Computer Science Major

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree BS, Computer Science

For information contact Patricia Lapczynski, RSM, DPS

Faculty

Patricia Lapczynski, RSM, Associate Professor of Computer Science, BA Douglass College; MS Dartmouth College; DPS Pace University

Several different computer science programs are available to respond to a variety of interests and career goals. The computer science curricula follows the recommendations of the Association of Computing Machinery and provides career-oriented education within a strong liberal arts program. The computer science major leads to a bachelor of science in computer science. The program prepares students to pursue careers in scientific or industrial programming and systems analysis, or to continue their education at the graduate level. Students have ample access to computer labs stocked with IBM PC compatibles. All facets of hardware and software are continually upgraded to ensure that students work with the most recent components of this dynamic technology.

In addition, a double major of computer science and mathematics is available by completing five additional approved mathematics courses. Contact the math department chair for details.

Mission

To provide a cooperative and quality academic environment in which students can graduate with an undergraduate liberal arts based degree in computer science and in which faculty are enabled to develop professionally.

Program Objectives

A student who graduates with a degree in computer science can:

• think critically
• reason logically and analytically
• solve abstract and complex problems
• use written, oral and electronic methods for effective communication
• translate verbal material to computer algorithms
• write a well-organized theme
• complete assigned work
• use the scientific method and mathematical techniques to make informed choices among alternative solutions
• discern and articulate the impact of technologies on society
• understand structured and object-oriented programming techniques
• understand database methodology, operating systems, software, and hardware

Admission Requirement

Students should have one year of high school biological science and one year of high school physical science. Students should also have taken sufficient mathematics courses to successfully pass Math 151, 152 and 225.

Retention Criteria

Students should have a minimum average GPA of 2.0 in their major courses.

Upper-level courses are offered in alternate years, so that a student's schedule may not follow this sequence exactly. For example, courses that are shown in the senior year may be taken in the junior year and vice versa.