There are many questions you may have about choosing a
discipline and choosing a college. This FAQ addresses the computer
science and information systems options at Calvin College. Please
do not hesitate to contact us if there are other questions you have
(see the last question in this FAQ).
Questions
Questions and Answers
What is computing?
Computing (also known as computer science) is the study of all things related to computation or automated problem-solving, including:
- What computers can do and what they cannot do.
- Ways that a person can instruct a computer to perform a
computation.
- How information is described and manipulated.
- Ways that people and computers interact.
- Algorithms or "recipes" for specific computations and the
properties of those algorithms.
- Strategies, techniques, and methodologies for designing a
computation.
- The machines that perform computations.
Computing is the off-spring of two very different
disciplines:
- Mathematics, particularly the study of mathematical
models of computation; and
- Electrical Engineering, particularly the construction
of machines to perform computation.
With these roots, computing is a
broad discipline whose areas range from the architectures of
specific machines to algorithms to programming languages to formal
models of computation. Put differently, computing is the
study of the laws and principles that underlie
computation.
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Aren't the computing jobs all going to India?
Absolutely not!
In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will twice as many new U.S. jobs in software engineering as in the rest of engineering combined! See our
Market For Computing Careers
page for charts showing the employment opportunities in computing.
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Doesn't computing just focus on programming?
Programming---instructing a computer to
perform a computation---is an important part of computing,
but it is just one of many areas of computing. Some of the
other areas include:
- algorithms
- artificial intelligence
- computer architecture
- computer security
- database systems
- graphics
- information systems
- networks
- operating systems
- programming language design
- software engineering
- theory of computing
The Calvin College Department of Computer Science offers courses in
each of these areas (and more).
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What kinds of jobs are there for people with computing degrees?
For a person with a bachelors degree in computer science or information systems, there is a rich assortment of job opportunities.
Recent graduates of Calvin's Department of Computer Science have taken jobs in:
- network engineering
- systems and website administration
- software design and development
- systems analysis
- computer education and support
Also, a number of Calvin graduates have gone on to study at excellent graduate schools, including Michigan, MIT, Purdue Stanford, Texas, and Wisconsin.
News media have reported that the market for computing-related jobs has cooled off, which has led many prospective students away from computing as a major in college. This is unfortunate because according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more computing-related jobs today than there were in 1999 (at the height of the dot-com boom) and this is likely to remain true for the foreseeable future.
We are experiencing this first-hand: each month, companies send our department
job and internship requests -- far more requests than we have students!
A recent study by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) indicates that "despite offshoring, career opportunities in IT will remain strong in the countries where they have been strong". It notes that the most valuable people will be those who have a "strong foundational education", the ability to learn on their own, and the ability to do research. These are things that Calvin focuses on in its CS and IS programs.
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Won't I end up working at a computer in a cubicle the rest of my life (like Dilbert)?
As we pointed out in an earlier question,
computer programming is just one of many different areas in
computing. There are lots of jobs related to computing
technology---ranging from sales to management to support to
education and training---that are highly people-oriented and
require strong communication skills.
In fact, many employers have told us that communication skills
and the ability to work in teams are the first things they look for
in a new computing employee. The clear implication is that
computing professionals today spend much of their time interacting
with people, not just machines.
Finally, there are many unfilled jobs in today's technology
sector so no one is going to force you to stay in a lousy job. If
you start in a job and find that you don't like it, keep your
skills up to date and there will be any number of other companies
who will welcome you with open arms. In today's market, computing
employees have lots of options!
Don't let the Dilbert stereotype scare you away from one of the
most rewarding careers imaginable!
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Does Calvin have a good computing program?
The short answer is that Calvin has excellent programs in computing.
The long answer is that the focus of the Department of Computer Science is the education of undergraduate computing professionals. We are a baccalaureate college, meaning that we only offer bachelors degrees, not masters or doctoral degrees. If you study computing at Calvin, each of your courses will be taught by a professor whose main interest is teaching computing, not a graduate student or professor whose primary interest is research and for whom teaching is strictly secondary.
Since this is the case at many baccalaureate colleges, how does Calvin compare to similar institutions? Like many other departments across the US, we require all CS seniors to take the
Educational Testing Service's
Computer Science Major Field Test each year.
The past several years,
Calvin's institutional averages were above the 95th percentile -- our "average" students beat the average scores at 95% of the colleges and universities nationwide, so by this measure, Calvin's computer science program is in the top 5% in the U.S.
National Science Foundation (NSF) data shows this is no fluke.
In its last comprehensive study Undergraduate Origins of Recent (1991-95) Science and Engineering Doctorate Recipients, the NSF found that during the period of the study, nine Calvin College graduates completed PhDs in computer science.
Using this measure, Calvin College is ranked #1 among baccalaureate colleges. Even more interesting, by this measure Calvin is tied with the #1 masters-granting university. Only twenty-three PhD-granting institutions produced more computer science PhDs over the years 1986-1995. (And each of the other institutions is many times larger than Calvin.)
What also sets our Computer Science department apart is that our Bachelor of Computer Science degree has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://abet.org. While this is especially good for any student who wants to challenge taking all of the extra mathematics and science courses the BCS requires; it also benefits all of our degrees because all of our courses have to be up to the standards set by ABET.
Quite simply, you’ll have a hard time finding a better undergraduate computer science education anywhere, particularly at a Christian college.
The strengths of our program include:
- Our faculty. Many of our faculty are recognized around the world for their expertise in different areas.
- Our academics. By blending the study of the principles that govern computing with practical training, our curriculum prepares our students to succeed as computing professionals in the worlds of today and tomorrow. Our students study modern programming languages like C++, Java, Ada, and Smalltalk, and learn to use industrial strength platforms like Linux, Solaris (Sun's Unix), and Oracle.
- Our environment. Our computing laboratories and library facilities combine to create a rich environment for learning about computing.
- Our students. Our computer science club Abstraction and CSX help our department maintain a rich learning environment.
- Our mission. It is our calling to use our technical gifts and abilities to serve Jesus Christ, and we seek students who are similarly called.
Calvin alumni have an amazing record of accomplishment. Some have gone on to graduate study at distinguished universities like Stanford, MIT, Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue, Utah, and Waterloo, and are now administrators or professors at major universities. Others have taken positions of responsibility at companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, Boeing, and Ford Motor Co. Others serve at smaller companies. Companies who hire our graduates value them for their work ethic and integrity.
Come and join our tradition of excellence in computing at Calvin College!
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I'm interested in computing; what can I do to get started?
While programming is not the only thing computing professional do, it is a good starting point. Programming is best learned by writing programs. If you can take a programming course at your high school or a local college, do so. A reputable course would cover object-oriented programming with a main-stream language like Java, C++ or VB.Net. It's possible that taking such a course could get you out of Calvin's introductory CS 108 course and into a more advanced course. Talk to us at advising time if you have questions about this.
If you can't find a programming course, you can always wait until fall and take CS 108, Calvin's introduction to computing course. CS 108 doesn't assume any prior programming experience. We also offer CS 108 online over the summer; see Calvin Online for details. However, if you'd like to get at least some programming experience before tackling CS 108, then you can play around at bit with Java programming. Sun Microsystems provides a good Java development environment and a Java programming tutorial.
The materials are all free and they work for Windows, Linux or Mac. You can go through them as far as you'd like knowing that what you learn will give you something of a head start on CS 108.
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How is computing different from computer engineering (CE)?
Computer engineers tend to focus on the
hardware aspects of computing---those "below" a
computer's operating system, including digital logic, circuits and
gates, building the physical devices to perform or support
computation, and so on.
Computer scientists tend to focus on software aspects of computing -- the skills, concepts, techniques, and theories used to build computing systems, from the software applications a person runs to the operating system.
Computer scientists learn just enough about hardware to design software intelligently;
computer engineers learn just enough about software to design hardware intelligently.
To make this a bit more concrete, consider a tablet computer like the iPad.
The tablet that you hold in your hand was mostly likely designed by computer engineers.
The operating system (iOS) and the multitude of apps that you can download from the App Store
were most likely designed by computer scientists.
Calvin provides programs in both of these areas.
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What's the difference between all of the computing-related majors that Calvin offers?
The department offers programs in the following computing-related areas:
- The BCS is for students who want to
challenge themselves with our strongest program in computing, mathematics and science.
- The traditional BA in Computer Science is for
students who want a broader education, perhaps with a second major in some other area of interest.
- The BA in information Systems (IS) is for students who want
to focus on applying technology to the business environment; it's a
great blend for someone choosing between computer technology and
business management. Our IS majors have go on to diverse careers as systems analysts, technology support specialists and software developers for business applications.
- The BA in Digital Communications is for
students who are interested in applying computer technology to
mass media; students take a lot of administration courses from us
and several courses from CAS.
You can find more information on these programs at our academics page.
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Does Calvin have a program in video game design and development?
Video game design and development is a multi-disciplinary field that includes work in computing, mathematics, graphic arts, theater and management. Calvin doesn't offer a specific "major" in this area, but rather allows you to major in Computer Science, Mathematics, Art, Theater or some related area, and then to collect a set of relevant supporting courses from the other areas. Relevant courses at Calvin would include programming, computer graphics, acting, discrete mathematics, communication design, and video production.
While we're pleased that so many people have become interested in computing through computer games, we hope that computing students don't narrow their focus too soon. There's a whole range of computing-related vocations out there to be discovered. God might use you mightily in the field of computer game design. Alternatively, God might show you another path into one of the high-growth areas of computing, such as enterprise software design and development, network and security administration, and information systems.
We believe that you would do well to find a school that provides you with the broad training you'll need in the long run as opposed to the more narrow courses you want at the moment. This idea is central to Calvin's approach to education in computing.
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What kind of background do I need to study computing?
Students who study computing at
Calvin arrive with a wide diversity of backgrounds. On average,
students with previous programming experience seem to have an
easier time in the first course (CS 108), but some of our best
students have been those with no previous programming experience.
So prior programming experience may be useful, but it is not
essential.
Many of our best students have taken as much high school
mathematics as possible, because computer science and mathematics
each require the same kind of rigorous thinking. That said, a
recent study found that the SAT verbal score was a better predictor
for success in computer science than the SAT quantitative
score.
Our best students are those who like to solve puzzles, because
the same patience and analytical ability that helps a person figure
out a puzzle helps a person figure out how to automate the solution
to a problem.
The main personal qualities that seem to make for a good
computing professional are
- creativity, because there are few limitations beyond one's
imagination when it comes to writing software applications;
- love of learning, because computing technology changes so
rapidly, a computer scientist will be learning the rest of his or
her life;
- attention to detail, because a computer will only do what you
tell it to do, not what you want it to do; and
- perseverance, because as in other fields, success in computing
is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration.
If you have these qualities, come and study computing at
Calvin!
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Are there any scholarships for computing students?
The Computer Science Department offers computing-related
scholarships, descriptions of which can be found at the scholarships and awards page. Applications for these scholarships are solicited by the
department during the spring semester.
In addition, Calvin offers
scholarships and financial aid for all students.
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What is Calvin's policy regarding the Computer Science Advanced Placement (AP) tests?
Students taking the Computer Science
Advanced Placement Tests are exempted at Calvin College from the
following courses, based on your score:
Score |
Computer Science A |
Computer Science AB |
1,2 |
none |
none |
3 |
none |
CS 108 |
4, 5 |
CS 108 |
CS 108 & CS 112 |
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How can I learn more?
Come for a visit!
Calvin's Admissions department
hosts Fridays at
Calvin visitation days most Fridays during the academic year.
See their website for more details.
If you are unable to visit but would like more information about
Calvin College in general, please fill out an on-line
information request form at the Admissions website and their staff will mail you
the information. Or take the virtual tour of the
campus.
If you
have specific questions about Calvin's Department of Computer
Science, feel free to contact us.
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Questions
Questions and Answers
What courses should I take?
Start by studying the academics page, which has links for
each major program; those pages include sample schedules which
take into consideration prerequisites and semester-by-semester
course offerings. Also look at the schedule of all our courses; some of our courses are offered in
alternating years.
With that basic background, talk to your faculty advisor. He or she will be able to answer questions you may have, and will then help you craft a program that's right for you.
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I want to get a job out of college; what will
prepare me best for this?
Get a job while in college, either on your own or through our internship program. Employers tend to look for potential employees who have demonstrated the ability to apply what they've learned in a real setting. Also, get involved in extra-curricular activities, both computational and otherwise.
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I'm thinking about going on graduate school for further study; what are my options, and what should I be doing now to prepare?
Please see our Thinking About Graduate School? page, as it has lots of grad-school related advice.
Then talk to your advisor and/or other CS faculty members to get their advice.
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I want to go to graduate school for a Masters;
what will prepare me best for this?
Apply. And get involved in a lot of extra
curricular activities. Do the same things that an undergraduate
planning on a PhD would do.
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I want to go to graduate school for a PhD; what will prepare me best for this?
First you have to really consider why you want a PhD.
If your goal is research (academic or industrial) or college
teaching, then you'll need a PhD; otherwise, you probably don't
need one. Even some industrial research positions will accept
just a Masters.
If you decide you really do want a PhD, take the hardest
classes in Computer Science and take a hard minor. The
BCS is certainly good; if you opt for the
BA in CS, you should have a hard minor or a
second major. It used to be the case that graduates schools
preferred a BA; it indicates a breadth of knowledge and
an ability to learn without being spoon-fed the material. While
this may still be true in other disciplines and while a BA won't
hurt your chances, the BCS is certainly highly
regarded.
You need to do well in your classes, especially the upper-level
electives. You need a a good score on the GRE, the general exam
in particular. Not all graduate programs require a subject test,
and generally that's one of the last things that an
admissions committee will consider.
Get involved in lots of extra curricular
activities.
If at all possible, get involved in some research here at
Calvin or elsewhere during the summer; a published paper while an
undergraduate opens lots of doors!
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I want to do research in a particular area;
what will prepare me best for this?
Generally, the answer is "take more math". Computer graphics
requires math; neural networks requires math; compilers requires
math. They don't all need the same types of math, so you have to
choose those courses somewhat wisely (with the help of your
advisor), but math is going to be probably your best bet. If your
research is in a particular science (e.g., bioinformatics), then
you'll want to take courses in that area.
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I'm going for a BCS. How can I satisfy the
science course requirements?
A few things to note:
- A high school exemption for a core requirement does
not count toward a BCS.
- AP credit does count for the BCS if the
corresponding department accepts it as an exemption for the
right course. For example, AP Chemistry counts toward a BCS
if and only if the Chemistry department exempts you from CHEM
103 or CHEM 104.
- PHYS 133-135, PHYS 133-235, and CHEM 103-104 count
toward the two-course sequence for a BCS and they
satisfy both core requirements (physical and living
world). This leaves you open to take any approved
course from any other department. (In the past, BCS
students were effectively required to take BIOL 141 for the
BCS and to satisfy core; the new core requirements of 2004
give you more options.)
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I would like to get a Business minor in
addition to my Information Systems major.
This is a popular choice since you've already taken many of the
courses in the Business minor; however, there is a small problem
because of that overlap: you are allowed only a two
course overlap between your major and minor. The Business minor
and IS major overlap in three courses (BUS 160, BUS 203,
and ECON 221). You can easily solve this problem by taking one
more BUS or ECON elective which will substitute for one of these
three in the major. For example, many students take BUS 204 to
satisfy the IS major instead of BUS 203; they take BUS 203 to
satisfy the minor. Discuss your options with your advisor.
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Can I install course software on my own computer?
Generally speaking, yes. Most Unix-based software is open source (e.g., Linux, Java, C++, Eclipse) and most Microsoft software can be downloaded through our Microsoft Dreamsoft program.
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