Computer Science
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Why Major in Computer Science at Allegheny College
A program focusing on computational theory and the rich interplay between computer hardware and software. Students use scientific and design-centric approaches to solve computational problems and to create and evaluate realistic computer and computer-based systems.
Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Computer Science with:
Division
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Program Type
- Major
- Minor
Number of Credits
48 for major24 for minor
Where Computer Science Alumni Work Today
Principal Product Marketing Manager
Amazon Web Services
Kimberly Madia ’01
Ph.D. Student
Boston University
Ieona Bagashvili ’22
Software Engineer
ScienceLogic
Christian Lussier ’21
My computer science education from Allegheny College laid the foundation for all of my future professional endeavors. In the final analysis, a technical education is important, but you need so much more in order to have a successful career and live a meaningful, satisfying life. My liberal arts education from Allegheny was the springboard that helped me to reach, and surpass, my dreams.
Your Four-Year Journey
Year 1: Understanding
Begin to gain understanding of the basic and practical foundations of computer science. Typically, one or two computer science courses from the introductory module are chosen in the first year. The introductory module emphasizes creative expression through the medium of a programming language, implementing, using, and evaluating the computational structures needed to efficiently store and retrieve digital data, and understanding the abstract structures used to represent discrete objects.
Year 2: New Approaches
In your second year, you will finish the introductory category and engage with the core courses, where you will design, implement, evaluate, and document an algorithmic solution to a problem. Application courses in areas such as data analytics, data management, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, robotics, and web development are available during this year. This is the year to participate in a research project, an internship, or employment as a departmental Technical Leader or Software Developer.
Year 3: Delving Deeper
You’ll continue your core learning and explore your interests via application courses. You will engage in Software Innovation courses, where technical and communication skills needed to design, implement, and publicly release innovative software are honed. You will also take a Junior Seminar course, where you’ll learn to digest research in computing, state and motivate research questions, design and conduct experiments, and collect and organize evidence for evaluating scientific hypotheses.
Year 4: The Comp
Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, you will design your Senior Comp, conduct research, prepare a comprehensive document, and orally defend your work. Computer Science students complete significant projects that often result in the publication of conference and journal papers, the release of free and open-source software, and the creation of publicly available data sets. You’ll also take an advanced course in computer security, operating systems, or distributed systems.
Featured Courses
Research and Internships
Computer Science students refine their skills with hardware and software from:
- Becoming an ethics technical leader
- Enrolling in the Carnegie Mellon 3-2 Program
- Joining the Cupper Scholars Program
- Conducting an independent study or summer research
- Participating in national programming contests
- Leading research for their Senior Comp
Become an ethics technical leader.
Allegheny College has an agreement with the Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University to offer a 3-2 cooperative program.
Students who enroll in this accelerated master’s degree program will complete three years of study at Allegheny College and two years at Carnegie Mellon University. Upon completing this program, the student will receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time than is usually required to earn both degrees.
If you’re interested in collaborative research with a faculty member at Allegheny College, join the Cupper Scholars Program. The program provides students with additional mentoring and research opportunities.
Conduct summer research or an independent study. Often projects are created with the intention of open-source use for millions of users to benefit from the application.
Faculty and Staff
Associate Professor
Ph.D., M.S., University of Pittsburgh; B.S., Allegheny College
Email: gkapfham@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2880
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Stanford University, Computer-Based Music Theory and Acoustics; B.S., University of Michigan, Interdisciplinary Physics; B.M.A. University of Michigan, Violin Performance
Email: egraber@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-2883
Featured News
Allegheny Alumnus Develops Software Engineering Innovations At Adobe
You’ve probably used an Adobe product alongside billions of other users. Dibyo Mukherjee ’14, a lead software engineer at Adobe, is one of the faces behind the giant technology company. After graduating from Allegheny College with a dual degree in applied computing and environmental studies, Mukherjee interned and later became a full-time employee at the […]
Related Programs
Data Science focuses on the study of integrated principles and methods to analyze complex big data for decision making, prediction, modeling, and data management.
The Mathematics Department at Allegheny College instills in our students an appreciation of the power, utility, and beauty of mathematics. Our curriculum not only introduces students to major areas of mathematical thought, but also develops critical thinking and communication skills that will enable students to become lifelong learners and problem solvers.
We’ll equip you with analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills that you'll apply in internships and other career-building opportunities.
Address:
520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335
Contact:
814-332-4351
info@allegheny.edu
admissions@allegheny.edu
