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Computer Science Undergraduate Programs

Paul Cunningham, Ph.D.
Acting Director of the Computer Science Programs
Acting Department Coordinator
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
E-mail: pcunningham@rivier.edu
sciences@rivier.edu

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.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

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:

• Understand the mathematical concepts and models relevant to the computing discipline and apply them  to solve representative computing problems;

• Produce work involving the design, implementation, and documentation of a software system by using effectively development tools;

• Pursue further educational opportunities in computer science and either obtain an entry level position or improve on current employment;

• Understand and critically analyze the social and ethical issues that are associated with the computing field.

Assessment

Program assessment will be determined by:

• Student performance in two mathematics courses at 300 and 400 level;

• Student system development skills demonstrated in courses which include design and programming projects: CS 250, CS 315, CS 340, and CS 405;

• Student performance in the capstone course, CS 450.

Requirements for the Major:

Recommended Electives:

Science Requirement:

Requirement fulfilled within the College Core Curriculum:

Additional Requirements:

• Remainder of the Core Curriculum
• Electives to complete program
• One credit in service-learning (day students only)

Transfer Policy:

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

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Associate of Science in Computer Science

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:

• Understand the basic computing, computer organization, and theoretical foundations of the computing discipline;

• Competently program in at least one general-purpose high-level programming languages;

• Pursue a baccalaureate degree in a computer-related field and obtain an entry-level position or improve on current employment.

Assessment:

Program assessment will be determined by:

• Student performance in the science courses and in the MA 310 Discrete Mathematics course;

• Student programming skills in CS 180 and CS 181;

• Student answers to questions about a computing system as a whole in CS 245 and  CS 250.

Requirements for the Major:

CS 120	Computing Concepts and Tools
CS 180	Programming Fundamentals I
CS 181	Programming Fundamentals II
CS 245	Computer Organization
CS 250	Data Structures and Abstraction
MA 160 or 165	Calculus I or  Calculus I with lab
MA 161 or 166	Calculus II or  Calculus II with lab
MA 310	Discrete Mathematics
COM 290	Introduction to Graphic Design
COM 309	Computer Publication Design

Science Requirement:

CHE 104 or PHY 111	Chemistry I or Physics I
CHE 105 or PHY 112	Chemistry II or Physics II

Requirement fulfilled within the College Core Curriculum:

MA 130

Precalculus

Additional Requirements:

• Associate Degree Core Curriculum
• Electives to complete program

Transfer Policy:

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

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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:

CS120	Computing Concepts and Tools
MA130	Precalculus
MA160 or 165	Calculus I or  Calculus I with lab
CS 180	Programming Fundamentals I
CS 181	Programming Fundamentals II
CS 245	Computer Organization

Transfer Policy:

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

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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:

CS 120	Computing Concepts and Tools
CS 180	Programming Fundamentals I
CS 245	Computer Organization
COM 290	Introduction to Graphic Design

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