Shipyard Curriculum
Where Classroom Learning Meets Real-World Experience.
Real Problems, Real Impact
The Shipyard gives students opportunities to gain real-world experience throughout their computing degree. Whether they're interested in working with industry partners, conducting research, or exploring entrepreneurship, students can build hands-on experience alongside their coursework, with many opportunities counting toward elective credit.
Shipyard Curriculum
Built Around Hands-on Experience for Real Challenges
Whether students are drawn to industry, research, or entrepreneurship, The Shipyard provides opportunities to explore their interests while building meaningful experience.
Explore (Year 1)
Students begin by exploring computing:
- CIS 100 - Computing Exploration Seminar (1 credit)
- CIS 198 - First-Year Computing Studio (2 credits)
Build (Years 2–3)
Students deepen their skills through semester-long applied projects in:
- Applied Computing Studio I
- Applied Computing Studio II
Apply (Year 4)
- Computing Capstone
- Internship
- Faculty Research
- Startup Venture
- Continued Studio Work
Applied Computing Practitioner Certificate
The Shipyard curriculum is aligned with the Applied Computing Practitioner Certificate as follows:
Complete 12 credits across the following 2 categories, choosing the path that fits their goals.
- Shipyard Explore Experience:
CIS 100 - Computing Exploration Seminar (1 credits) AND
CIS 198 - First Year Computing Studio (2 credits)
- Shipyard Professional Prep Experience:
CIS 290 - Professional Responsibilities and Practices (3 credits) OR
CIS 291 - Introduction to Computing Research (3 credits)
- Shipyard Build & Apply Experience:
Shipyard Build & Apply Experience:
CIS 398 - Applied Computing Studio 2 (3 credits)
Shipyard Build & Apply Experience:
CIS 490 - Internship (2 to 5 credits)
Shipyard Build & Apply Experience: One course in a Computing Capstone (3 credits)
AI 495 - Artificial Intelligence Senior Project (3 credits)
CIS 462 - Information Technology Project (3 credits)
CIS 463 - Information Systems Project (3 credits)
CIS 467 - Computer Science Project (3 credits)
CIS 468 - Cybersecurity Project (3 credits)
HCC 495 - Human Centered Computing Senior Project (3 credits)
Explore Shipyard
Discover how The Shipyard helps students build experience throughout their computing degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Industry and community partners play an important role in The Shipyard by helping students apply their skills to real-world challenges. Organizations can get involved by mentoring students, sponsoring projects, or providing financial support. To learn more or express interest in partnering with The Shipyard, complete the partner interest form.
Classroom learning provides students with the knowledge, technical skills, and critical thinking needed for success. The Shipyard builds on that foundation by giving students opportunities to apply what they learn through hands-on projects and real-world experiences. Beginning in the first year and continuing through graduation, students develop practical skills, build a portfolio of work, and graduate prepared for careers in computing.
Students can get involved in The Shipyard in a variety of ways, including enrolling in studio courses, completing the Applied Computing Practitioner Certificate, participating in research, collaborating with industry partners, or exploring entrepreneurial ideas. To learn more or express interest, complete the student interest form.