Capital University

Computer Science Major

Capital's computer science courses address a broad range of topics with the goal of exposing majors to the important issues in both software and hardware. Computer science majors begin their studies with two introductory courses focusing on algorithm design, basic software engineering fundamentals and elementary data structures. These courses are the foundation for more advanced studies in such areas as digital logic, computer architecture, operating systems, parallel computing, database and computer graphics. Many majors elect additional courses in such areas as advanced computer graphics, various languages and high performance scientific computing.

During their junior and senior years, majors participate in a departmental seminar that features student research and presentations.

Approach

Computing technology changes rapidly and creative new applications of computers are continually being discovered. Consequently, it is critical that computer science students be educated in a manner that emphasizes flexibility, adaptability and an appreciation for the importance of lifelong learning.

Capital's computer science professors strive to provide such emphasis by stressing those theoretical aspects of computer science that form the foundation of in-depth understanding and creativity. Theoretical work is supplemented by extensive hands-on experience with state-of-the-art hardware and software in the department's unique Advanced Computational Laboratory.

Careers and Placement

The university's location in the state's capital allows many computer science majors to take advantage of the city's business and technological opportunities through internships and part-time employment. Capital students have participated in cooperative programs with such companies as Chemical Abstracts Services, Sterling Commerce, Nationwide and the Defense Supply Center Columbus. Capital students also serve as laboratory supervisors and Information Technology assistants on campus.

Graduates of Capital's computer science programs have been very successful, whether they have attended graduate school or entered the work force. Many of today's careers require the ability to solve problems, and a major from this department helps develop that ability.

Some of the occupations available to Capital's computer science majors are: teaching, systems analysis, quality control, industrial engineering, research, weather forecasting, programming, networking and information systems.

What Are Some of Our Alumni Doing Now?

They are:

  • Software Project Director
  • Programmer/Analyst
  • Director of Network Services
  • Systems Administrator
  • Computer Systems Manager
  • MIS Technical Analyst

And they are working at companies as diverse as:

  • Defense Logistic Agency
  • Columbia Gas
  • Digital Equipment Corporation
  • IBM
  • Ohio Arts Council
  • Nationwide
  • L & W Engineering
  • Capital University
  • Sterling Software
  • Lucent Technologies

Four-Year Sample Schedule of an Computer Science Major:

Freshman-Fall Semester
Intro to Computer Science-3
Calculus I-4
*College Reading and Writing-3
*Cultural Pluralism in American Society-3
*Global Awareness-3
Intro to Unix-1

17 hours

 
Sophomore-Fall Semester
Statistics-3
Intro to Database Systems-3
Digital Logic and Design-4
*Religious Foundations and the Bible-3
*Science and Technology-3


15 hours

 
Junior-Fall Semester
Algorithms and Data Structures II-3
Computer Graphics-3
*Humanities-3
Seminar-1
Elective-3
Elective-3


16 hours
 
Senior-Fall Semester
Intro to Parallel Computing-3
Seminar-1
Elective-3
Elective-3
Elective-3



17 hours
 
Freshman-Spring Semester
Algorithms and Data Structures I-3
Discrete Mathematics-3
*Oral Communication-3
*Lifetime Health-3
Elective-3



15 hours

 
Sophomore-Spring Semester
Software Engineering-3
*Fine Arts-3
*Social Science-3
Computer Architecture-3
Elective-3
Elective-3


15 hours

 
Junior-Spring Semester
Operating Systems-3
Programming Languages-3
Seminar-1
Elective-3
Elective-3
Elective-3


16 hours

 
Senior-Spring Semester
Computer Science Elective-3
Seminar-1
*Ethical Issues & Contemp. Religious Convictions-3
Elective-3
Elective-3
Elective-3

16 hours

 

All courses subject to availability and adviser approval.
* All undergraduates must demonstrate that the General Education goals have been met.

Capital University
1 College and Main, Columbus, OH 43209-2394
614-236-6011
Jon Stadler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics, Department Chair
Capital University
College of Arts and Sciences
1 College and Main
Columbus, OH
43209-2394