Computer Science

• Faculty and Academic Staff
• Computer Science Program
• Student Learning Outcomes
• Computer Science Major (Comprehensive) Requirements
• Computer Science Major (non-comprehensive) Requirements
• Information Technology and Systems (ITS) Minor Requirements
• Information Technology and Systems (ITS) Certificate Requirements

Faculty and Academic Staff

Faculty

Sergei Bezroukov, Professor
Shaun M. Lynch, Professor
Steven J. Rosenberg, Professor
Chad H. Scott, Professor
Jon Totushek, Assistant Professor
Shin-Ping Tucker, Professor

Academic Staff

Heather Kahler, Senior Lecturer
Hossain Khoroosi, Senior Lecturer
Marilyn Toscano, Senior Lecturer

Computer Science Program

The Computer Science program is ideal for students seeking an intellectually stimulating career that thrives on problem solving and technological innovation. The curriculum offers a wide array of courses that range from programming fundamentals to special interest electives in a variety of application areas including databases, networking, and embedded systems. The program emphasizes technical skills built upon a strong theoretical foundation in preparation for careers in industry or advanced study in graduate school.

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers two majors to suit student interests. The comprehensive major concentrates on theory and application and is designed for students who would like to focus on a single area of study and focus on computer science principles. The liberal arts major emphasizes core concepts and allows students to complement their program of study with a minor in another discipline. Both programs offer internship opportunities for students seeking professional experience prior to graduation.

In addition, the department offers a minor in Information Technology and Systems that satisfies degree requirements for non-comprehensive majors. The Information Technology and Systems minor exposes students to software applications, web page authoring, database management, and other technologies used in the world of practice.

Student Learning Outcomes

Computer Science Comprehensive Major

• Applies an appropriate formal process (or informal language) to write a solution to a given problem and to evaluate the validity and effectiveness of a given written solution.
• Solves multi-part problems by performing appropriate analysis and complex calculations.
• Adopts best practices of software engineering, including documentation, teamwork, and integration, to create large software projects; presents results in oral and visual format.
• Understands and effectively utilizes both high and low-level programming concepts and languages.
• Demonstrates fluency in the definitions, results, analysis and reasoning of a given axiomatically defined system.
• Understands the organization of modern computing devices, both intra-machine and inter-machine.

Computer Science Major

• Applies an appropriate formal process (or informal language) to write a solution to a given problem and to evaluate the validity and effectiveness of a given written solution.
• Solves multi-part problems by performing appropriate analysis and complex calculations.
• Adopts best practices of software engineering, including documentation, teamwork, and integration, to create large software projects; presents results in oral and visual format.
• Understands and effectively utilizes both high and low-level programming concepts and languages.
• Understands the organization of modern computing devices, both intra-machine and inter-machine.

Information Technology and Systems Minor

• Uses computer productivity applications to enhance personal and professional productivity.
• Familiar with the disciplines associated with information technology and systems, uses of information technology, career opportunities, and various applications for modern life.
• Understands basic programming concepts and is able to design, implement and debug programs.

Computer Science Major (Comprehensive) Requirements

The comprehensive Computer Science Major provides the background necessary to prepare students for positions in industry or to pursue graduate study. Students completing this major will have a sufficient understanding of the basic principles and concepts in computer science but also will be able to meet immediate demands for solving real-world computational problems. This program is an ideal choice for students who intend to work as computer science professionals.

57 total credits

Math and Computer Science core courses (47 credits required):

 

Advanced Topics required course (6 credits required):

Computational Theory required course (4 credits required):

Computer Science Major (non-comprehensive) Requirements

36 total credits

The Computer Science Major is ideal for students pursuing a liberal arts plan of study and provides the fundamental education necessary for positions in industry, graduate study, or fields that require knowledge of basic principles and concepts. Students choosing this program must select a minor from the numerous programs offered across campus or the Information Technology and Systems or Mathematics minors offered by the Mathematics and Computer Science Department.

Math and Computer Science core courses (29 credits required):

Choose one:

Advanced Topics required course (3 credits required):

Computational Theory required course (4 credits required):

 

Information Technology and Systems (ITS) Minor Requirements

The ITS minor complements a student's major of study by providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to use ITS in their field of interest.  It is tailored for the student with an interest in ITS who wishes to enhance their career opportunities.  The program emphasizes choice and allows students to select from a range of topics applicable to their discipline or that pique their curiosity.

22 total credits

Fundamental required course (6 credits required):

Programming required course (3 credits required):

Information Technology Elective courses (12 credits required):

 

Senior Experience required course (1 credit required):

Information Technology and Systems (ITS) Certificate Requirements

The ITS certificate is ideal for students seeking individual courses to complement a current degree plan, expand their technology skills, or enhance their career prospects.  The certificate complements comprehensive and non-comprehensive degree programs and offers a wide variety of topics to satisfy student interests.  Completion of the certificate is noted on a student's transcript.

12 total credits

Information Technology required courses (6 credits required):

 

Information Technology Elective courses (6 credits required):

Students who are degree-seeking may also complete the ITS certificate requirements as part of their credits toward a degree.  Non-degree-seeking students may seek the ITS certificates through the Department of Math and Computer Science.  Completion and awarding of the ITS certificate is coordinated through the Registrar's Office that enables students to this ITS certificate noted on their official transcript.  You may fill out the ITS certificate application form.

If students are interested in the ITS Individually Designed Major (IDM), please contact the ITS coordinator and fill out the Individually Designed Major form.