Computer Science

Department Head:	Susan Schrader
	(406) 496-4796
	NRB 354

Administrative Assistant:	Natasha Chadwell
	(406) 496-4366
	MUS 201

Department FAX:	(406) 496-4756

Computer Science Program

The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. It is housed in the Computer Science department which provides instruction and laboratory experience to students of most other majors on campus. The program maintains a balance of theory and practical experience, made possible by low class sizes and a low student to faculty ratio. The Computer Science department laboratory is centrally located between faculty offices, enabling significant student-faculty interaction. This lab contains computers running MS Windows and access to the department Linux servers.

(Note: If you are interested in a career in software development, also see the Software Engineering program description in this catalog.)

Program Mission

Provide our students with an educational experience in the science and engineering of software and data that will equip them to pursue satisfying careers locally and globally.

Educational Objectives

Three to five years after graduation, we expect that graduates of the Computer Science porgram will have:

Adapted, thrived, and contributed in an industry setting or completed a graduate program
Contributed to the continual improvement and competitiveness of their workplace.
Demonstrated an ongoing commitment to professional development.

Student Outcomes

At the time of graduation, all students will have demonstrated:

(1) An ability to analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

(2) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.

(3) An ability to communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

(4) An ability to recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgements in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.

(5) An ability to function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

(6) An ability to apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Software Engineering Program

The Software Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commision of ABET, http://www.abet.org. It is housed in the Computer Science department which provides instruction and laboratory experience to students from most other majors on campus. Software engineers specialize in designing, building, testing, and maintaining software systems. They are responsible for the usability, safety, and reliability of their products.

Students in the program enjoy low class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. The Computer Science department laboratory is centrally located between faculty offices, enabling significant student-faculty interaction. This lab contains computers running MS Windows and access to the department Linux servers.

(Note: If you are interested in a career in computing science outside of pure software development, also see the Computer Science program description in this catalog.)

Program Mission

Our program prepares students to develop quality software systems using proven software engineering methodologies. Our graduates positively influence how software products affect society and carry on our institution’s tradition of excellence. Our graduates have excellent skills, a “can do” attitude and meet industry expectations right out of college.

Educational Objectives

Three to five years after graduation, we expect that graduates of the Software Engineering program will have:

1. adapted, thrived and contributed in an industry setting or completed a graduate program;

2. contributed to improved software quality and the state of the art by promoting the adoption of best practices and supporting those best practices that are already being used;

3. demonstrated an ongoing commitment to professional development.

Student Outcomes

At the time of graduation, all students will have demonstrated:

(1) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.

(2) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with considerations of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

(3) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

(4) An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and social contexts.

(5) An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.

(6) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgement to draw conclusions.

(7) An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Non-Degree