San Francisco Bay University has been featured in international publication Higher Education Review for the university's forward-thinking Computer Science and Information Technology program.
"Empowering Future Innovators Through Industry-Aligned, Student-Centered Education
Today, United States is home to some of the most prestigious and innovative colleges and universities offeringComputer Science and Information Technology (IT) programs. These institutions are renowned for their strong academic foundations, cutting-edge research, and deep industry connections, making them global leaders in tech education. From large research universities to smaller, specialized colleges, students have access to a wide array of programs tailored to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Emphasis is often placed on areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, and cloud computing. Additionally, many schools offer hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and career placement services that prepare students to enter competitive tech-driven job markets. Among the leading institutions is San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), a standout in the realm of computer science and IT education.
Originally founded in 1984 as Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU) by Ramsey Carter and Barbara Brown, SFBU was established as a California nonprofit public-benefit organization with a mission to provide accessible, career-focused education in engineering and technology. Over the decades, the university has expanded its academic offerings and evolved with the needs of the tech industry. In 2021, the institution rebranded as San Francisco Bay University to better align with its Silicon Valley roots and mission.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, SFBU continues to advance the quality of tech education by aligning its Computer Science and IT programs with industry demands. The university’s curriculum integrates emerging technologies such as AI and cloud computing, and emphasizes project-based learning, real-world problem-solving, and ethical technology development. Programs are designed in close collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring graduates are job-ready and equipped to innovate in fields like data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SFBU leverages its geographic advantage, offering students unparalleled
access to tech internships, mentorship, and career services. Through its dynamic, future-forward approach, San
Francisco Bay University is shaping the next generation of technology professionals.
Shaping Agile, Industry-Ready Graduates
SFBU offers a transformative educational experience that prepares students to thrive in today’s dynamic globalworkforce. What sets it apart is its emphasis on career-relevant, experiential learning, integration of emerging technologies, and a unique interdisciplinary program known as the Agility Praxis Pathway (APP). The APP is a mandatory series of courses for undergraduates, focused on developing critical soft skills such as emotional intelligence, global communication, creative thinking, and ethical leadership. Courses like How to Tell Your Story, How to Design Your Life, and How to Communicate in a Global Context encourage deep self-reflection and practical skill-building. These courses go beyond traditional general education by equipping students with the agility to lead and adapt in uncertain and evolving environments.
SFBU’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through capstone projects linked to real industry use cases, team-based problem solving, and internship-for-credit opportunities. Programs are enriched with AI, data literacy, and digital tools, ensuring students graduate with real-world experience and cutting-edge skills relevant to the future of work.
Recognizing that high-quality teaching is essential to student success, SFBU invests heavily in faculty development. The university’s Center for Empowerment and Pedagogical Innovation (CEPI) supports continuous improvement in teaching through modern pedagogy workshops, AI integration training, faculty learning communities, and guidance on creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
By combining innovative curriculum design, experiential learning, and faculty excellence, the university prepares students not just to succeed in their first job, but to lead, innovate, and adapt throughout their careers.
Empowering Talent through Accessible Education
Committed to making world-class education accessible through robust scholarship programs and affordability initiatives, SFBU is recognizing that financial barriers can limit opportunity. The university views scholarships as strategic tools to promote equity, foster innovation, and support underrepresented, international, and first-generation students. It offers merit-based tuition scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students, with
awards of up to 100 percent based on GPA.
A standout initiative is the Startup Scholars Program, which provides full-tuition scholarships, free housing, a $10,000 project grant, mentorship, and more to entrepreneurial first-generation students. Additionally, beginning Fall 2025, SFBU will implement Zero-Cost Textbook courses across all programs, utilizing Open Educational Resources to further reduce student expenses and enhance learning outcomes.
Bridging Education & Industry for Career-Ready Graduates
Delivering an education deeply connected to the realities of today’s global workforce, SFBU places a strong focus on industry-academia collaboration. It ensures students graduate with both academic excellence and professional readiness. Curricula in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business are regularly updated to incorporate in-demand technologies like AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Courses are co-
developed with industry advisors and include hands-on projects, the Agility Praxis Pathway for cross-disciplinary skills, and real-world problem-solving experiences. Students gain practical exposure through capstone projects addressing real business challenges and internships with both startups and Fortune 500 companies. This applied learning helps students build professional confidence and portfolio-ready work.
SFBU’s faculty includes seasoned professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom and mentor students on certifications and career paths. Certification-aligned courses such as the CQRM (Certified in Quantitative Risk Management) and PMP (Project Management Professional) prep ensure students meet industry standards in finance, analytics, and project management. To further enhance job readiness, SFBU offers immersive courses in technologies like AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing across AWS, Azure,
and Google Cloud platforms, programs often developed in partnership with leading tech firms.
Entrepreneurship is also a core focus, with initiatives like the Startup Scholars Program, Innovation Labs, ACE Certificate Program, and Entrepreneurship Club. These programs provide mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities. Complementing academic and entrepreneurial training, SFBU’s Career Services Office equips students with job search skills, interview preparation, and global career planning, ensuring long-term professional success.
SFBU’s Vision for the Future
San Francisco Bay University is shaping the future of education through a bold commitment to innovation, AI integration, and student-centered learning. Moving beyond traditional teaching models, SFBU emphasizes active, experiential learning where students become co-creators of knowledge through collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on projects. A key element of this transformation is the integration of artificial intelligence across the curriculum. AI-driven tutoring systems, intelligent feedback tools, and adaptive course design platforms are being used to personalize learning and improve student outcomes. Students also gain practical experience with cutting-edge tools such as machine learning platforms, cloud environments, data visualization software, and simulation modules.
Looking ahead, SFBU plans to launch an Innovation Center and Maker Space to foster experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and prototyping. These initiatives reflect the university’s commitment to preparing students for future industries through real-world relevance, technological fluency, and empowered learning."
This article was written by the editorial team at Higher Education Review.
Congratulations to Provost Brad Fuster, DMA, whose academic leadership helped San Francisco Bay University earn international recognition for innovation in Computer Science and IT education.
