Department of Computer Science at The College at Brockport

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 of the Computer Science (CSC) 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 Computer Information Systems (CIS) 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 of the Computer Science Major

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 of the Computer Science Major

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.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) Major

The Computer Information Systems program 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, IT Specialist, Network Administrator, Project Manager, Systems Analyst, Web Designer, and Web Programmer (e-commerce).

What kinds of work environments are typical?

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, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Nike, Paychex, Sutherland Groups
Graduate Programs
- Cornell, George Mason, Purdue, RIT, SUNY Binghamton, Univ. of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA), Univ. of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC), Univ. of Texas (Austin, TX)

Fast Facts

10 full-time faculty members; 9 with doctoral degrees, one with MS in Computer Science
5 part-time faculty members
138 majors, 15 minors
31 students graduated in 2010-2011
Small class size; lower-level classes 30-40 and upper-level classes 10-20
Results of Alumni Placement Survey for the graduating class of 2008 (conducted in December 2008)
- 100% employed, 0% graduate school, 0% seeking employment, 0% not in the job market
- 0% in salary under $25,000, 11% in the range $25,000-34,999, 33% in the range $35,000-44,999, 22% over $45,000, 22% not reported, 0% in graduate school, and 11% part-time employed
- Of those employed, 88% report that employment relates to career goals (somewhat or very much); 12% not reported
- Job designations reported: Computer Programmer, Computer Technician, Desktop Systems Specialist, Engineer, IT/Operations Manager, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Technician
- Employers: Cyrus Innovation, Eastman Kodak Company, PAETEC, Total Productive Maintenance, University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital, Webster Central School District
- Graduate education:
Two presentations by majors in the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR 2011)
Eleven students made presentations at Brockport Scholars Day (April, 2011)