<p>My son is interested in Computer Science (SOFTWARE) and in Colorado College. He loves the block scheduling, and we live in Colorado, but I’m concerned about the computer science degree. The catalog doesn’t have many classes. Is the computer science degree viable? Does it reach critical mass? How often are computer science classes offered?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
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<p>Here are the course offerings and requirements. Anyone have an opinion on the viability of the degree?</p>
<p>Here is a link to the offerings over the last several years so you can get an idea of how often the course is offered. <a href=“http://www.coloradocollege.edu/dept/ma/#Reqs[/url]”>http://www.coloradocollege.edu/dept/ma/#Reqs</a></p>
<p>07DAD,</p>
<p>You are the unsung hero of this forum.</p>
<p>I’m not sure what you mean by “viability”, or what your real concerns are, but I’ll offer some thoughts. I have a graduate degree in computer science. I’ve been working on software development projects for a number of years. My kid has been accepted at CC.</p>
<p>I don’t think the school is known as a computer science powerhouse, not outside of Colorado anyway. However, it does offer an excellent general education in the liberal arts and sciences. In the long run, this can be more valuable than having the most current technical knowledge. </p>
<p>There is more involved in developing software than programming skills alone. You need to be able to understand the customer’s business problem, analyze requirements, and very often, work as part of a team. Unless you are an unusually gifted, creative programmer, you might not be able to rise above a fairly low plateau in your career based on programming skill alone. Communication skills are very important. So is the ability to absorb complex information, reduce it to essentials, and represent it in a way that all stakeholders in your project can understand. These skills can be cultivated in other courses besides CS courses.</p>
<p>It’s a good sign that those math courses are required for distinction. If your son wants to be a computer scientist, not just a programmer, I’d encourage him to take them, in addition to some lab science courses. </p>
<p>This looks like a pretty standard small college CS curriculum. One option to consider would be some kind of dual degree in CS plus another field (such as Math, Economics, or Environmental Science). In other words, build expertise in modeling solutions within some important problem domain. Develop an understanding of the domain, not just the problem-solving techniques. Then you become an expert consultant on approaches to the whole problem. And, don’t forget to have fun!</p>
<p>My S is thinking along these lines. His current plan is to double major in Econ and Environmental Studies for just the reason you describe above. A speaker with a private company who came to his class put this idea in his head. Developing this kind of “larger domain” thinking is where I believe CC excels.</p>
<p>tk21769–Has your kid decided whether to attend CC? You seem to have an excellent view of the value of a liberal arts education, how to achieve a broad educational focus incorporating computer science and an appreciation that the college experience should include having some fun.</p>
<p>My S is a Mathematical Economics major, dance minor and is having a blast (especially with the block arrangement) while keeping his eye on the prize.</p>
<p>I’m sure your kid would be a great CC addition.</p>
<p>07Dad, thanks for the encouragement. We are leaning toward CC, but still are waiting until April to see what all our options are, including the financial situation.</p>