Computer Science Department

Professor: D. Hart (chairperson)
Associate Professors: S. Gutierrez, J. Plaza
Assistant Professors: S. Crain, K. McCullen
Lecturer: M. Mailloux, C. Morales
Adjunct Faculty: Five positions

The Computer Science Department offers majors and minors in Computer Science, Computer Security, Information Technology, and Robotics. We also offer minors in Data Analytics, Web Design and Programming, and Bioinformatics.

Computer Science explores programming and theoretical foundations of computing with emphasis on algorithms and mathematical principles. Computer scientists work on developing new designs for hardware and software. CS majors prepare for careers in software development or for graduate studies in any area of computing. Students can focus solely on computing topics, or the degree can complement study in another area, computing is an excellent second major for students in science, engineering, mathematics and other areas.

Computer Security has become an important field of study as computers become integrated into all aspects of life. Computer security professionals analyze and counteract threats to networks and computer systems, detect intrusions, and assure confidentiality. This work is highly valued, and demand for professionals with such an expertise is high, and expected only to grow. The Computer Security degree provides a rigorous preparation on security concepts and the fundamentals of hardware and software systems.

Information Technology is concerned with forming and maintaining computing environments for businesses and organizations. Information technicians chose, configure, and customize hardware and software, monitor performance and security of databases, web servers, and computer networks. If you want to provide computing support at the 21st century level, IT is for you! IT technicians are sought in health care, financial or educational services, commerce and manufacturing. The IT major can be easily taken as a second major, and is often combined with business-related majors.

Robotics combines principles of Physics and Computer Science to design and control small electro-mechanical systems. Society is already experiencing the advent of autonomous vehicles and increased use of automation, not only in manufacturing but also in services and office work. Robotics is a new and growing field, with jobs such as Robotics Programmer, Industrial Automation Developer and Electro-mechanical Technician. The Robotics degree provides students with the skills and knowledge to write software for automated systems. Concentrations within the major include Programming and Hardware Applications. The degree includes several applied learning opportunities to work with actual hardware.

The Robotics Program, a collaboration between the faculty of the Computer Science and Physics Departments, offers students entry into the exciting career opportunities in the rapidly expanding world of Robotics. Centered around the development of autonomous or semi-autonomous robots to work in changing or dynamic environments ranging from the home to other planets, the program allows students a choice of concentrations in Programming or Hardware Applications. Building on a core of coursework in computer science, mathematics and physics, students advance into study topics including computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), embedded systems, electronics, and robot dynamics, leading to knowledge of techniques used in the development of the robotic systems used in self-driving cars and drones. Student research opportunities include building autonomous and remote-controlled vehicles for a variety of environments, and participating in regional and national robotics competitions. Past student research has resulted in the design and build of drones, small robots, an AI air hockey table, and an autonomous Rover for collecting samples, entered in a NASA competition.

Programs

Majors (Undergraduate)

Minors (Undergraduate)