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 and computer game development.

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 Branton, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; dynamical systems, artificial life and computer graphics
• Lisa Coulter, Ph.D., Courant Institute, New York University; numerical analysis and mathematical modeling
• Hala ElAarag, Ph.D., University of Central Florida; computer networks, computer architecture, modeling and simulation and performance evaluation
• Erich 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
• Will Miles, Ph.D., Clemson University; computational analysis, finite element method, interface tracking and fluid dynamics
• Daniel R. Plante, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame; physics, large-scale computations and parallel computing
• Hari Pulapaka, Ph.D., University of Florida; graph theory, combinatorics and number theory
• Thomas Vogel, Ph.D., University of Central Florida; nonlinear waves, differential equations, dynamical systems, mathematical physics

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, as well as at least three upper- division electives, a year of Calculus and Physics, a semester each of Linear Algebra and Probability or Statistics. 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
Henry Allen, `99, game developer, Tiburon
Anita Bardeen, `85, analyst, Oracle Corp.
John Bubba, `99, financial software developer, First Union Bank
Josh Crow, `99, game developer, n-Space, Inc.
Jeff Fay, `98, computer security analyst, Counterpane
Mike Geyer, `97, vice president, Network Commerce Inc.
Charles Snell, `99, software engineer, Seagate
Lance Starr, `94, software engineer, Exigent International
Omar Vargas, `97, systems analyst, IBM Corp.

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)