Computer Science

Programs and Course Descriptions

Faculty

The Computer Science Program

Computer science studies the development of algorithms and data structures for representing and processing information using computers. Additionally, computer science examines the logical organization of computers themselves. Questions which arise include the following. Given the enormous difficulty of writing large programs, what kinds of computer languages can be easily specified, easily understood, and yet mechanically translated? What concepts govern information processing? What are the most advantageous ways of distributing computing loads over a collection of distributed processors? How are graphical images best stored and processed? Are some functions inherently harder to compute than others? Do functions exist which cannot be computed? How is knowledge best represented in a computer?

The department’s programs prepare students for graduate study in computer science and for employment as computer science professionals.

BA/BS in Computer Science

Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) are two similar undergraduate degrees in Computer Science. BS degrees typically involve more coursework that covers more deeply the core area of the Computer Science curriculum, while BA degrees are more flexible and encourage reaching out to other disciplines on top of computer science.

The list of possible elective courses for the BA includes non-CS courses that are offered by departments in Arts & Sciences. These courses contribute to this program of study by exploring applications of computing to arts and sciences fields in a significant way or by providing fundamental computing depth and background. The CS department may choose to adjust the list of courses over time and students can request addition of further courses.

Graduate Program

The department offers the degrees of Master of Science in Computer Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. For degree requirements and a full description of graduate courses in computer science, visit the department’s website at http://www.cs.wm.edu.

Special Five-Year M.S. Program

The department offers a special program designed to enable particularly well-prepared B.S. or B.A. students to obtain an M.S. in Computer Science 12 or 15 months after receiving their bachelor’s degrees. Students taking computer science as either their major or as a minor in their undergraduate years may be eligible for this program and upon request.will receive agraduate advisor in computer science . Candidates may register for at least two graduate-level courses as undergraduates with up to four such courses after completing their undergraduate degrees. Candidates will complete the requirement for an independent research project in either the summer following the completion of undergraduate study or the summer after the course work is completed. Students qualifying for this program may apply to the department for possible financial assistance.

Programs and Course Descriptions

Programs

Courses

Computer Science