Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science endeavors to provide programs in general education, mathematics education, and pre-engineering for students wishing to pursue professional careers or graduate study in the fields of mathematics, computer science, computer engineering, and management information sciences. This program is designed for students planning to attend graduate school to earn M.S. or Ph.D. degree and/or seek a position in industry or government as a software (cyber security) specialist.

Curriculum

The Claflin University undergraduate Computer Science (CS) curriculum provides a strong foundation in computer science as well as specialized knowledge through the student’s choice of track. The CS curriculum provides knowledge that is applicable across many fields, including many areas of engineering, science, and medicine. The curriculum specifies that a student must take a minimum of 50 hours of computer science coursework.

Scientific method and scientific research practices are also covered in Sophomore, Junior and Senior seminar courses with the requirement of submitting work toward the completion of the Senior Capstone Project.

Student Opportunities and Experience

Students work with outreach initiatives to improve computer science education at all levels. One of these initiatives is the STARS (Students & Technology in Academia, Research & Service) Alliance regional partnerships among academia, industry, K-12 and the community to strengthen local programs by focusing on K-12 outreach, community service, student leadership and computing diversity research.

Students work with many programs focused on increasing the computing pipeline by getting students interested in STEM disciplines and future technology careers. These programs include The Association of Computing Machinery (A.C.M.) and the National Society of Black Engineers (N.S.B.E.). Our students conduct outreach activities to include the local elementary, middle, and high school in a concerted effort to broaden participation in computing for underrepresented minorities and girls. These workshops include teaching boys and girls from K-12 how to write programs, develop websites, and program robots.

Careers and Outcomes

Graduates of the Mathematics and Computer Science program will be able to apply their knowledge of mathematics and computer science to the discipline. Students will be able to analyze a problem and define the requirements appropriate to its solution. Students will be able to design, develop, and implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, or program to meet the desired needs. They will be able to effectively work on teams to accomplish common goals.

A degree in computer science offers many options. Career options are limitless. Job opportunities are increasing daily with competitive salaries and a secure future. So what can one do with a job in computer science?

The graduate can become a

• Software application developer
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Network Systems Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Web Developer
• Computer Programmer
• Software Systems Developer
• Software Quality Assurance (QA) Tester