Computer Science Major
A blend of mathematics, engineering, philosophy, linguistics, and experimental science, computer science is the study of what can be done with machines.
LVC's computer science curriculum emphasizes computer programming-helping students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Close interaction with faculty is a distinguishing feature of LVC's computer science education. Whether joining forces on a course-related project, an independent study course, or as a member of the competitive programming team, students and professors spend a great deal of time working one on one.
Students in LVC's computer science major explore such questions as: What sorts of problems can you solve via computation? How do you solve a given problem most efficiently? How do humans instruct machines to solve problems, and in what language? What are the applications for computing technology and research-and what are the implications for our culture?
LVC computer science graduates succeed on many fronts. Whether continuing their studies in graduate school, launching entrepreneurial ventures such as starting their own software company, or pursuing jobs in the public sector or private industry, our graduates leave LVC ready to apply their knowledge and assimilate new skills in this rapidly evolving field.
The major emphasizes software development and paid internships, leading to a virtual
100 percent employment rate for LVC graduates.
Department graduates have pursued careers with such firms as American Bank, AT&T, Capital Blue Cross, Datatel, GE, PP&L, Hershey Foods, IBM, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Computer Science at Lebanon Valley College
Our computer science (CS) curriculum is distinguished primarily by two things:
- An emphasis on computer programming. Five of the required seven CS courses are primarily
about programming, and programming plays an important role in most of the advanced
courses. This emphasis develops strong analysis and problem-solving skills.
- A decidedly mathematical nature. Our majors take 19 credits of mathematics (seven
courses), more than is typical of undergraduate CS programs. This math foundation
gives our students an analytical background that applies broadly in their CS coursework,
helping them become better programmers and analysts.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science with a major in computer science
Required courses:
BUS 285 Organizational Communications| The development of writing, speaking, and listening skills for business management. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: ENG 111 and 112. Majors in accounting, business administration, and health care management need a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or greater in all foundation courses completed to date. 3 credits. |
CSC 131 Intro. to Programming (w/Java)| Foundational aspects of computer programming. Algorithms and data; control structures; the design of small programs. Class and object basics. Uses the Java programming language. 3 credits. |
CSC 132 Computer Org. and Programming| Introduces the design and organization of the major components of a modern computer: CPUs, memory, storage, and other related hardware. Continues the study of programming started in CSC 131 via programming projects related to the study of computer architecture. Prerequisite: CSC 131 or permission. 3 credits. |
CSC 231 Program Design I: C++ & DS| Begins the study of large-scale software systems. Introduces the C++ programming language and fundamental data structures like vectors, lists, and trees. Prerequisites: MAS 161 or MAS 111, and CSC 132 3 credits. |
CSC 232 Prg Design II: OOP & Patterns| A continuation of CSC 231. Applications of data structures, object-oriented programming, design patterns, and other techniques to the design and implementation of large software systems. Prerequisite: CSC 231 3 credits. |
CSC 331 Software Design I| A survey of modern techniques for designing complex software systems. Investigates both programming techniques and processes. Includes substantial programming projects that continue in CSC 332. Prerequisite: CSC 232. 3 credits. |
CSC 332 Software Design II| A continuation of CSC 331. Must be taken in the semester immediately following CSC 331. Prerequisite: CSC 331. 3 credits. |
Two from:
CSC 441 Operating Systems| Theory and practice of modern operating systems. Topics include memory management, file systems, scheduling, concurrency, distributed processes, and security. Prerequisites: CSC 282 and MAS 251. 3 credits. |
CSC 442 Networks| Network design and implementation. Topics include layered network design, types of hardware, low-level protocols, packets, frames, routing, security, and so on. Prerequisites: CSC 232 and MAS 251. 3 credits. |
CSC 448 Databases| The theory, structure and implementation, and application of modern database systems. Prerequisite: CSC 232. 3 credits. |
CSC 452 Artificial Intelligence| An introduction to the field of AI. Topics include expert systems, goal-seeking algorithms, neural networks, genetic algorithms, computer vision, language recognition. Prerequisites: CSC 232 and MAS 251. 3 credits. |
CSC 481 Advanced Topics in CS I| Topics to be selected from current areas of interest and research in computer science. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisites: CSC 232, MAS 251. 3 credits. |
CSC 482 Advanced Topics in CS II| Topics to be selected from current areas of interest and research in computer science. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisites: CSC 232 and MAS 251. 3 credits. |
One of:
CSC 400
CSC 500
All of:
MAS 111 Analysis I| A calculus sequence for department majors and other students desiring a rigorous introduction to elementary calculus. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). 4 credits. |
MAS 112 Analysis II| Second semester of a calculus sequence for department majors and other students desiring a rigorous introduction to elementary calculus. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). Prerequisite: MAS 111; Corequisites: MAS 113, 114. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 112 and MAS 162. 4 credits. |
MAS 113 Mathematical Thinking I| An introduction to college mathematics for potential mathematical science majors. 1 credit. |
MAS 114 Mathematical Thinking II| Second semester. Introduction to college mathematics for potential mathematical science majors. 1 credit. |
MAS 222 Linear Algebra| An introduction to linear algebra including systems of equations, vectors spaces and linear transformations. Prerequisites: MAS 112 or MAS 261. 3 credits. |
MAS 251 Discrete Mathematics| Introduction to mathematical ideas used in computing and information sciences: logic, sets and sequences, matrices, combinatorics, induction, relations and finite graphs. Prerequisites: MAS 112 or MAS 162. 3 credits. |
Plus one addition MAS course numbered 200 or higher.
Total of 49 credits