Computer Science
About Computer Science
Our Program and Courses
You can major or minor in computer science at F&M. While studying computer science, you will learn about computer organization, data structures, and algorithms. Advanced study covers topics such as mobile application development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and bioinformatics. In a world where data privacy and technology is constantly changing, having an in-depth understanding of computing systems will serve you not only in your future career, but in your daily life, as well.
Students from a wide range of majors take advantage of computer science classes to gain technical and programming skills that will help them in their studies. As a student studying computer science, you’ll have the opportunity to fine-tune your computer science degree however you please.
By the time you graduate, you will be able to demonstrate:
- Computational thinking and problem solving.
- The ability to communicate technical information to experts and non-experts alike.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically across disciplines (such as biology, business, and mathematics).
- The ability to work individually and in teams, building on the work of others.
- Understanding of new developments in the field of computer science as they arise.
- The ability to communicate observations and discoveries orally and in writing.
- Advanced programming skills in a variety of programming languages.
- Sophisticated theoretical and applied computing-related problem solving skills.
Wondering what computer science courses are like? Explore our course catalog to see what classes are available to you.
Learning Outside the Classroom
The world of computing is expansive, and you will be able to take your studies far outside the classroom.
Research Opportunities
As you dive into the intricacies of computer science, you may find yourself wanting
to further explore a particular area or topic. Recent computer science students have
researched robot interaction, sensitive data management, phone security and data leaks,
and more.
Explore research at F&M
Honors in Computer Science
Completing research or an independent study could also lead to honors in computer science. To be considered for honors, you must first be nominated based on the results of your independent study, after which you will continue to research your thesis, defend your findings, and complete requested edits on your results.
Internships
Computer science is a gateway to opportunities across academic and professional domains.
Internships not only allow you to continue your studies beyond the classroom, but
also enhance your resume prior to entering the workforce. Previous computer science
students have interned with prominent tech companies such as Amazon and MongoDB.
Explore internships at F&M
Off-Campus Study
F&M students have extraordinary experiences to extend their academic experience abroad. Computer science students have studied in England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia,
and New Zealand.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
F&M’s computer science department prepares its students to excel in a variety of careers or graduate school programs. The intellectual and analytical activities that make up the work of computer science — including technical fluency, data gathering, collaborating with others, and critical thought — help you develop useful and productive skills you can apply to any post-college plan.
Graduate School
Computer science graduates are prepared to pursue advanced degrees in a variety of disciplines, including science and engineering, advanced computer science, artificial intelligence, and information technology . They’ve pursued advanced degrees at institutions such as:
- Boston University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University
- New York University
- Rutgers University
- University of Oxford
- Virginia Tech University
Career Paths
Many computer science graduates embark on their chosen career paths immediately upon graduating from F&M. They have landed at notable companies such as Google, Facebook, Girls Who Code, HBO, Oracle, and Vanguard. They hold positions such as:
- Data Architect
- Database Administrator
- Engineer Application Developer
- Python Developer
- Research Scientist
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Software Support Engineer
- Tech Analyst
Research Spotlight
Student Startup Promotes Responsible AI Use
As the use of artificial intelligence becomes increasingly common, recent F&M grad Kirin Sawasdikosol ’24 and junior Dilrabo Kodirova ’26 hope to harness the power of AI to help students learn. The two wanted to develop a product that encourages students to use AI responsibly. “We’re focusing on how we integrate AI as a tool for the learning process, rather than just how we get your assignment done as quickly as possible,” Sawasdikosol said. “We’re creating a fine-tuned AI that responds in a specific way for their specific class.” The result is a software startup, UniMind, which Sawasdikosol plans to launch publicly now that he has graduated.Read More »
Willie Wilson Awarded NSF CAREER Grant for Computer Science
Ongoing research into robots and machine ethics has resulted in a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER grant for Jason “Willie” Wilson, assistant professor of computer science at F&M. The $505,358, five-year grant – now active – supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. “I’m particularly proud that both the research and education plan for this work emphasizes the ethical application of technology,” Wilson said. The funded research, “Transparent Theory of Mind Algorithms for Social Robots Assisting Young Children,” will examine how social robots use human-like, cognitive abilities to better understand and thus better aid young children.Read More »
Alumni Spotlight
Google Software Engineer Shares Wisdom
As a software engineer at Google, Horace Facey ’19 spends his days coding, reading and researching, performing code reviews, looking at customer or production issues and maintaining Google infrastructure. In his free time, Facey gives back as a mentor for F&M students. “I remember feeling lost at sea trying to figure out the tech industry,” he said. “After navigating the process successfully, I decided to share what I learned with others through mentoring. Mentoring has been an excellent way for me to give back and help others navigate the same process.”Read More »
Related Fields of Study
Bioinformatics
Immerse yourself in a rapidly-expanding field that combines the study of biology, chemistry, computer science, and applied mathematics. By studying bioinformatics at F&M, you’ll explore how to develop methods and software tools for understanding biological data.
Cognitive Science
How do minds fit into the natural world? When you study cognitive science at F&M, you’ll employ intellectual tools from several disciplines to understand the nature of the mind and how it works, functions, and behaves.
Mathematics
The study of mathematics is ancient, and its roots in clear and creative thought can still be seen today. While studying mathematics at F&M, you will learn both the fundamental foundations and theories of the field as well as how to apply these theories to real-life problems.
F&M Computer Science in Action
June 5, 2024
Willie Wilson Awarded NSF CAREER Grant for Computer Science
Ongoing research into robots and machine ethics has resulted in a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER grant for Jason “Willie” Wilson, assistant professor of computer science at F&M.
May 29, 2024
Student Startup Promotes Responsible AI Use
A recent F&M graduate and a current student hope to harness the power of artificial intelligence to help students learn.
October 20, 2023
Wrestler Pins Post-Grad Career Thanks to F&M Mentor
Wrestling captain Noah Fox excels on and off the mat, thanks in part to guidance from his True Blue mentor. “This program has helped me jump-start my career and secure my dream job as a software engineer," Fox said.