The academic programs in Computer Science prepare students for computing-related professions in a workforce defined by advanced technologies, rapid growth of networking, and ubiquitous access to computing systems.

The Bachelor of Science Program includes up-to-date coverage of basic and advanced topics in computer science as well as emphasis on science and mathematics, as recommended in the Computing Curricula 2001 report of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Computer Society of the Institute of the Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Students in the Associate of Science Program are prepared for entering the computing professions and further their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other computing-related majors. Students in any major are encouraged to minor in Computer Science to augment their work in the major with computing technology knowledge and skills. Evening students have the opportunity to complete a Certificate in Computing Technology, which prepares them for a degree program in computer science.

Students in the computer science programs have access to state-of-the art computer labs equipped with high-speed workstations. In addition to Windows, Linux, and Solaris operating systems, students learn about professional practices as they use extensively integrated development environments for C/C++  and Java, and a large variety of specialty software systems required in courses such as: computer architecture, multimedia applications and web development, computer graphics, compilers, database management, and programming languages.

Rivier College is ideally located in a hub of a high-tech area of the Greater Nashua, which allows students to focus on career goals and to explore diverse job opportunities in the computing field. With a placement rate of nearly 100 percent, Rivier graduates in computer science assume positions such as software developers, systems analysts, support and software quality assurance engineers, and network administrators.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program acquire a higher-level understanding of computer systems as a whole and significant project experience. As a result, upon graduation students possess not only a solid knowledge of the disciplinary theoretical underpinnings, but also professional practices that allow them to maintain their skills as the field evolves. Qualified juniors and seniors are given the opportunity to apply for the internship program. Internships help develop professional references and often lead to permanent positions after graduation.

The bachelor’s degree requires 36 credit hours in the area of computer science, 18-20 credit hours in the area of mathematics, and 12-16 credit hours in the area of sciences. Some of the degree requirements are fulfilled within the core curriculum courses.

Competencies

Upon completion of the program computer science students should be able to:

Assessment

Program assessment will be determined by:

Requirements for the Major: 

Recommended Electives:

Science Requirement:

Requirement fulfilled within the College Core Curriculum

Additional Requirements:

Transfer Policy:

A minimum of nine courses, 27 credits, in Mathematics and Computer Science, must be completed at Rivier College.

Top

Students in the Associate of Science in Computer Science program are prepared to entry the computing professions with solid foundational knowledge about computer systems and their applications, and practical experience with designing, developing, and maintaining computing solutions. Students successfully further their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology management, or other computing-related majors.

The associate’s degree requires 41-43 credit hours in the area of computer science, mathematics, and science, of which 3-4 credit hours in mathematics are fulfilled within the core curriculum.

Competencies:

Students who complete Associate’s program requirements should be able to:

Assessment:

Program assessment will be determined by:

Requirements for the Major:

Science Requirement:

Requirement fulfilled within the College Core Curriculum:

Additional Requirements:

Transfer Policy:

A minimum of five courses, 15 credits, in Mathematics and Computer Science must be completed at Rivier College.

Top

The Computer Science minor is designed for students who want to complement work in their major with foundational concepts of the computing technology, and with marketable programming skills.  Computer Science minors take a minimum of six courses chosen in consultation with the Director of the Computer Science programs.  A computer science minor generally includes:

Requirements for the Minor:

Transfer Policy:

A minimum of three courses, nine credits, in Mathematics and Computer Science must be completed at Rivier College.

Top

The certificate in computing technology provides basic knowledge of computing systems, and essential skills to apply this knowledge in the area of programming, system and network administration, and graphic design. The certificate prepares students for a degree program in computer science. The certificate program is offered only for evening students.

Requirements for the certificate:

Top