Computer Science

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 successful. Our program will give you a foundation in the fundamentals of computer science, a solid understanding of the object-oriented paradigm, software development processes and software engineering.

By choosing a major in computer science, you can develop expertise in systems analysis, software development, networking and wireless technologies, artificial intelligence, computer graphics and animation or computer music.

What makes the program distinctive?

While the fundamentals of computer science are important in our curriculum, we place a particular emphasis on software development and software engineering, and so the practical implementation of core concepts is vital to our students' attaining a firm understanding. Courses are constructed to be strongly project-oriented. We also provide research opportunities for our students, and a number of them have given talks on their work at national and international professional meetings, won awards and published in professional journals. This combination of research with practical implementation experience gives our students a competitive advantage when they apply to graduate schools or look for jobs. Recent student work has included augmented reality for the iPhone, fuzzy logic for improving network performance, automated music composition employing memetic algorithms, design of optimal keyboard interfaces for mobile devices to optimize speed and accuracy, and the development and implementation of algorithms for covert VoIP communication.

Academics and Research

Independent research

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.

Facilities and opportunities

The department has several teaching labs with a mixture of Microsoft Windows, Linux and Apple OS X systems, as well as rack-mounted servers for use in student research, and both Android and iOS-based smart phones and tablets. Students also have 24/7 access to two well-equipped labs in Elizabeth Hall rooms 208 and 210.

Preparation for graduate study

Our students have done original research and developed a number of exciting projects, giving them a competitive edge when they apply to graduate schools or look for jobs. Past student work may be reviewed at the department's student research page.

Awards and Recognition

Distinguished faculty

Our faculty has obtained a Stetson Hand award for Research and Society for Modeling and Simulation International and an Outstanding Service award for outstanding and dedicated technical contributions and services to the modeling and computer simulation discipline.

Grant-funded research

Our students have been successful in obtaining Research Experience for Undergraduates (R.E.U.) grants at prestigious universities like the University of California and University of Texas. They have also been successful at obtaining Stetson Undergraduate Research Experience (S.U.R.E.) grants.

Undergraduate awards and honors

Students can receive multiple awards including: Ashcraft Award for outstanding junior, Wunnenberg award for outstanding students in graphics, Medlin award for outstanding senior research, Kresge money for senior research, dean's fund for student travel, Sullivan award and Etter McTeer award.

Beyond the Classroom

Internships

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. Our students have interned at AT&T, Convergys, Disney Multimedia, Florida Hospital, Seagate, StrombergCarlson and Google.

After Stetson

Diverse careers

Our graduates have studied at Clemson University, Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Florida State University, University of Minnesota, and others. Some have pursued graduate degrees in Law and Medicine. Alumni work at companies such as Google, Oracle, AMD, Harris Corp., IBM, Lockheed-Martin, Microsoft, AT&T and RIM. Job titles include systems analyst, software developer, software engineer, network analyst, computer game developer, project manager and chief executive officer.