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FAQs
1. Why might I major in Computer Science?
Computer Scientists are problem solvers in the modern world. They develop computer implementations to assist scientists, businesses and government. If you are interested in Science, Engineering or Business but cannot decide which area, Computer Science might be the answer.
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2. What background should an entering freshman have for Computer Science?
In high school, take math. Minimum preparation is Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. Trigonometry and more advanced math are recommended.
The Computer Science curriculum design assumes that anyone entering is either ready to take Calculus I or is at most one course away from that. Students without that level of preparation may need to use some elective hours to prepare for Calculus I.
Three or four years of high school English is important. Communications skills are an important factor for success both in college and in a career.
At Wichita State, students cannot enroll in a course for the CS major until they have earned a C or better in English Composition I and in College Algebra (or some other more advanced course).
CLEP scores, Advanced Placement, and ACT scores in English and math can earn you college credit in these courses and would enable you to begin your major coursework earlier. Talk to your high school counselor about earning advanced credit for college.
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3. Which courses will I take during my first year at Wichita State University?
Course loads during the freshman year average 12 - 15 hours each semester. That means you will spend fifteen hours per week in the classroom. For every hour spent in the classroom, you should expect to spend 2 hours or more on homework and reading outside the class. So the normal load requires a total of 45 to 50 hours of work each week, (including the weekend). This is an average. During the first three weeks or so, it might be possible for you to spend less time, but homework usually becomes more time-consuming as the semester progresses.
During the first 2 years, students usually take the following courses:
Computer Science: 1 or 2 courses each semester, starting with the second semester
Mathematics: one course each semester during the first two years
English composition: one course each semester during the freshman year
Public Speaking
Natural Science courses
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4. How large is the Computer Science program?
We have about 400 undergraduate majors and about 120 graduate students at the MS level. Most of our classes are taught by full-time computer science faculty members.
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5. What is a typical class size?
Freshman classes are usually the largest. Our initial computer science major courses have 30 to 40 students. Later computer science classes have 25-30 students. Classes in the math department are often 50 60 students, while classes in other subjects will vary.
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6. What academic advising is available?
There are Shocker Connection New Student and Transfer Student Orientation sessions before the semester begins. The session offers academic advice and an opportunity to reserve a place in the classes you need. To sign up, contact the Admissions Office at (316) 978 3085.
Once you are on campus and in the computer science major, you meet individually with a computer science advisor at least once every semester.
Pre-register each semester. After your first semester, you can register online through a campus program called SOS Shocker One Stop. You can also access your grades through this program.
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7. Does majoring in Computer Science mean I am training to become a programmer?
No. While every Computer Scientist should be a capable programmer, much of computer science is concerned with problem solving and algorithm analysis. Computer scientists develop efficient ways to automate processes. They determine the best way to configure a computer system or a large network of computer systems. They are responsible for network security, they design web sites, serve as PC technical support, design and administer data bases, and contribute in many other ways to the Information Technology side of any business.
The Liberal Arts general education portion of the curriculum gives you an opportunity to learn about the world outside of Computer Science. Remember you need a life as well as a career. CS majors also benefit from Math courses, a hardware course, and a Computer Ethics course.
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8. What programming languages will I learn?
CS 211 Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving in C Language introduces students to this language. Assembly language is also a required part of the major as is a course introducing students to both functional languages (such as LISP or ML) and object-oriented languages (such as C++ or Modula-3). Also required is a course dedicated to teaching students the object-oriented paradigm using Java.
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9. How comprehensive is the Computer Science curriculum?
The curriculum at WSU is designed according to the highest national standards. These courses cover all major areas of Computer Science and include courses in database systems, programming languages, operating systems, computer science theory, computer hardware and many others.
Research interests of current faculty include the areas of databases, programming languages, object oriented systems, semantic analysis, automated reasoning, theorem proving, data models, and structural complexity theory.
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10. Is it possible to earn a minor in another area?
Students earning a BS in computer science complete 13 hours of mathematics. If they choose to also complete Calculus III, they earn a minor in math. Many of our BA students minor in another field such as business, or they may even earn a double major.
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11. Is there a campus organization for Computer Science students?
Yes. The student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is an active student organization. Join early and become an active member. Being a member of ACM while taking computer science courses gives you the capability of designing and maintaining a home page on the web. Each year, ACM students also design and administer the computer science portion of the Science Olympiad for high school students.
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12. What computing equipment is available?
Examine the CS Department's equipment.
Students also have nearly 24 hour a day access to computers running WindowsXP in the public labs in Jabara Hall and the Ablah Library.
In addition, faculty and students have access to the University's SGI supercomputer.
The Computer Science Department is a part of the University's campus wide network. You can work at home, or use this network to do your assignments for CS classes.
Instructions for use can be found in the UNIX Short Guide available at the University Bookstore.
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13. Do I need to buy a personal computer?
The Wichita State University Computer Science Department does not require students to purchase an expensive piece of equipment.
However, if you do want to purchase a computer, here are some suggestions for a minimal personal computer that would be useful to you at Wichita State.
SVGA monitor and video card
Pentium 4 or Athlon
512M RAM minimum
120G Hard Drive
3 ½" high density disk drive with 1.4 Megabytes of storage
CD-ROM, CD-RW, and/or USB drive
printer
C Language Compiler
Modem - 56K baud minimum; broadband connection recommended (cable, DSL, etc.)
Communications program that supports ssh (PuTTY)
Linux operating system is recommended for majors.
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14. Should I work while going to school?
If you do not have to work during your first year at Wichita State University you should not. College is very time consuming for nearly everyone and Computer Science requires more time than some other majors.
If you must work, you should work no more than 10 hours per week and reduce your course load to 12 hours per semester.
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15. Can I participate in cooperative education while attending WSU?
The Computer Science Department works closely with the Office of Cooperative Education. In the metropolitan area of Wichita, students who are majoring in Computer Science have excellent employment opportunities. This is a good way to get job experience and build up your resume while you're getting paid. This will prepare you for career success and let you experience the connection between work and learning.
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16. What are the employment opportunities for CS graduates?
Job prospects for Computer Science graduates are good. Starting salaries are around $40,000.
As a student with a BS degree in Computer Science, consider these options as a next step:
Graduate school at Wichita State University or elsewhere.
Internet/Intranet Technology: the technological side of networking.
Webmaster/Web designer: design and maintain the corporate image on the Net.
Network Administrator: assure security and design networks, keep network running.
Database Administrator/Analyst: design and maintain the database.
Systems Analyst: design computer solutions to complicated problems and act as the communicator between users and programmers.
Programmer/Analyst: responsibility for both programming and systems analysis.
Computer Trainer: assist users in learning new software.
Enduser Technical Support: provide technical assistance to users, install hardware and software, solve applications problems, troubleshooter.
Research Support: assist scientists, engineers, or Computer Scientists with research work requiring the use of a computer.
Teach: in high school or with a Master's Degree, in a community college.
See the College of Education for public school certification information.
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