Computer Science

This is an archived copy of the 2018-19 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.norwich.edu/.

Professors Mich Kabay and Huw Read; Associate Professors David Blythe and Jeremy Hansen; Assistant Professor Susan Helser; Lecturers Matthew Bovee and Kris Rowley.

The program focuses on practical design and development in computational environments, as well as the underlying theoretical foundations that make these environments operate efficiently, reliably, and securely. Our graduates integrate knowledge from other disciplines, such as mathematics and engineering, and enter into organizations with a broad functional and enterprise perspective.

The Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science provides students with a solid foundation for a wide range of career fields and for entry into graduate-degree programs. This intense and challenging program provides extensive preparation in data structures, algorithms, and mathematics, leading to advanced courses in operating systems, parallelism, software engineering, computer networking, and information security. The graduates of this program have the in-depth knowledge of hardware, software, and applications, required to perform complex trade-off analyses at the hardware and software level. The technical studies in this program, combined with thoughtful selection of electives in the humanities and social sciences, prepare the graduate to be a future leader in our progressive information-based society.

Each student has an individually-assigned faculty advisor from their very first day on campus. The faculty advisor assists in the development of an individualized academic program designed to meet the student's career goals. The student and the faculty advisor work together to keep the student's individualized program on track throughout their enrollment at Norwich. Committed to strong ties linking the classroom, the computer labs, and the real world, this program focuses extensively on the application of classroom work to solving real-world computer-design and computer-application problems.

Goals:

Graduates will be able to:

  • Apply their knowledge of computer science to problems encountered in their professional careers or in pursuit of advanced degrees;
  • Use evolving technologies, analytical thinking, and design to address contemporary issues;
  • Communicate well orally and in writing, interact professionally, and work effectively on multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives; and
  • Uphold high ethical standards, including concern for the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.

Outcomes:

Upon graduation, students will:

  • Be competent in theoretical and mathematical foundations of computer science;
  • Be proficient in at least one programming language and have a basic knowledge of at least one other;
  • Understand the hardware and software architecture of computer systems;
  • Demonstrate the ability to participate in professional practices related to software engineering;
  • Be able to communicate effectively about computer science-related topics; and,
  • Demonstrate the ability to be responsible practitioners of computer science and understand the social and ethical implications of computing.

Careers for this Major:
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Chief Technical Officer
  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Information Systems Manager
  • Network Administrator
  • Software Engineer
  • Software Tester
  • Systems Administrator