About the Computer Science Program
At SJC, Computer Science students get more education for the tuition they spend. Due to small class sizes, students get personal attention from professors. This allows professors to get to know students on an individual basis. Thus, professors are able to individualize studies tailored to students' interests.
| What is Computer Science? |
| What Can Be Done With a Degree in Computer Science? |
| Computer Science at SJC |
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is the branch of engineering science that incorporates computers in its studies of computable processes and structures.
What Can Be Done With a Degree in Computer Science?
Students who major in Computer Science often find careers as:
- Computer and application programmers
- System and research analysts
- Consultants
- Local area network administrators
Many pursue graduate degrees in computer-related fields. However, in the 21st Century, technology is part of nearly every field of work. Therefore, nearly every business, organization, and company needs people with computer skills on staff. You can virtually work anywhere with a degree in Computer Science.
Computer Science at SJC
"The Computer Science Department challenges you to learn all that you can in the field, not just the current topic in class. The professors here are helpful and are continually engaging the students in conversation about current events in the field of computing and possible career directions. The great part about SJC is that you start your area of study immediately as a freshman."
– Philip Rabensteine '13, Computer Science major, Business Administration minor
Hands-on Experience
At SJC, Computer Science students get more education for the tuition they spend. Due to small class sizes, students get personal attention from professors. This allows professors to get to know students on an individual basis. Thus, professors are able to individualize studies tailored to students' interests.
Internships
Summer internships are often a part of a Computer Science student's educational experience. Recent internships have been with DOE and NSF-funded research experiences, as well as in industry.
On-Campus Opportunities
Computer Science students at SJC have many opportunities for job-experience. Students have the opportunity to:
- Write software for Linux
- Serve as lab monitors for our various computer labs
- Work as Student Systems Administrators
- Work on projects that match their interests
A Cool Project: Learn to Create Apps
Our Software Engineering class worked on a mapping project using Android mobile devices with built-in GPS, virtual reality, and Google Earth. The class created an app that offers this information—making use of images, sound and video clips. The students were excited to work on something that challenged them and encouraged improvisation and creative thinking:
"This project was a phenomenal learning experience. As the database administrator for the Pastfinder.org project, I learned how to create a programming system and had to figure out a way to make the database easy for the common person to use. I gained a lot of valuable experience, and it was interesting to see how technology can be incorporated with history."
– Ben Geels '12 of Fort Wayne, Indiana
For more information on the Pastfinder project, visit www.pastfinder.org
Nick Fetcko '13, Ben Geels '12, Morgan Myers '12, Brian Witt '13, Assistant Professor of Computer Science Brian Capouch, John Hall '12, Sainaa Sabol '12, and Phil Rabensteine '13. Nick was hired by one of our alumni for an internship at Spaulding Clinical, a pioneering research company.
