Computer Science
The computer science program at Cottey is designed to provide introductory, foundation courses for students seeking degrees in computer science and information science. Computer scientists develop and adapt principles for applying computers to new uses. Mathematical ability and logical thinking are the core skills needed for computer science. Cottey's curriculum is grounded in the development of programming skills through an analytic and problem solving approach. It will prepare you for specialization in many computer fields including, graphics, robotics, and computer systems, just to name a few.
Career Opportunities
The field of computers is generally in high demand even through times of economic fluctuations. With the widespread and increasing use of computers in every part of today's economy, there are a tremendous number of opportunities. Computer science is a broad field encompasing the design, manufacture, application and effectiveness of computers, computer materials, and computer equipment.
People who major in computer science find themselves working on a variety of different technologies; however, three-quarters of Computer Science graduates will work in the private, for-profit sector.
Occupations related to computer science are: computer programmers, animators, & engineers; software designers & engineers; systems analysts; networking administrator; database manager.
Internship and Directed Study Opportunities
As a computer science major, your chances to gain real world learning experiences through internships and directed studies are very important.
Students at Cottey College participate in internships throughout the year with a variety of businesses, organizations, and non-profit agencies. A successful internship provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to the workplace.
Employers and graduate schools agree that students who have put classroom concepts and skills to work in a "real world" environment are more realistic and productive than those who have not.
With the assistance of faculty and the transfer and career
planning coordinator, computer science majors can find a variety of
local and national internship experiences.
Opportunities exist locally to intern with a variety of health
care facilities, non-profit organizations, and government
agencies.
Directed study opportunities are available in all disciplines. Under the supervision of faculty, students can pursue academic credit on a topic or project that is related to, but beyond the scope of, regular course offerings.
Directed study topics can be tailored to your interests, whether it is conducting individual scientific research, studying girls' punk music, or conducting advanced computer programming.
Get Involved
Want to have fun and develop your leadership skills and your resume at the same time? Then get involved at Cottey College and in the Nevada community.
Cottey College has more than 35 student clubs and organizations in which to be involved. Plus, the Nevada and surrounding community offer an abundance of service opportunities.
Here are a few activities on campus you might consider pursuing
as a computer science major: Cottey Computer Club (CCC), the
Retrospect (Cottey's annual yearbook), Phi Beta Lambda, or
Anime.
Activities off campus include: volunteering at the YMCA, Nevada
public schools, or with Nevada Economic Development or Chamber of
Commerce.
4-Semester Sample Schedule
Students should consult the catalog of the college to which they plan to transfer for specific requirements in their major. This suggested schedule is designed to provide the Associate in Arts degree candidate with the appropriate Cottey College core curriculum and enough coursework in their field to complete the 62 hours required for an A.A. degree. Schedules may vary based on available classes and interests.
| First Year Fall Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| ENG101 English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT201 Calculus I or higher | 4 |
| Fine Arts Theory | 3 |
| Lab Science CHE or BIO | 4 |
| ECO, HIS, or POL | 3 |
| First Year Spring Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| ENG102 English Composition II | 3 |
| PHI112 Logic | 3 |
| MAT202 Calculus II or higher | 4 |
| CSC110* Intro to Computer Science | 3 |
| Physical Activity | 1 |
| Electives | 1 to 3 |
| Second Year Fall Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Social Science | 3 |
| PHY201 General Physics I | 5 |
| CSC202* Intro to Programming | 3 |
| MAT 203 Calculus III or higher | 4 |
| ENG210 Business & Technical Communication | 3 |
| Second Year Spring Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| CSC212* Data Structures | 3 |
| PHY202 General Physics II | 5 |
| CSC296* Discrete Math | 3 |
| MAT204 Differential Equations | 3 |
| Physical Activity | 1 |
* Courses recommended for major
OTHER RELEVANT COURSES THAT ARE ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS ELECTIVES:
- CHE101 Introductory Chemistry
- CHE103 General Chemistry I (also CHE104)
- CSC100 Computer Applications in the Liberal Arts
- MAT104 Trigonometry
- MAT112 Statistics
Faculty Advising
Preparing a class schedule, investigating majors, and researching transfer institutions can be confusing for a firstyear student. At Cottey College, academic advising assists the individual student in clarifying and achieving her educational goals.
Each student is assigned a full-time faculty member as an academic advisor. Together the advisor and student devise a balanced academic program, which encompasses the student's educational and career ambitions. The advisor reviews all registration decisions, the advisee's academic progress, and suggests transfer and career options.
This personalized approach to student advising allows the student to take responsibility for her own academic program, while tapping into faculty expertise.
For more information contact:
Enrollment Management
1000 West Austin
Nevada, MO 64772
1-888-5-COTTEY
enrollmgt@cottey.edu