Stetson University
  Computer Science
  Contact:
Lisa Coulter
386-822-7550
lcoulter@stetson.edu

Full Time Faculty: 9

Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Our Graduates Attend:
Clemson University, Cornell University, Florida State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota

Our Students Intern at:
AT&T, Convergys, Disney Multimedia, Florida Hospital, Seagate, StrombergCarlson, Google

 
Major & Minor

Department Site:
http://www.stetson.edu/mathcs/

Whether you're interested in graduate school or a job in business, the media and entertainment industry, or government, our emphasis on the theory and application of new computer technologies will provide you with the background you need to be a success. Our programs will give you a foundation in the fundamentals of Computer Science, a solid understanding of the Object Oriented Paradigm, and the application of this knowledge to areas of interest to you.

By choosing among majors in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, and Digital Arts, you can develop expertise in systems analysis, software development, Web-application development, networking, database development, artificial intelligence, computer graphics and animation, or computer music. We've designed these majors so you can explore your options the first year, then combine them with majors and minors throughout your studies to give you the broadest background possible -- all while achieving unusual technical depth.

In our Computer Science program, you will focus on the core technical aspects of the discipline that will prepare you for careers in fields such as Web development, computer game development and software engineering.

Faculty
With small classes being the norm, you will receive personal attention throughout your years at Stetson. Faculty members work closely with students both in and out of class and are eager to engage students in interesting and individualized research.

The faculty members in our department and their areas of expertise and research are:

  • Michael G. Branton, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; dynamical systems, artificial life and computer graphics
  • Lisa O. Coulter, Ph.D., Courant Institute, New York University; numerical analysis and mathematical modeling
  • Hala A. El Aarag, Ph.D., University of Central Florida; computer networks, computer architecture, modeling and simulation and performance evaluation
  • Erich J. Friedman, Ph.D., Cornell University; probability, packing and tiling, combinatorial geometry and game theory
  • Margie Hale, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University; topology, logic, differential equations and interactive software
  • William Wise Miles, Ph.D., Clemson University; computational analysis, finite element method, interface tracking and fluid dynamics
  • Daniel R. Plante, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame; web application development, security, and software development
  • Thomas Keith Vogel, Ph.D., University of Central Florida; nonlinear waves, differential equations, dynamical systems, mathematical physics
  • Hari Pulapaka, Ph.D., University of Florida; graph theory, combinatorics and number theory
Special Features
While fundamentals of computer science are important in our curriculum, the practical implementation of core concepts is vital to our students' attaining a firm understanding of computer science. Therefore, our courses are purposefully constructed to be strongly project oriented.

All students in our department are required to complete a year-long research sequence for the Senior Project. This research is tailored to the interests and strengths of the individual student. A faculty adviser will work individually with you during your senior research year, providing guidance and support as needed.

Our students have developed a number of exciting projects -- giving them a competitive advantage when they apply to graduate schools or look for jobs.

Course Information
The Computer Science major requires the completion of five lower-division and six upper-division major requirements, and at least three upper-division electives. Students must also take Calculus II and two semesters of courses in the Natural Sciences (outside of Mathematics/Computer Science). Course offerings include Discrete Structures, Software Development I and II, Computer Graphics, and Artificial Intelligence.

Internship Opportunities
Students may take an internship course for credit, either during the regular semester or during the summer. Students have also participated in special industry software development projects in recent years.

Career Opportunities
Systems analyst, software developer, software engineer, computer and network security analyst, Web developer, computer game developer, project manager

Alumni Highlights
Sam Romano '08, software engineer, Lockheed Martin
Andrew Moedinger '07, software engineer, Google Inc.
Baldur Magnusson '05, PhD program, Cornell University
Ajit Dang '05, JD candidate, University of Miami
Jake Cobb '04, researcher for Aristotle Group, Georgia Tech


Clubs and Organizations
The Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter sponsors an annual high school programming competition at Stetson. The competition allows Florida high school students to compete for prizes, scholarships, and computers for their schools.

Department Awards
Ashcraft Award (cash prize)


Stetson University | 421 N. Woodland Blvd. DeLand, FL 32723
Phone: 386.822.7100 | Toll-free admissions information: 800.688.0101
Email: admissions@stetson.edu