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 TechnologyComputer 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 SemesterCredits
*FYE 101 First Year Experience- Fall (FYE)3
CS 201 Computer Science I4
*Math 201 Calculus I (QR)4
Math 207 Discrete Math3
*Holistic Wellness (HW)1
 15
Spring SemesterCredits
*FYE 102 First Year Experience- Spring (FYE)3
CS 202 Computer Science II4
Math 202 Calculus II4
*ENGL 101 or 102 English Composition (EC)3-4
*Holistic Wellness (HW)1
 15-16

Year Two

Fall SemesterCredits
CS 219 Data Structures3
CS 226 Computer Organization3
*Global Language 101 (GL)3-4
*Natural Science I (NS)4
 13-14
Spring SemesterCredits
CS 319 Algorithm Analysis3
CS 329 Intro to DBMS3
*Global Language 102 (GL)3-4
Natural Science II4
*Creative & Performing Arts (CPA)3
 16-17

Year Three

Fall SemesterCredits
CS 324 Software Engineering3
*CSIT 203 Impact of Computers on Society (ETH)3
CS Elective3
*Developing Informed Viewpoints (DIV)3
Free Elective3
 15
Spring SemesterCredits
CS 453 Data Communication and Networking3
CS 464 Operating Systems3
Math 213 Statistics or other 200+ Math4
CS Elective3
*Humanities (HU)3
 16

Year Four

Fall SemesterCredits
CS 471 Programming Languages3
CS 474 Capstone Proseminar3
CS 399 Internship or CS Elective3
*Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)3
Free Elective4
 16
Spring SemesterCredits
CS 475 Senior Project3
Free Elective3
Free Elective3
Free Elective3
Free Elective3
 15
Total Credits124

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 SemesterCredits
*FYE 101 First Year Experience- Fall (FYE)3
Math 120 Precalculus OR Math 120 + Math 120L3-4
*Global Language 101 (GL)3-4
*ENGL 101 or 102 English Composition (EC)3-4
*Holistic Wellness (HW)1
 13-16
Spring SemesterCredits
*FYE 102 First Year Experience- Spring (FYE)3
CS 201 Computer Science I4
Math 207 Discrete Math3
*Global Language 102 (GL)3-4
*Holistic Wellness (HW)1
 14-15

Year Two

Fall SemesterCredits
CS 202 Computer Science II4
CS 226 Computer Organization3
*Math 201 Calculus I (QR)4
*Natural Science I (NS)4
 15
Spring SemesterCredits
CS 219 Data Structures3
*CSIT 203 Impact of Computers on Society (ETH)3
Math 202 Calculus II4
Natural Science II4
*Creative & Performing Arts (CPA)3
 17

Year Three

Fall SemesterCredits
CS 324 Software Engineering3
CS Elective3
*Developing Informed Viewpoints (DIV)3
Free Elective3
Free Elective3
 15
Spring SemesterCredits
CS 319 Algorithm Analysis3
CS 329 Intro to DBMS3
CS 453 Data Communication and Networking3
Math 213 Statistics or other 200+ Math4
*Humanities (HU)3
 16

Year Four

Fall SemesterCredits
CS 471 Programming Languages3
CS 474 Capstone Proseminar3
*Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)3
CS 399 Internship or CS Elective3
Free Elective4
 15-16
Spring SemesterCredits
CS 464 Operating Systems3
CS 475 Senior Project3
CS Elective3
Free Elective3
Free Elective3
 15
Total Credits124

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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