Teaching Computer Science and the CSPB Program: A Q&A
Earlier this year the CU Boulder Online team published a short Q&A with me about teaching computer science and the Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate program. The interview discusses my background, what makes the program distinctive, and some practical advice for students who are learning computer science or transitioning into the field.
You can read the original interview here:
Originally published on the CU Boulder Online website.
Below is a lightly edited version of the interview content with a few highlights.
Background
I currently teach in the Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate program at the University of Colorado Boulder, with courses including natural language processing, data structures, and professional development in computer science. Before joining CU Boulder in 2024, I spent ten years in industry as a research engineer at RTI International and then twenty years as a professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
My academic background combines computer science and philosophy, which led naturally to interests in artificial intelligence and questions about how computers represent knowledge and reasoning.
Why computer science?
One of the reasons I have always enjoyed computer science is the balance between creativity and discipline. You begin with an idea, try to turn it into a working system, and then refine it through testing and iteration until the result is reliable and understandable.
Another appealing aspect of the field is its breadth. Once you learn the core principles of computing, you start to see opportunities to apply them in almost every domain—from science and medicine to business and education. Students in the post-baccalaureate program often bring expertise from earlier careers and find interesting ways to combine that experience with computing.
Why teach in the Applied Computer Science program?
What drew me to CU Boulder’s Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate program was the focus on students who are making a deliberate transition into computer science. Most students already hold a bachelor’s degree and are choosing to build technical skills with clear goals in mind.
The students are one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. Many are balancing work, family, and coursework while building new technical abilities. That level of motivation makes the teaching experience particularly meaningful.
The program also demonstrates that online learning can be excellent when it is carefully designed. Clear weekly structure, active discussion forums, and regular interaction between students and instructors can create a surprisingly strong learning community.
What distinguishes the program?
From my perspective, the program stands out in three important ways.
First, courses are structured and interactive rather than hands-off. Students participate in discussion forums, attend office hours, and work through assignments on a steady weekly rhythm.
Second, the work emphasizes building real systems rather than memorizing concepts. Students write code, test their solutions, and document their decisions.
Third, the curriculum supports multiple goals while keeping students grounded in fundamentals. Some students are preparing for software engineering roles, some are aiming for graduate school, and others are combining computing skills with their existing careers.
Advice for students entering computer science
One of the most important observations I have after teaching in the program is that success often comes from consistency rather than prior background.
Students who thrive usually do a few simple things well:
- Show up every week and build momentum.
- Engage with discussion forums and learn from other students.
- Use office hours to get unstuck quickly.
- Treat challenging problems as part of the learning process.
- Build artifacts—projects, repositories, and writeups—that demonstrate what they can do.
Over time those habits build both technical ability and confidence.
Looking ahead: AI and the future of software development
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how software is built. Tools can generate code and accelerate prototyping, but that does not reduce the importance of strong computer science foundations.
If anything, it raises the bar. Engineers will need to evaluate AI-generated code, test it carefully, understand its limitations, and design systems that behave reliably in real environments.
The engineers who stand out will still be the ones who can think clearly about problems, test their solutions, and explain their work.
For prospective students
If you are considering a transition into computer science or looking for an online program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, the Applied Computer Science Post-Baccalaureate program at the University of Colorado Boulder may be worth exploring.
I have a separate page on this site that describes the program from a faculty perspective, including the kinds of courses students take, the pathways they often follow, and the types of projects they build.
➡ Learn more about the program here:
CSPB Program Overview