Computer Science B.A.
Program description
The computer science curriculum is designed to not only provide a solid background in fundamentals but also to continuously respond to rapid changes in the field of computing by equipping our students with modern tools, approaches, and cutting-edge concepts and technologies. Coursework in computer science spans three core areas of computing, including theory, software development, and systems. Beginning computer science courses are open to non-majors and satisfy the mathematical and symbolic reasoning component of the general education requirements. All computer science majors must complete a senior seminar capstone experience, and the discipline prides itself on the high quality of students' papers and presentations in this course. The program also includes mathematics or statistics in the required coursework. The computer science discipline is dedicated to offering a flexible set of important and relevant electives, which we update annually. Student input informs the electives we offer, and student input has inspired the creation of several electives.
Computer science majors develop software, explore hardware systems, and apply theoretical concepts. Reflecting the collaborative nature of today's world, team work is heavily integrated into computer science coursework. Students are encouraged to use and supplement their formal education through research opportunities, internship experiences, programming and robotics competitions, and student and professional organizations. Many students take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate with computer science faculty on research projects, presenting the results at international, national, and regional conferences, as well as at UMM's Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Study in computer science is required for management and math majors at UMM, as well as for students pursuing a variety of pre-engineering programs. Many UMM computer science majors enter the job market upon graduation, primarily in the computing industry. Others pursue postgraduate work toward a masters or doctoral degree in computing, business, library science, or a variety of other fields.
The student learning objectives of the computer science program span the following five categories:
1. Students will be able to apply fundamental principles of computer science to solve problems in all core areas of computer science.
2. Students will demonstrate technological flexibility through the ability to employ new sets of tools effectively.
3. Students will be able to communicate technical ideas effectively both orally and in written form.
4. Students will demonstrate their ability to work in groups as part of an effective team.
5. Students will be able to identify and analyze ethical implications involving technology.
Computer science majors develop software, explore hardware systems, and apply theoretical concepts. Reflecting the collaborative nature of today's world, team work is heavily integrated into computer science coursework. Students are encouraged to use and supplement their formal education through research opportunities, internship experiences, programming and robotics competitions, and student and professional organizations. Many students take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate with computer science faculty on research projects, presenting the results at international, national, and regional conferences, as well as at UMM's Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Study in computer science is required for management and math majors at UMM, as well as for students pursuing a variety of pre-engineering programs. Many UMM computer science majors enter the job market upon graduation, primarily in the computing industry. Others pursue postgraduate work toward a masters or doctoral degree in computing, business, library science, or a variety of other fields.
The student learning objectives of the computer science program span the following five categories:
1. Students will be able to apply fundamental principles of computer science to solve problems in all core areas of computer science.
2. Students will demonstrate technological flexibility through the ability to employ new sets of tools effectively.
3. Students will be able to communicate technical ideas effectively both orally and in written form.
4. Students will demonstrate their ability to work in groups as part of an effective team.
5. Students will be able to identify and analyze ethical implications involving technology.