Mapping your Computer Science Major
Your Hood experience is about so much more than just your computer science major.
The Student Success Center, the Center for Career Development & Experiential Learning, and the Office of the Registrar have teamed up to show you where a computer science major can take you. They will help you cultivate, engage and prepare during your time at Hood so that you are career ready for your journey beyond Hood.
Additionally, these maps will serve as milestones and guideposts when you meet with your academic advisor.
Contact
Student Success 301-696-3860 | Registrar 301-696-3620 | Center for Career Development & Experiential Education 301-696-3583 |
Department of Computer Science & Information Technology | Computer Science (B.S.) |
Please note that sample four year plans are examples. Students, in consultation with their advisor, will discuss an individualized degree plan reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Actual sequences will vary based on course availability, need for developmental coursework, and student preference. For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog at .
Sample plan #1: Student places in Calculus I; begins major courses in first year, first semester.
*Meets Core requirements.
Year One
Fall Semester | Credits |
---|---|
*FYE 101 First Year Experience- Fall (FYE) | 3 |
CS 201 Computer Science I | 4 |
*Math 201 Calculus I (QR) | 4 |
Math 207 Discrete Math | 3 |
*Holistic Wellness (HW) | 1 |
15 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
---|---|
*FYE 102 First Year Experience- Spring (FYE) | 3 |
CS 202 Computer Science II | 4 |
Math 202 Calculus II | 4 |
*ENGL 101 or 102 English Composition (EC) | 3-4 |
*Holistic Wellness (HW) | 1 |
15-16 |
Year Two
Fall Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 219 Data Structures | 3 |
CS 226 Computer Organization | 3 |
*Global Language 101 (GL) | 3-4 |
*Natural Science I (NS) | 4 |
13-14 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 319 Algorithm Analysis | 3 |
CS 329 Intro to DBMS | 3 |
*Global Language 102 (GL) | 3-4 |
Natural Science II | 4 |
*Creative & Performing Arts (CPA) | 3 |
16-17 |
Year Three
Fall Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 324 Software Engineering | 3 |
*CSIT 203 Impact of Computers on Society (ETH) | 3 |
CS Elective | 3 |
*Developing Informed Viewpoints (DIV) | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
15 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 453 Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
CS 464 Operating Systems | 3 |
Math 213 Statistics or other 200+ Math | 4 |
CS Elective | 3 |
*Humanities (HU) | 3 |
16 |
Year Four
Fall Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 471 Programming Languages | 3 |
CS 474 Capstone Proseminar | 3 |
CS 399 Internship or CS Elective | 3 |
*Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) | 3 |
Free Elective | 4 |
16 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 475 Senior Project | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
15 |
Total Credits | 124 |
---|
Notes:
- 124 total credits are required for graduation.
- Free Electives may be Honors program courses, a minor, additional major courses, or another subject of interest.
- There is some flexibility for interchanging the scheduling of MIND and Free Elective courses, but it is best not to leave too many requirements until the end.
- Students majoring in computer science:
- Meet the Core-Ethics requirement by taking the CSIT 203 Impact of Computers on Society.
- Meet the Core- Natural Science by taking eight credits of lab science courses required for a major or minor in biology, chemistry, or physics. Non-lab courses, CHEM 100, and courses for the nursing program do not count.
Please note that sample four year plans are examples. Students, in consultation with their advisor, will discuss an individualized degree plan reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Actual sequences will vary based on course availability, need for developmental coursework, and student preference. For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog at .
Sample plan #2: Mathematics placement in Pre-calculus or Precalc + Lab. Begin major courses in the second semester.
*Meets Core requirements.
Year One
Fall Semester | Credits |
---|---|
*FYE 101 First Year Experience- Fall (FYE) | 3 |
Math 120 Precalculus OR Math 120 + Math 120L | 3-4 |
*Global Language 101 (GL) | 3-4 |
*ENGL 101 or 102 English Composition (EC) | 3-4 |
*Holistic Wellness (HW) | 1 |
13-16 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
---|---|
*FYE 102 First Year Experience- Spring (FYE) | 3 |
CS 201 Computer Science I | 4 |
Math 207 Discrete Math | 3 |
*Global Language 102 (GL) | 3-4 |
*Holistic Wellness (HW) | 1 |
14-15 |
Year Two
Fall Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 202 Computer Science II | 4 |
CS 226 Computer Organization | 3 |
*Math 201 Calculus I (QR) | 4 |
*Natural Science I (NS) | 4 |
15 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 219 Data Structures | 3 |
*CSIT 203 Impact of Computers on Society (ETH) | 3 |
Math 202 Calculus II | 4 |
Natural Science II | 4 |
*Creative & Performing Arts (CPA) | 3 |
17 |
Year Three
Fall Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 324 Software Engineering | 3 |
CS Elective | 3 |
*Developing Informed Viewpoints (DIV) | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
15 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 319 Algorithm Analysis | 3 |
CS 329 Intro to DBMS | 3 |
CS 453 Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
Math 213 Statistics or other 200+ Math | 4 |
*Humanities (HU) | 3 |
16 |
Year Four
Fall Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 471 Programming Languages | 3 |
CS 474 Capstone Proseminar | 3 |
*Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) | 3 |
CS 399 Internship or CS Elective | 3 |
Free Elective | 4 |
15-16 |
Spring Semester | Credits |
---|---|
CS 464 Operating Systems | 3 |
CS 475 Senior Project | 3 |
CS Elective | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 |
15 |
Total Credits | 124 |
---|
Notes:
- 124 total credits are required for graduation.
- Free Electives may be Honors program courses, a minor, additional major courses, or another subject of interest.
- There is some flexibility for interchanging the scheduling of MIND and Free Elective courses, but it is best not to leave too many requirements until the end.
- Students majoring in computer science:
- Meet the Core-Ethics requirement by taking the CSIT 203 Impact of Computers on Society.
- Meet the Core-Natural Science by taking eight credits of lab science courses required for a major or minor in biology, chemistry, or physics. Non-lab courses, CHEM 100, and courses for the nursing program do not count.
Learning, Self-Exploration, and Academic Excellence
The Hood College Center for Career Development and Experiential Education is here to support you through your four-year educational journey. Whether you are headed toward additional educational pursuits after graduation or on to the exciting world of work, we recommend that you investigate all your opportunities through three distinct types of exploration. These include Cultivating knowledge of your major and occupations related to your studies, Engaging in activities that give you hands-on experience, and taking practical steps toward Preparing for life after college. Below are three tables that will help you understand these areas and associated activities. Want to know more? Meet with a counselor in the Career Center. Email careers@hood.edu to make an appointment.
Cultivate
Explore your major and related occupations
Year 1
- Explore the profession through the Hood College computer science website. Explore the backgrounds of faculty and learn about course offerings.
- Visit the and the websites.
- Take the to learn more about additional areas of career interest.
- Meet with Career Center staff to begin developing a resume.
Year 2
- Visit with a counselor in the Career Center to update your resume and consider locations for a computer science specific internship.
- Explore club and engagement opportunities related to computer science.
- If eligible, investigate federal work study positions in a department of career related interest.
- Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who are seeking computer science interns.
Year 3
- Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either internship or employment related.
- Obtain an internship to gain work experience and college credit.
Year 4
- Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either computer science internship or employment related. Be sure to include your research skills.
- If you have already completed an internship consider doing a second internship experience, to gain additional work experience and/or college credit.
Engage
Locally and Globally
Year 1
- Explore club and engagement opportunities related to computer science.
Year 2
- Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the computer science field. (Work with a faculty member or Career Center counselor to identify individuals).
Year 3
- Conduct more informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the computer science field.
- Update your LinkedIn page to reflect new experiences and coursework.
- Shadow professionals or alumni who work in the computer science field.
Year 4
- Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the computer science field.
Prepare
For Post-Graduation Success
Year 1
- Attend the Fall and Spring Community Engagement Fairs to learn more about not-for-profit agencies that provide low or no-cost services to those in need.
Year 2
- Regularly check the Handshake events page to see employers providing information sessions on campus.
- Participate in Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and creating a LinkedIn page.
- If considering part-time employment, work with the Career Center and consult faculty to learn about opportunities within the job field.
- Consider taking an exploratory micro-internship in your field of interest.
Year 3
- Attend Chamber of Commerce industry related events. Speak with a Career Center counselor to learn more about these.
- Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair and/or STEM Career Expo to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need computer science interns.
- Attend conferences of professional associations.
- Select part-time jobs and internships in your field of interest.
Year 4
- Attend the annual Business Etiquette Dinner. Register in advance for this event in Handshake.
- Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who are recruiting new hires.
- Attend conferences of professional associations.
- Utilize resources at the Library and Learning Commons
- Meet regularly with your academic advisor
- Work with tutors at the Writing Center
- Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships
Learn more about careers in computer science:
- Operating systems
- Application systems
- Scientific
- Engineering
- Business
- Maintenance
- Research and development
- Computer systems design firms
- Software developers
- Data processing/Management firms
- Contract and temporary employers
- Most areas of business, government and non-governmental organizations:
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting firms
- Manufacturers
- Computer companies
- Telecommunications companies
- Retailers
- Continued:
- Healthcare organizations
- Hotels and restaurants
- Entertainment companies
- Environmental management firms
- Transportation companies
- Education institutions
- Research institutions
- City, state, and federal government
Explore more career opportunities in computer science:
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