Overview and Fast Facts

Computer Science is the study of theory and practice of computation. A computer scientist creates new hardware and software that is more efficient, effective, and reliable. At The College at Brockport, the Advanced Computing (AC) and the Software Development (SD) Tracks in the major attempt to train students in lasting fundamental principles of computing, with appropriate exposure to modern hardware/software products and applications. Computer Information Systems, on the other hand, is the study of the use of computers for systematic organization of data that supports efficient and accurate collection, processing, analysis, and retrieval of information. An information system specialist applies existing technology to solve real world problems. At Brockport, the Information Systems (IS) Track in the major attempts to train students in state-of-the-art computing technology, applications and business practices, with appropriate exposure to underlying fundamentals. Thus, Computer Science (CSC) and Computer Information Systems (CIS) courses offered by the department are somewhat complementary in their focus of study.

Advanced Computing (AC) Track

The Advanced Computing Track is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. The emphasis is on computer problem solving and the development of new software and hardware.

Requirements: 46 credits of computer science (computer programming, digital logic, computer organization, programming languages, algorithms and data structures, operating systems, software engineering, theory of computation, etc.); 20 credits of mathematics (calculus, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics); 12 credits of physical sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.); 30 credits of humanities, social sciences and fine arts. This track is recommended for freshman students with a strong preparation in mathematics and science.

Typical job titles: Computer Programmer, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Software Systems Analyst, Software Quality Assurance Engineer, and Systems Programmer.

Software Development (SD) Track

The curriculum is based on national models such as ACM-78 published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and its subsequent revisions (CC 2001). The emphasis is on computer problem solving and the development of new software and hardware.

Requirements: 40 credits of computer science (computer programming, digital logic, computer organization, programming languages, algorithms and data structures, etc.); 9 credits of mathematics (calculus, discrete mathematics). The requirement for the software development track is a subset of the requirement for the AC Track. This track is recommended for transfer students and double majors with interest in software development.

Typical job titles: Applications Programmer/Analyst, Network/Database Administrator, Software Tester, and Web/Internet Programmer.

Information Systems (IS) Track

The Information Systems Track is modeled on the IS 2002 curriculum published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association for Information Systems (AIS), and the Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP). The emphasis is on the use of computers in an organization to increase effectiveness and efficiency.

Requirements: 41 credits of computer and information science (computer programming, information technology hardware and software, systems analysis, databases, networks, project management, etc.); 9 credits of mathematics (statistics, discrete mathematics); 15 credits of information systems environment; 30 credits of humanities, social sciences and fine arts. This track is recommended for freshman students with a strong interest in business applications of computing.

Typical job titles: Database Administrator, Desktop Specialist, IT Helpdesk Specialist, Network Administrator, Project Manager, Systems Analyst, Web Designer, and Web Programmer (e-commerce).

What kinds of work environments may be typical for this major?

• Colleges/Schools/Government
• Computer Hardware Companies
• Computer Software Companies
• Internet Companies
• IT divisions of Business
• Training Companies

What transferable skills can I learn from this major?

• Ability to organize, analyze and interpret
• Ability to make critical observations
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving/troubleshooting skills
• Technical skills
• Testing ideas/hypotheses

Where have Brockport students gone with this major?

• Internships
  • Advanced Micro Devices(AMD), Google, MagiQ Technologies, Nike, Paychex, Explore Rochester IT
• Employment
  • Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Boeing, Eastman Kodak, Google, Harris Interactive, Lockheed Martin, Nike, Paychex, Sutherland Groups
• Graduate Programs
  • George Mason, Johns Hopkins, Purdue, RIT, SUNY Binghamton, U of M (Amherst, MA), U of NC (Chapel Hill, NC)

Fast Facts (as of Fall 2007)

• 10 full-time faculty members; 9 with doctoral degrees, one with MS in Computer Science
• 5 part-time faculty members
• 124 majors, 7 minors
• 34 students graduated in 2006-07
• Small class size; lower-level classes 30-40 and upper-level classes 10-20
• Results of Alumni Placement Survey for the graduating class of 2006 (conducted in December 2006)
  • 79% employed, 14% graduate school, 7% seeking employment, 0% not in the job market
  • 0% in salary under $25,000, 7% in the range $25,000-34,999, 29% in the range $35,000-44,999, 29% over $45,000, 7% only part-time employed, 14% in graduate school and part-time employed, 7% not reported, 7% not employed
  • 100% report that employment relates to career goals (somewhat or very much)
  • Job designations reported: Computer Network Specialist, Computer Technician, IT Analyst, Program Analyst, Programmer, Software Engineer, Systems Administrator, Technical Specialist, Quality Assurance Tester
  • Employers: GMR Associates, MetLife, Paychex, Soleo Communications, State of Arizona, The College at Brockport, SunGard Higher Education, Telperion Solutions Group LLC, Webster Central School District
  • Graduate education in Purdue, St. John Fisher
• Three presentations by majors in the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR 2007)
• Five presentations by majors in the Brockport Scholars Day (April 11, 2007)
• Two majors received SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence in April 2007