Computer Science Major

Computer Science is the study of what can be done with machines. This discipline is part mathematics, part engineering, part philosophy, part linguistics, and part experimental science (without all the mess!). Computer Science studies questions such as

• What sorts of problems can you solve via computation?
• Given a problem you can solve, how do you do so most efficiently?
• How do humans instruct machines to solve problems? In what language does this instruction take place?
• What applications does computing technology and research have? What are the implications of these applications for our culture?

Computer Science at Lebanon Valley College

Our Computer Science 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.

Our facilities are good (dedicated, computer-equipped classroom space, department servers administered by students, a campus network featuring fiber-optic service to dorm rooms), but it is the accessibility of our professors that really makes the major work. In the LVC Computer Science program, you will spend a lot of time working one-on-one with faculty, be it on a project for a class, in an independent study course, or as a member of the competitive programming team. It is in this setting that we are able to accomplish the most, and it is a hallmark of our program. Our students work very hard, and our faculty work right along with them.

What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree from LVC?

Our program has produced many graduates who are highly successful in the computing field. Graduates leave our program ready to apply their knowledge immediately, and equipped to quickly learn new skills in this rapidly evolving field.

Several graduates have gone on to graduate school. One founded his own software firm, one became the director of a school district's computer operations, and one is the chair of a computer engineering department at a major university. Recent graduates have begun their careers with firms such as American Bank, AMP/Tyco, AT&T, Blue Cross, Book-of-the-Month, Carpenter Technology, Datatel, GE, Hershey Foods, IBM, J.P. Morgan Chase, NJP&L, PP&L, and Provident Mutual Insurance Company.

Is Computer Science at LVC Right for You?

Are you interested in programming? Do you like mathematics, and do you want to apply it? Do you want to go to a small school where immediate access to faculty and lots of individual attention are the norm? Are you interested in a broad, liberal education, as provided by LVC's General Education program?

If you answer yes to all of the above, then LVC's CS major may be just your thing. Contact the program director for more information!

Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science with a major in computer science

Lebanon Valley College is located in Annville, Pa. just 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg. Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Baltimore are all approximately two hours from LVC. Founded in 1866, the College welcomes more than 1,600 full-time undergraduate students studying more than 30 majors, as well as self-designed majors. LVC has graduate programs in physical therapy, business administration, music education, and science education.