Computer Science Department

Major- Computer Science
Minor- Computer Science, Computer Systems Management

For Course Offerings and Program Requirements see The Hiram College Catalog.

   1. Which courses are for first year students who wish to explore new areas of interest, but have no clear intent to major in this area?

      Introduction to Computer Science (CPSC 171)

      Computer Literacy (CPSC 160)-normally only in WEC

      The Information Age and Computers (CPSC 165)
   2. What is the desirable course work a prospective major/minor should complete by the end of their first year and the end of their second year?

      Major: Introduction to Computer Science (CPSC 171) and Introduction to Programming-Java (CPSC 172) by the end of the first year and Algorithm Design (CPSC 201), Computer Organization (CPSC 252), and another 200 level course b the end of the second year.

      Minor: Introduction to Computer Science (CPSC 171)
   3. What is the minimum a prospective major/minor must do by the end of their first and second year?

      Major or Minor: The same as the response to question #2.
   4. How important is it for a student with some interest in majoring in your area to make contact with a member of your department?

      If a student is interested in majoring in computer science they should speak with a member of the Computer Science Department at the end of their first semester, but no later than the end of the second semester. Not all courses are available every year and only departmental members can predict the schedule.
   5. What are the major pitfalls a student should avoid during their first year and how can an advisor help the student to avoid them?

      Ignoring or misinterpreting the student’s high school background in computer science. If a student has had programming experience in high school or AP credit in computer science, please have them consult with a department member as placement in a correct course is hard to judge

      Students who have only used a computer (i.e. word processing, playing games, using spreadsheets etc) should start with CPSC 171 definitely.

      Ignoring or misinterpreting the mathematics placement results. Mathematics prowess is NOT a requirement for the major or the minor, but the mathematics placement test looks for basic logic skills that are necessary. The mathematics placement recommendations should be overridden only after consultation with a department member.