Computer Science is a discipline concerned with all things related to computers. This includes software, networks, multimedia, computer games, entertainment, hardware, user interfaces, graphics, embedded systems, search engines; the list goes on. Since the discipline is so broad—there are so many uses of computers—computer scientists consider the following areas the core of the discipline (the idea is that once you know the core, you can develop a computer system for any application):

    • Software and Programming Languages: this area is concerned with how to program a computer, how to build and maintain big programs, and how to develop languages that make it easy to do these things.
    • Hardware: this area is concerned with how to build computing hardware, including networks and various devices.
    • Theory of Computation: this area is concerned with determining the kinds of questions for which we can compute a solution. Not all questions can be answered by a computer program (or, at least, that's what we believe to be true!).
    • Algorithms: this area is concerned with finding the best way to solve a computing problem. Generally speaking, algorithms are the "bag of tricks" that computer scientists use to write efficient programs.
    • Applications: this broad area covers things like artificial intelligence and web-site design to areas like computer games and information retrieval.

The Computer Science major gives students a solid foundation in the core area, along with the opportunity to take courses in many exciting application area. In addition, the department encourages interested students to pursue research projects with faculty. Recently, students have completed projects involving advanced computer game design interactive graphics, and mobile data communication systems. Because computers are pervasive, there is great demand for computer science and its related disciplines. Computer scientists are employed in industries ranging from technology to heavy industries to consulting to small business. In addition, there are opportunities to use one’s skills in computer science in a variety of ministries.

CURRICULA

The College offers four computer-related majors, two of which are obtained through this department—they are described below. The other two majors are Applied Physics/Computer and Electrical Engineering with a Computer Engineering Concentration. A minor in Computer Science is also available and fits well with many other majors. Graduates in computer science have easily obtained positions in their chosen field, some have continued into graduate school. The department has two majors available:

Computer Science
This major is designed to provide both a theoretical foundation and in-depth exploration of computer science topics, as well as intensive training in programming.

Computer Information Systems
This interdisciplinary program prepares the student to facilitate the development of computer utilization, databases and information systems to satisfy the requirements and needs of organizational management.

FACILITIES

Each student receives a personal tablet computer. The latest Microsoft Office Tools, software development systems and other applications are installed on each computer. These computers are sufficient for most student use. The CS Lab is located in the Technological Learning Center. The lab contains a variety of state-of-the-art computers and software, including high-performance graphics workstations and blades. These machines support class activities, as well as faculty-student research projects in areas such as gaming, graphics, visualization and mobile computing. In fact, the department has a lab, LIVE-M, dedicated to research in these areas. In addition to computing hardware and software, the CS lab also hosts the College’s Amateur Radio station. This station is used not only for recreational amateur radio, but also serves as the focal point for research in mobile computing/communications and software-defined radio. The Technological Learning Center also provides a number of public terminals with quick access to the Internet, network resources and standard software applications.