Academic Profile
Concentrations of study are offered
in computer science and computer information systems.
The faculty is dedicated to providing
students with a challenging and rewarding course of study in a
caring, teaching-oriented environment. Undergraduate
research through seminar projects and honors theses is strongly
encouraged.
Our approach to teaching is very
practical, and we provide many opportunities for students to work
on projects that are interesting to them both inside and out of
the classroom. The low student to faculty ratio ensures that every
student can receive individual attention for teaching, advising,
and research supervision.
Approach To Teaching
One distinctive aspect of our department
is how the latest techniques of the computer industry are
integrated into a fundamentally sound computer science
curriculum.
Course content is continuously monitored and enhanced so that
faculty can deliver an u p-to- date computer science education.
In
addition, special topics courses and directed studies are often
offered to cover subjects of special interest and timeliness,
such as "Web Applications with Java" and "Advanced
Database with Oracle".
To implement this teaching philosophy,
we have developed structured ways by which students apply the
knowledge of theory and programming that they learn in class.
They are particularly encouraged to seek out applications that
are immediately useful to others in the community. The application
of knowledge to gain experience in solving real-world problems
is both required and encouraged:
- It is required in each computer
science course.
- It is required in senior seminar
on a larger scale, where students must complete a significant,
year-long project.
- It is encouraged in directed studies,
independent research, and Honors research projects. Many of
these have borne fruit in "products" that are useful
to the college or the community. Examples are: the online
course catalog, the online
course schedule database, a virtual-reality tour of the
campus, a minor-tracking tool, etc. Students gain great practical
experience by working on such projects.
- It is supported by helping students
find part-time jobs on and off campus, and by faculty who often
act as technical consultants for students who seek help with
difficult job assignments.
Benefits
Our "integrated" teaching
approach results in computer science graduates, who:
- Are equipped with practical knowledge
and training in the latest tools and techniques of the computer
industry. Our students leave with skills that are highly attractive
to employers.
- Are well-trained in the fundamentals
of computer science, its theory, and the practice of computer
programming. This enables them to see k higher learning if they
so desire.
- Have significant experience in
the applications of the latest tools and in developing solutions
to complex, real-world problems using a combination of systems
analysis, industry tools and computer science techniques.
