Academic Program

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This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2024-25.

Faculty

Professors Nevison, Sommers
Associate Professors Gember-Jacobson (Chair), Fourquet, Ramachandran
Assistant Professors Apthorpe, Davis, Diana, Haldeman, Prasad
Visiting Assistant Professors Perkins
Laboratory Instructors Cucura, Lyboult, Minbay, Valete
Lecturer Lahey

Computer science is the study of algorithmic processes and the machines that carry out these processes. Computer science is a mix of theory, application, design, and experiment. Theory addresses questions about the nature and limits of computation, the abstract properties of machine models, the complexity of algorithms, and the formalization of programming languages. Applications include machine and systems design, the design and implementation of programming languages, artificial intelligence, networks, graphics, and simulation. An important aspect of computer science is the development of methods for the systematic design of large systems in hardware and software. Both applications and theoretical issues must be tested experimentally.

The computer science major prepares students either for graduate study in computer science or for a variety of professional careers. The computer science minor and the major in computer science/mathematics prepare students for professions in which computer science overlaps significantly with another discipline.

Awards

The Award for Excellence — awarded by the department to a student on the basis of outstanding academic performance in coursework taken within the department.

The Laura Sanchis Award for Excellence in Research — awarded by the department to a student on the basis of outstanding research performed within the department.

The Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Computer Science Community — awarded by the department to a student who has made outstanding contributions to the students and faculty in computer science. This may reflect outstanding work as a laboratory tutor and monitor, work on developing software used by students and faculty, work on maintaining the hardware and software in the computer science laboratories, or academic leadership in the department.

The Edward P. Felt '81 Memorial Prize Fund in Computer Science — established in 2001 by family, friends, classmates, and professors. This is an annual prize created in memory of Ed Felt '81, who died aboard the September 11, 2001, flight that went down in western Pennsylvania. This prize shall be awarded with first preference given to a student or students who exhibit excellence in the field of computer science.

Advanced Placement

The department grants advanced placement and credit to students who perform satisfactorily on the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement (AP) exam for computer science as follows: students receiving scores of 4 or 5 on the AP Computer Science A exam receive credit for  and scores of 4 or 5 on the AP Computer Science Principles exam receive general credit at the 100 level. Other students with sufficient secondary school background in computer science may receive advanced placement without credit after consultation with the department chair. Transfer credit for a computer science course taken at another college or university will be granted only by the approval of the department. In total, at most three course credits transferred from other institutions may be applied toward major requirements. For each approved program, a maximum of two credits may count toward major requirements, with some exceptions for programs that have a computer science focus. The credit limit does not include associated labs, if applicable.

International Exam Transfer Credit

Transfer credit and/or placement appropriate to academic development of a student may be granted to incoming first year students who have achieved a score on an international exam (e.g., A-Levels, International Baccalaureate) that indicates a level of competence equivalent to the completion of a specific course in the department. Requests should be directed to the department chair. Any such credit may not be used to fulfill the university areas of inquiry requirement, but may count towards the major.

Honors and High Honors

Computer Science

The requirements for earning honors in computer science are as follows:

  1. An overall GPA of 3.30 or higher, and a major GPA of 3.50 or higher;
  2. Satisfactory completion of COSC 492, which entails completing a novel and significant independent project that either advances the field of computer science or synthesizes computer science concepts and technologies to benefit specific communities;
  3. The project completed in COSC 492 is evaluated by the Computer Science faculty and meets the standards for honors. 

A student whose completed project exceeds the expectations for honors according to the Computer Science faculty will be awarded high honors.

For more information about the process and expectations, please visit the Department of Computer Science website.

Computer Science/Mathematics

Students who graduate with an average of 3.30 overall average and a 3.50 average in the major program will receive honors. A student with an average of 3.70 in the major courses may submit a senior research thesis. A committee of three members of the faculty, including at least one from each department, will evaluate the thesis. A student who completes a satisfactory thesis will receive high honors.
 

 

Majors and Minors

Major

Minor

Courses