computer science

Computer Science (B.S.)

Undergraduate
  • Major
  • Minor

About this Program

Our program prepares you for a career or graduate study in the cutting-edge field of computer science.

Program Overview

The computer science program at Hood College is professionally oriented. You will learn the latest software engineering practices, using object-oriented languages like Java and C++. Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in areas such as software engineering and technology management.

Our program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (PDF checklist). View program requirements and course descriptions in the latest Hood College Catalog. To help plan your degree, here is a sample 4-year plan.

Student Enrollment and Graduation Data

Hood undergraduate students declare the major at the end of the sophomore year.

In recent years, we have:

  • 2022-23: 40 majors; class of 2023 - 18 graduates
  • 2021-22: 45 majors; class of 2022 - 13 graduates
  • 2020-21: 47 majors; class of 2021 - 17 graduates
  • 2019-20: 42 Majors; class of 2020 - 13 graduates
  • 2018-19: 28 majors; class of 2019 - 10 graduates
  • 2017-18: 20 majors; Class of 2018 - 4 graduates
  • 2016-17: 28 majors; Class of 2017 - 19 graduates
  • 2015-16: 34 majors; Class of 2016 - 12 graduates
  • 2014-15: 39 majors; Class of 2015 - 13 graduates
  • 2013-14: 36 majors; Class of 2014 - 10 graduates

Degrees Offered

  • BS
  • Minor

Graduates of the computer science program will, within a few years after graduation, apply their knowledge and skills to:

  1. Establish themselves as practicing technology professionals or pursue advanced study in computer science, information technology or related areas.
  2. Solve applied, real-world problems individually and in teams, and communicate solutions effectively to diverse audiences.
  3. Advance professionally through organized training or self-learning in areas related to computer science and information technology.
  4.  Act ethically and responsibly, and remain informed and involved as full participants in our profession and our society.

Program Educational Objectives are reviewed annually by the program faculty and the Computer Science Advisory Board.

By the time of graduation, students will demonstrate ability to:

  1. Analyze complex computing problems and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement and evaluate computing-based solutions to meet a given set of requirements in the context of computer science.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to computer science.
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

The minor in computer science provides an organized exposure to the discipline. It includes two semesters of programming and three electives that allow students to shape their study based on their interests. The department offers a wide variety of elective courses each semester, ranging from software development, artificial intelligence and computer architecture to programming languages, database management systems, data science and machine learning.

The 20-credit computer science minor is open to students from any major and provides useful hands-on, problem-solving skills that can complement virtually any area of study. The course and credit requirements for the minor are:

  • MATH 207  Discrete Mathematics(3.0 credits)
  • CS 201 Computer Science I (4.0 credits)
  • CS 202 Computer Science II  (4.0 credits)
  • Nine additional credits of computer science courses as electives, six of which must be at the 200-level or above (9.0 credits). Teaching assistantships (CS 335) or internship credits (CS 399) may not be applied toward the minor.

Cyber Blazers

Join Hood's ethical hacking team to compete in regional and national cybersecurity competitions.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13 percent growth in computer science occupations by 2030, faster than the national average.

Program Contact

dong

Department Chair of Computer Science and Information Technology

Phone
301-696-3884
Bill Pierce

Coordinator, Computer Science Minor

Phone
301-696-3983

Beyond the Classroom

The undergraduate experience culminates in the senior year with a mandatory, yearlong senior project, where you'll engage in real software development, advancing and improving your communication, team and leadership skills.

All Faculty
George Dimitoglou

George Dimitoglou

  • Associate Professor of Computer Science
  • Program Director, Master's in Cybersecurity and Director of the Center for Computer Science and Information Assurance
Carol Jim

Carol Jim

  • Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Jiang Li

Jiang Li

  • Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Bill Pierce

Bill Pierce

  • Assistant Professor of Computer Science
  • Coordinator, Computer Science Minor
Ahmed Salem

Ahmed Salem

  • Associate Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Program Director, Master's in Information Technology and Cybersecurity Certificate