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Computer Science

Are you interested in a career that combines your passion with technology?  Consider obtaining a degree in Computer Science from McDaniel. An understanding of coding, software engineering and other computing skills easily translates into various industries ranging from healthcare, education and the military, to careers with companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Facebook. Investing in a degree in Computer Science from McDaniel is guaranteed to set you up for success!

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Why McDaniel for your Computer Science degree?

A degree in Computer Science from McDaniel College provides a comprehensive education in the fundamentals of computing, including core topics such as algorithms, logic, mathematics and linguistics, as well as related disciplines like engineering and philosophy.

Students will be taught problem solving skills and develop critical thinking through hands-on experience in Mac and PC labs; our new Computer Science Server Lab will also give students the opportunity to work with networks and create unique projects. With this knowledge base, graduates are prepared to pursue graduate studies or a career software development.

 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 58% of all new jobs in STEM fields are in computer science. And with multiple major and minor options at McDaniel, you can customize your degree to suit any career field. Flexible research and internship possibilities, paired with foundational courses and specialized electives, will prepare you for graduate school studies or success in the workforce when you graduate.

McDaniel Computer Science graduates have gone into careers as software developers, IT managers, network administrators, and many more.

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58%

of new STEM field jobs are in computer science.

Distinctive Courses

The Computer Science program is designed to present students with the concept of an algorithm on four different levels:

  • The Discrete Mathematics course provides a mathematical foundation for the study of this concept.
  • The notion of algorithm first appears in The Art of Programming course, where algorithms are expressed in a language understandable by computers.
  • Computer Organization addresses the way programs are internally processed by the machines.
  • The Data Structures and Algorithms courses advance from programs in a specific programming language to a more general paradigm of a language-independent algorithm on abstract data structures.

The Theory of Computation course concludes the required sequence with a general discussion of what an abstract computing device is and what classes of problems can and cannot be solved algorithmically.

CSC 1106 - The Art of Programming

An introduction to the use of algorithms for problem solving. The course will focus on finding algorithmic solutions for a given problem and expressing these solutions in a programming language. This course includes a laboratory.

CSC 2209 - Computer Organization

Introduction to interaction between software and hardware levels in modern computers. Possible topics include Moore’s law, von Neumann architecture, data representation, error correction, digital circuits, CPU design, memory, input/output, file systems, data compression, operating systems, virtual machines, and programming tools.

CSC 3314 - Theory of Computation

This course studies the abstract models of machines and languages recognized by them, and introduces the concept of computability. This course not only serves as the theoretical foundation of computer science, but also has wide application to programming languages linguistics, natural language processing, compiler design, and software design. Topics include finite automata and regular languages, pushdown automata and context-free grammars, grammar transformations and normal forms, Turing machines and computable functions, and unsolvable problems including the halting problem.

CSC 4494 - Senior Project

A study of software development models, requirements specification, and GUI design. Student will propose, design, implement, test, and document a substantial application or write a thesis containing original work in theoretical computer science.

Computer Science Program Requirements

Computer Science Major Computer Science Minor
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Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

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The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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Study Abroad

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Internships

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Research

Computer Science Internships

As part of the Computer Science major, we guarantee an internship opportunity to provide you with work experience and a gateway to a future career.

Internship Procedures Internship Opportunities
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Systems engineering internship prepares Computer Science major for national security career Hands-On Experience

National Security Fellow Liam Estell, a Computer Science major and Political Science minor, interned with Peraton Inc., bringing him one step closer to his dream career as a programmer supporting national security efforts.

Read the full story.

Career Opportunities and Networking

Frequently our graduates return to discuss career opportunities in mathematics and computer science at annual Career Nights. 

  • Mathematician, Pentagon
  • Systems engineer, EDS
  • Cartographer, Defense Mapping Agency
  • Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Senior programmer/analyst, Sentient HealthCare
  • NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
  • Vice President, Dean Witter Reynolds
  • Chief, Computer Science Division, Department of Defense (NSA)
  • Senior Computer Programmer, National Geographic Society
  • Senior Accountant, Homewood Hospital Center
  • Programming Analyst, Datatel Corporation

With the one-on-one guidance of your faculty mentors and advisors, you’ll focus on the practical knowledge and career skills that will prepare you to succeed in a professional environment. And as you build your step-by-step plan for life after the Hill, you’ll have everything you need to become who you’ve always wanted to be.

Explore the Center for Experience and Opportunity
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Practical applications Machine learning research prepares Computer Science majors for competitive careers Student-Faculty Summer Research Program

During research on ASL and object recognition with Computer Science and Mathematics professors Ting Zhang and Paul Lin, six Computer Science majors used machine learning techniques to create computer models that work in ways similar to the human mind.

Read "Machine learning research prepares Computer Science majors for competitiv…

Meet Two Green Terrors

Olanrewaju Oluwaseyi Abayomi stands outside in front of a staircase with his arms crossed, wearing a McDaniel College sweatshirt.

Class of 2025: Olanrewaju Oluwaseyi Abayomi

Transfer student Olanrewaju Oluwaseyi Abayomi quickly found his footing on the Hill, getting involved as a peer mentor in the Center for Experience and Opportunity, ambassador in the Admissions Office, and as a resident assistant. Soon enough, his soccer coach, Steve Corrieri, even began calling him “Mr. McDaniel.” He has already put his Computer Science education to work as a summer intern at the Defense Information Systems Agency. Working toward his future, he has enrolled in McDaniel’s five-year B.A.-to-M.S. program in Data Analytics.

Read his full Q&A.
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Class of 2024: Katherine Martinez-Contreras

Computer Science major Katherine Martinez-Contreras discovered she was an extrovert throughout her time on the Hill, which was especially useful in her role as a resident assistant. Her capstone involved creating a to-do list app for Google Pixel phones, and her future career goals involve earning a graduate degree in cyber security.

Read about Katherine's McDaniel experience.
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Paul Lin, Ph.D. Faculty Spotlight

In courses like Algorithms, The Art of Programming, and Data Structures, you'll learn Computer Science from expert Paul Lin. “No matter what profession you are pursuing, the bits and bytes you learn from a Computer Science course will enrich your field of study and broaden your career path,” he says.

Read a Q&A with Paul Lin, Ph.D.

Related Programs

Mathematics Physics Data Analytics, M.S. (STEM Designated with Day-1 CPT) Biology Physics - Engineering
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Request More Info
mapsearch Created with Sketch.

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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