Computer Science Program

Computer science can be described in many different ways. On the broadest level, it has to do with developing problem solving skills by honing critical reasoning and, in specific, the ability to think in precise, algorithmic terms (that is, by constructing a well-defined procedure). This means in practice writing computer code and analyzing its correctness as well as its use of time and space resources.

Besides a field of study in its own right, CS can also be described as a tool that can be used by many other disciplines, particularly in analyzing and finding patterns in large datasets. These disciplines range from the social sciences (e.g., economics, psychology, political science) to the natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics) to the humanities (e.g., art, literature, music). Because of its wide applicability, demand for jobs in CS has been growing for the last several decades and is expected to grow for the foreseeable future.

Computer science at Hamline introduces students to the beauty and power of the subject. In addition, it is also meant to prepare students for the vast array of jobs that require not only specific coding skills but also the type of problem solving developed by writing computer programs.

Hamline offers a minor in computer science. Through Hamline’s flexible curriculum option, students can also major in computer science. This involves first taking the core courses (CSCI 1250, CSCI 3150, and Math 3440) at Hamline and then completing a directed program of courses primarily at other ACTC institutions (Augsburg, Macalester, St. Catherine University, and the University of St. Thomas).

This program includes course work in algorithms, theory of computation, principles of programming languages, and computer architecture along with electives. Students interested in this major should contact the director of the computer science program. Because of the sequential nature of the course work, students are strongly advised to begin their CS curriculum in their first year if possible. In practice, this usually means enrolling in CSCI 1250 in the first semester. If sections are full, do not hesitate to contact the instructor or the program director.

Computer science program director: Ken Takata, Mathematics, ktakata01@hamline.edu.

Programs

Computer Science Minor

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