Computer Science (B.A.)

Computer Science (B.A.)
computer science b.a.

Shaping computing professionals through innovation and hands-on experience

Given the demand for graduates who have a solid base in theory, strong conceptual knowledge and demonstrated competencies to develop cutting-edge computing systems, our computer science program is designed to give you the skills to succeed in this rapidly growing industry.


What is computer science?

Grounded in mathematics and computer engineering, computer science advances the science and theory of computation and develops computing-based systems that are the fabric of today's economy. Computer science is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States, with exciting job prospects that value highly creative, interdisciplinary and impactful work. This degree program is well suited for students who want to explore and understand how key concepts and principles of computer science are translated into real-world applications. Computer science students enjoy exceptional career opportunities in highly diverse settings, from Fortune 500 companies to audacious startups, and are highly qualified to pursue graduate study in various fields.

Why study computer science at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester?

Through project-based learning in the classroom and relevant internships and research experiences, the computer science program at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester prepares students with the skills to pursue careers or graduate school in this high-demand and rewarding field. Students learn computer science theories, build a strong technical foundation and apply computing concepts and practices through real-world experience with our vast network of local businesses and tech companies. With one-on-one faculty mentorship, cutting-edge lab facilities and face-to-face networking opportunities, computer science majors graduate with strong problem-solving, analytical and communication skills, a solid base in theory and demonstrated competencies to develop innovative computing systems.

Potential careers

  • Applications architect
  • Big data engineer
  • Computer network architect
  • Data security analyst
  • Database developer
  • Full stack developer
  • Information security analyst
  • Mobile application developer
  • Software engineer
  • Software systems engineer
Contact
Associate Professor/Affiliate Associate Professor
Phone: (603) 641-4352
Office: Manchester - 88 Commercial Street, 88 Commercial Street,
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Accelerated Master's in Information Technology

The accelerated master's program is designed to give diligent students the ability to complete a B.S. in computer information systems and an M.S. in information technology in as little as five years. You're eligible to apply if you have a GPA of 3.2 or higher in your junior year or first semester of senior year. learn more

Curriculum & Requirements

The computer science program combines a solid foundation in computing necessary to succeed in today's start-up and high-tech environments. The program is designed in response to market demand for students proficient in computer science.

Students in the computer science program gain real-world experience through extensive project work and opportunities to interact with industry experts through internships and sponsored research.

Career prospects for students with an undergraduate computer science degree are varied, and may include such areas as applications developer, computer and information research scientist, data security specialist, database administrator, database developer, multimedia developer, network architect, product development manager, quality assurance analyst, software systems developer, user experience designer, or web developer.

Program Educational Objectives

Within five years of graduation, a CS student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of the core areas of computer science
  • Invent, develop, manage, and evaluate computing systems and services
  • Exercise professional responsibility and have appreciation of the social, legal, ethical, and cultural issues inherent in the computing field.

For additional information contact the Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester Office of Admissions, (603) 641-4150.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
°ä°¿²Ñ±ÊÌý424 Applied Computing 1: Foundations of Programming 4
·¡±·³Ò³¢Ìý401 First-Year Writing 4
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý425 Calculus I 4
±«²Ñ³§°ÕÌý401 First Year Seminar 2
Discovery Course 4
ÌýCredits18
Spring
COMPÌý415 Mobile Computing First and For Most 4
COMPÌý430 Systems Fundamentals 4
COMPÌý570 Statistics in Computing and Engineering 4
PHYSÌý407 General Physics I 4
ÌýCredits16
Second Year
Fall
COMPÌý500 Discrete Structures 4
COMPÌý525 Data Structures Fundamentals 4
Discovery Course 4
Foreign Language 4
ÌýCredits16
Spring
COMPÌý530 Machine and Network Architecture 4
COMPÌý560 Ethics and the Law in the Digital Age 4
MATHÌý645 Linear Algebra for Applications 4
Discovery Course 4
ÌýCredits16
Third Year
Fall
COMPÌý625 Data Structures and Algorithms 4
UMSTÌý582 Internship and Career Planning Seminar 1
Discovery Course 4
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 4
ÌýCredits17
Spring
COMPÌý630 Systems Software 4
COMPÌý690 Internship Experience 4
Discovery Course 4
Elective Course 4
ÌýCredits16
Fourth Year
Fall
COMP Topic Course 4
COMP Topic Course 4
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 4
ÌýCredits16
Spring
COMPÌý790 Capstone Project 4
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 4
ÌýCredits16
ÌýTotal Credits131

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: Yes

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Students majoring in computer science must complete 128 credits to graduate, satisfy the University's Discovery Program, and complete 69 credits in the major with a minimum of C- in each course. Students must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

Transfer students who elect to major in computer science must earn 69 approved credits for completion of the major, of which at least 24 credits must be completed at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester.

Mathematics and Science 1
COMPÌý500Discrete Structures4
COMPÌý570Statistics in Computing and Engineering4
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý425Calculus I4
MATHÌý645Linear Algebra for Applications4
PHYSÌý407General Physics I4
Computing Core
COMPÌý415Mobile Computing First and For Most4
°ä°¿²Ñ±ÊÌý424Applied Computing 1: Foundations of Programming4
COMPÌý430Systems Fundamentals4
COMPÌý525Data Structures Fundamentals4
COMPÌý530Machine and Network Architecture4
COMPÌý560Ethics and the Law in the Digital Age4
COMPÌý625Data Structures and Algorithms4
COMPÌý630Systems Software4
Project and Professional Practice 2
COMPÌý690Internship Experience4
COMPÌý790Capstone Project4
orÌýCOMP 791
UMSTÌý582Internship and Career Planning Seminar1
Computing Topics 38
Select two from the following:
COMPÌý705
Full Stack Development
COMPÌý720
Database Systems and Technologies
COMPÌý725
Programming Languages
COMPÌý740
Machine Learning Applications and Tools
COMPÌý785
Applied Cryptography
Total Credits69
1

The program requires four mathematics courses and one physics course.

2

The program prepares students for the workforce and further education in a holistic way by emphasizing communication, collaboration, team work, initiative, appreciation for diversity, and self-direction and responsibility.Ìý

3

Advisor permission required.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

The student learning outcomes are aligned with criteria for accrediting computer science programs as recommended by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission and the ACM Computing Curricula – CS 2013 Computer Science guidelines.Ìý

Explore Program Details

As a computing major, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art lab facilities equipped with the latest hardware equipment and software development tools.

Facilities and Equipment

Two large labs set up with peer programming and shared learning in mind, stocked with:

  • Dell Latitude E6420 and Dell Latitude E4500 computers with dual-booting configuration to run Windows 7 and Fedora 17
  • Additional external monitors and tools to improve collaboration on team projects
  • 60 dedicated Ethernet data ports to allow for network design experiments
  • Wireless access

A spacious server room equipped with:

  • Dell PowerEdge server computers, Ethernet data ports, and networking gear to provide instructional support for the Computing Technology courses
  • A stack of Dell PowerEdge server computers running a Linux server operating system to run experiments in the Capstone Project course
  • Monitoring consoles to optimize system and network administrative operations

Two server clusters:

  • Speech Server Cluster consisting of a stack of Dell PowerEdge servers running Red Hat Linux server operating system to run Speech experiments in the Capstone Project course
  • GPU Computing Cluster is under construction, made possible with a recent grant from NVIDIA, the world leader in visual computing. The state-of-the-art cluster will allow students to analyze medical imagery, explore models of speech and leverage GPU computing and CUDA C/C++ in their courses.

Our lab laptops are powerful development platforms configured to run a large variety of tools and utilities 

IT Services
  • A private cloud of  virtual machines running Windows and Linux server operating systems, managed with VMware vSphere, is updated each semester to meet course instruction and student project needs.
  • Server applications and run-time environments (BinNami and XAMPP) are configured to provide MediaWiki, Apache web, and MySQL database services
  • Shared network drives and staging server virtual machines support student project activities
  • A Balsamiq academic license offers mockup building tools to design user experiences for course projects
  • A Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance (MSDN AA) membership gives students access to Microsoft developer and designer tools software

Technology is advancing daily, and the need for tech-savvy graduates is growing alongside it.

The  anticipates positive growth in many computing professions, projecting one million more computing jobs than students in 2020. In its , the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows computer science majors earn the top average starting salary among computer and information sciences graduates at the bachelor’s degree level.

Combined with growing market demand, the business and tech chops you’ll develop at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester translate to an impactful and lucrative career. Your computer science degree will give you the practical technical skills for an impactful, lucrative career in industries from science to education to healthcare and beyond.

Job Title Job Growth Average Salary
Computer and Information Systems Manager 15% $131,600
Computer Network Architect 9% $100,240
Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary 13% $72,470
Computer Systems Analyst 21% $85,800
Database Administrator  11% $81,710
Information Security Analyst 18% $90,120
Software Developer 17% $100,690

Learn more about career planning

Our campus is in the heart of the region’s cultural, economic, entertainment and government activity — putting unlimited internship opportunities at your doorstep. We’ve partnered with local businesses to give you the real-world experience that sets you apart. Computing majors have interned at many high-profile organizations in the area, including:

  • Oracle
  • Dyn
  • BAE Systems
  • SilverTech
  • 2KR Systems

Learn more about internships

Computing drives innovation in all industries, so adding a computer information systems minor to your degree builds both your resume and the foundation for highly desirable technical skills.

View all minors

We've partnered with NHTI to develop a pathway that shows you how your community college courses will transfer into Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester's computer science program.

See the complete list of Pathways

The Computing Technology Industry Advisory Board (CT-IAB) advises and supports the computing technology program in its effort to meet the economic development needs in New Hampshire and the region, and to educate computing majors at Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester in three degree programs: computer information systems, B.S.; computer science, B.A.; and information technology, M.S.

The CT-IAB provides counsel and support in 

  • Curriculum design and authentic project experiences
  • Lab infrastructure and services
  • Partnerships with business, industry, government, educational and nonprofit organizations
  • Developing educational pathways to computing education and careers for all, in particular for underrepresented students
  • The board includes computing professionals, researchers and leaders who represent local industry, business, government, education and nonprofit organizations.
CT-IAB Members
  • Barbara Bancoft, Professor and Computer Networking Program Coordinator, Nashua Community College
  • , Scrum Master/Software Development Manager, Autodesk; Adjunct Faculty, Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester
  • , Senior Data Integration Engineering, Fitbit
  •  Founder and Principal Architect, Software/Director of Technology, SilverTech, Inc.
  • , Professor of Computer Engineering Technology, NHTI
  • Richard Greene, MITRE Corp, Lead Staff
  • John Grossmith, Lead Solution Engineer, Salesforce
  • , Software Engineer, Fidelity Investments
  • , MCC IT Department Chair, Manchester Community College
  • , Principal Software Engineer, Autodesk
  • , Production Software Engineer, Worldplay; Adjunct Faculty, Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Manchester
  • Chief Technology Office, Clearsurance
  • , Professor of Engineering and Computing Sciences Dept. Chair, Nashua Community College
  • Brice Rader, Principal Software Engineer, Liberty Mutual
  • , Technical Operations Manager, NS1
  • Andy Schwab, Assistant Professor, IT Program, NHTI
  • CEO & Computer Security Entrepreneur, Siege Technologies, LLC
  • , Senior Business Intelligence Data Analyst,  Merrimack Valley Accountable Care Organization
  • , Software Engineer, Raytheon

 

 

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