I
really like computers, but I'm not quite sure about computer science.
What kind of things will I learn in computer science?
That's a pretty complicated question which deserves more than a brief
response. Nonetheless, here's a condensed view of computer science at
Stonehill.
Computer science courses fall roughly into four (overlapping) categories
: theory, architecture, systems software, and applications.
In one particular theory course (
Theory of Computation ) you may discuss the limits of computation
("What problems cannot be solved on a computer?") while
in the Algorithms course you may write a program to find the
shortest route between, say, New York and Los Angeles and then prove
that you your solution is correct. In the Compiler Design course
you will even learn how to design and implement your own homemade
programming language.
In the architecture sequence you will explore the
computer "under the hood." In Computer Logic and
Organization, you will design a small computer on paper and, later,
in Microcomputer Electronics build your computer in the lab where
you will see your logic come to life.
The systems software group includes courses like Operating
Systems where you'll learn how an operating system like Windows or
UNIX is constructed. Rounding out the curriculum is a number of applications
courses like Artificial Intelligence where you will understand
how a computer can play chess and even write a few games of your own or Data
Structures where you may design a computer simulation to determine
how many runways should be built for a community airport.
Of course, you will first learn how to write computer
programs. To this end, all freshmen currently learn the programming
language Java in their first year at Stonehill. In addition to formal
courses, most students do internship work in their junior or senior
years.
The professional organization of computer scientists, The
ACM can give you more detailed information about computer science
and the many career opportunities fo computer scientists.
What
kind of background do I need to major in computer science?
You need a strong analytical background including mathematics through
intermediate algebra and trigonometry as well as the ability to think
logically.
I've
had no computer programming in high school, will that be a problem?
No, the introductory programming sequence starts from square one. No
particular background is assumed.
What
programming languages will I learn?
In your freshman year you will study Java. In upper level courses you
will learn a variety of other languages such as C++, Scheme, and Perl.
I've
heard that computer science is a very difficult and time consuming
major. Is that true?
Definitely, but the rewards are worth the effort.
If
I major in computer science, is it necessary that I buy a computer
before I come to college?
Not at all. You may
use any of the lab computers at the college.
If
I wish to get a new computer, what should I get?
Stonehill College has
partnered with CampusHP to create this program so that Stonehill College
students can have a HP laptop that offers a standardized computing
environment at very reasonable academic discount pricing. You can read
about this program here.
However, the department makes no specific recommendations. In
fact, if you do not own a computer, you can use any of the machines in
the public labs.
If
I major in computer science, can I do an internship
in my junior or senior year?
Qualified upper
classmen often do internships for credit. In fact, in recent years most
students have done internship work. Typically, a student will work 10-12
hours per week on his/her internship and earn three semester hours of
course credit. Many of our students do internships at local
companies such as General Dynamics, which is an easy commute to
Stonehill.
What
are some of the companies where Stonehill alumni work?
Stonehill alumni have
done very well on the job market. CS graduates have found jobs at
Facebook, Microsoft, General Dynamics, IBM, EMC, RSA, Digital
Research Group, Intersystems, Fidelity, Northrup-Grumman, Abacus
Software, Staples, and Putnam Investments to name a few.
Do
many of your graduates attend graduate school?
Many of our students
opt to attend graduate school directly after receiving a degree from
Stonehill. Some of the schools which our graduates have attended are
Brown, Duke, Dartmouth, University of Virginia, University
of Maryland, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts, Boston
University, The University of Texas, and University of Connecticut
How
big are the classes in computer science at Stonehill?
The introductory
classes have about 25 students. The upper level classes may have 10-20
students but may be as small as 4 or 5.
Will I have
access to the internet and e-mail at Stonehill?
All students have
accounts with e-mail and wireless access to the Internet.
Well,
you have answered some of my questions , but I'd still like to
know................
For questions about
the programs in computer science or computer engineering contact:
Prof. Ralph Bravaco : ralph@stonehill.edu
We will get back to you.