Who We Are
Since the early 1980s, Nova Southeastern University's College of Computing and Engineering has been giving our students an unfair advantage in their careers. We were a pioneer in creating the distance learning known today as online/virtual education. So computing and technology is in our DNA, literally.
We understood early on that flexibility was paramount in helping students earn their degrees—not everyone can take time out of their lives to attend class on campus. And now:
- Our alumni work at Fortune 500 organizations, various federal and government agencies, and universities around the world.
- Our classes are taught only by experienced faculty members with doctoral degrees from accredited institutions.
- The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
- We focus on degree programs that prepare you for careers listed by U.S. News & World Report 100 Best Jobs in 2021.
- The National Security Agency (NSA) and its affiliated federal agencies have designated NSU as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Cyber Defense (CD) and Cyber Research (R). NSU is among the few institutions around the nation to obtain both designations. Learn more.
Our History
Nova Southeastern University's history dates back to the 1960s, when a group of local businessmen came together to develop an innovative educational concept. Approximately 10 years after its inception, the university created its first graduate computer science program. Since then, numerous milestones have been achieved as pioneers in computing research and education.
The Start of a New Program
In 1975, under the direction of Dr. Edward Simco, a graduate computer science program was created at the formerly named "Nova University of Advanced Technology." The creation of this program marked the school's pioneer status in computing research and education.
In 1981, Drs. John Scigliano and Abraham Fischler brainstormed on the prospect of starting a Doctorate in Information Science to information library science professionals using telecommunications as the major delivery medium.
The Center for Computer-Based Learning was formed in 1983 to build a new delivery mechanism for learning computer-mediated communications for "online" learning. The Doctorate in Information Science (DAIS) starts.
An Electronic Classroom
With its first general purpose computer, a VAX 11/780, the school began offering online programs in 1983.
In 1985, the school creates the first electronic classroom with the Master of Science in Computer-Based Learning online program. This program had eight common core courses and seven specializations of study, including training and learning (MSTL), information resource management (MIRM), and information systems (MIS).
Focused on the Future
In 1989, the Center for Computer-Based Learning and Center for Computer Science merge to form The Center for Computer and Information Sciences. The new school now supported areas of specializations in computer science, computer information systems, information systems, information science, and computing technology in education.
In 2015, The College of Computing and Engineering was created to prepare students to meet the technological challenges of today. Drawing on 40 years of institutional experience in computing education and research, and 30 years of experience in innovative program delivery, the College of Computing and Engineering offers focused and flexible programs aligned to industry’s most sought-after fields to help students reach their full potential.
Accreditations
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The National Security Agency (NSA) and its affiliated federal agencies have designated NSU as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Cyber Defense (CD) and Cyber Research (R) and have certified that NSU’s curriculum in cybersecurity meets or exceeds the requirements and standards expected of a leader in cybersecurity education.
NSU has been awarded a chapter of Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), the International Honor Society for the Computing and Information Disciplines.
NSU Accreditation
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, doctoral, and professional degrees. Nova Southeastern University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nova Southeastern University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
View all of NSU's accreditations.
NSU received notification from SACSCOC that our Fifth-Year Interim Report has been successfully accepted with no additional reporting requested. We appreciate this recognition of NSU as a preeminent university of quality and distinction.