Why Elms for your Computer Science degree?

  • Master programming languages and standards like C#, Javascript, Python, HTML/CSS, and SQL.
  • Take courses in web programming, app design, and artificial intelligence.
  • Join a rapidly growing field — software development jobs are expected to grow 24% by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Become an Expert Coder and Design Software to Solve Real Problems.

The computer science major at Elms College teaches you to blend technical knowledge with creative thinking to design smarter software.

As a computer science major you will gain proficiency in a wide range of programming languages and standards, including C#, Javascript, Python, HTML/CSS, and SQL. But, in addition to learning how to code, you will also explore the larger context of the user experience, developing ways to improve the interface and design of new technologies, apps, games, and websites.

Discover New Approaches to Software Development

The Elms computer science major focuses on the design and development of software and the algorithms that make code work efficiently.

Student gain an in-depth understanding of computer science and its applications by taking a wide range of courses in computing science. You will study programming, data structures and algorithms, database design, web design, system administration, and more. Electives are customizable, and push you to find your focus as a computer scientist or software developer. These courses range from game design and mobile app design to artificial intelligence and digital forensics.

All of our classes are taught in a state-of-the-art computer lab by dedicated faculty. Professors create a welcoming classroom environment that emphasizes applied, interactive, and hands-on learning. Whether you’ve been coding since middle school or are brand new to HTML, you will benefit from the personalized instruction that comes with class sizes of 10-17 students.

Join a Cutting Edge Profession

Computer science is a constantly evolving field that has a high demand for innovative thinkers. A computer science degree from Elms College prepares you to make your mark, whether that involves helping a startup venture develop an emerging technology or a well-established tech company fine-tune its bestsellers.

A combination of class projects and internships will help you make a seamless transition from the classroom to your first job after college. Computer science majors have landed internships at forward-thinking organizations like Station1, exploring how data analysis and computation are used in contemporary civic governance. Recent graduates have also interned at QuEST Global in Windsor Locks, CT, as well as Mass Mutual. Additional internship opportunities on campus and in the Western Massachusetts region expose you to a variety of professional settings with different software needs.

Majors can even take steps toward a career as a full-stack developer, combining coursework, internships, and even a second major in graphic design or computer information technology and security (CITS).

Quick Info

  • Small class sizes
  • Career-oriented curriculum
  • Internships at organizations throughout the New England region. Students have recently interned at Station1, QuEST Global, and Mass Mutual.

Joe Gaszi ’17

Photo of computer information technology graduate Joe Gaszi

“Knowing that people across the country are seeing my work, and that it’s helping them get in contact with the company I work for, is awesome.”

Joe Gaszi ’17 got a job as a software developer at 1st Alliance Lending, a mortgage loan company, after graduating in only three years. His first project involved redesigning the company’s consumer portal to make it easier for homebuyers to obtain a mortgage loan online. Read Joe’s story.

Curriculum

Click to view course requirements for the Computer Science (B.A.).

Computer Science Major Requirements (45 credits)

Course #Course Name# of Credit Hours
CIT 1001Intro to Computers3
CIT 1006Cyber Ethics3
CIT 2103Intro to Programming3
CIT 2104Networks & Security3
CIT 2105Databases3
CIT 2506Web Design3
CIT 3200System Administration3
CIT 3102Advanced Programming3
CIT 3302Data Structures and Algorithms3
CIT 3606Web Programming3
2 CIT/GDS electives (see below)
CIT 4203Professional Programming Project3
CIT 4802Internship3
MAT 3700Foundations of Mathematics/Discrete Math3
MAT elective (108 and above)3

Possible Computer Science Electives (6 credits)

Course #Course Name# of Credit Hours
CIT 2100Artificial Intelligence3
CIT 3105Game Design3
CIT 4200Special Topics: Python3
CIT 4506Professional Web Design Project3
CIT 3300Mobile App Design3
CIT 3405Digital Forensics3
GDS 1709Intro to Graphics3
GDS 3900Digital Video3

Click to view course requirements for the Computer Science minor.

Computer Science Minor Requirements (24 credits)

Course #Course Name# of Credit Hours
CIT 1001Intro to Computers3
CIT 2103Intro to Programming3
CIT 2104Networks & Security3
CIT 2105Databases3
CIT 2506Web Design3
CIT 3102Advanced Programming3
CIT 3606Web Programming3
CIT 3200System Administration3