologies that are reshaping industries and creating new career opportunities with exceptional salary potential.

  • By the time you graduate, you will…

    • Write professional-level code – Master programming languages that employers demand
    • Build working software – Create applications that solve real business problems
    • Implement emerging technologies – Apply AI, machine learning, and other cutting-edge tools
    • Work effectively in teams – Develop the collaboration skills tech companies require
    • Manage complex projects – Learn the project management methods used in industry
student soldiers computer components

Different by Design

Career-Ready Skills from Day One

Our Innovation Sequence gives you the hands-on technology skills companies are hiring for right now, giving you immediate marketable skills.

Specialized Career Pathways

Choose from high-demand concentrations that align with industry needs:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Mobile App Development
  • Software Engineering

Employer Connections

Our strong industry partnerships lead to paid internships, networking opportunities, and direct hiring pipelines to top companies.

92%

of Computer Science & Innovation majors in the Class of 2023 were employed within six months after graduation. That’s success you can see.

$80,000

Median starting salary of Champlain College Computer Science & Innovation majors graduating in the Class of 2023.

26% Growth

Computer and Information Research Scientist jobs are projected to grow 26% through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—much faster than the 4% average for all occupations.

Sample Courses in the Computer Science & Innovation Curriculum

Our program is specifically designed to align with industry demands and employer requirements. You’ll build your technical toolkit sequentially, ensuring you’re job-ready at every stage.

Your Career Outlook

With a Champlain Computer Science & Innovation degree, you’ll be prepared for high-paying roles in:

  • Software Development
  • Mobile App Creation
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Analysis
  • Cybersecurity
  • IT Project Management
  • Technology Research

What is the Innovation Sequence?

The Innovation Sequence is a distinctive series of four courses in our Computer Science & Innovation program that specifically focus on emerging technologies and computing trends—it’s the “Innovation” part of the program, if you will. Through studying topics such as open-source software development, emerging languages, and artificial intelligence, you’ll gain valuable skills and insights that are in high demand in today’s rapidly evolving tech industry.

The Innovation Sequence is designed for you to be well-positioned to stand out in a competitive job market and make meaningful contributions in the field. Learn more about the Innovation Sequence courses:

  • Innovation I: Introduction to Emerging Technologies
  • Innovation II: Open Source Software Development
  • Innovation III: Emerging Languages
  • Innovation IV: Topics in Artificial Intelligence

Computer Configuration Requirements and Recommendations

Computer Science & Innovation Majors require laptops with the following minimum specifications for 2024/2025.

  • 12th or 13th generation i5 Intel Microprocessor, Apple M2 Microprocessor, or AMD Ryzen 6000+ mobile series (U series)
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 512 GB SSD
  • Webcam
  • USB-C Video Output Port

Example Models for 2024/2025

Contact the Program Directors

David Kopec

David Kopec,
Co-Program Director of Computer Science

 (802) 651-5952
 Email Me

Murat Gungor

Murat Gungor,
Co-Program Director of Computer Science

 (802) 865-6460
 Email Me

  • a cybersecurity pre-college students converses with faculty in the leahy center
    Pre-College Summer Program: Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy

    The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy offers students an in-depth learning experience in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Students work together to solve real digital forensics problems faced by law enforcement agencies all over America and gain hands-on learning experience from veterans of the cybersecurity industry in this pre-college summer program.

    This program is designed for students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates.

    Learn More on the Pre-College Summer Program Website

More Inside Computer Science & Innovation Major