Studying computer science at Earlham balances theory and practice to help you achieve a well-rounded understanding of computing. As a student in the computer science program, you’ll learn to develop software, think about computing systems and understand relationships between computers, people and society.
This foundation will prepare you to study advanced computing in cybersecurity, game design, system administration or software engineering. The program culminates in a senior capstone experience, in which you’ll create a project that showcases your achievements in computing.
Our applied minors are distinctive programs allowing you to personalize your education and help you make direct connections between academic interests and co-curricular activities.
The computer science program pairs well with an applied minor in digital arts. This program will allow you an opportunity to explore the role of technology in the arts and the arts as an application of technology.
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, you must complete the following courses, in addition to general education requirements:
Core courses (28 credit hours)
Four additional CS courses (12 credits hours) from the following:
In exceptional cases, the department may allow
Concentrations
Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year, students majoring in computer science have the option to focus their studies in one of four areas of concentration:
- Computing for social good
- Cybersecurity
- Game design
- Systems engineering and administration
Your academic adviser can help you understand the requirements for each concentration area.
Computing for Social Good
Students may declare a concentration in CS for Social Good if they are graduating in Spring 2025 or later. Students graduating earlier than this who are interested in this field should speak with their advisor about how to best position themselves in this area, but cannot declare a concentration.
Cybersecurity
The Computer Science department plans to make Cybersecurity available as a concentration for students graduating in Spring 2026 or later. Students graduating earlier than this who are interested in this field should speak with their advisor about how to best position themselves in this area, but cannot declare a concentration.
Game Design
*CS 355: Students should endeavor to take this course as early in the sequence as their schedule allows.
A student’s Capstone project, proposed in CS 388 and executed in CS 488, should tie in to the field of Computer Game Design in some way.
If a student’s schedule permits, they are strongly encouraged to take CS 455, Game Design Studio, to deepen their understanding of the material and further strengthen their portfolio. This course is offered as a stacked class with CS 355.
Students may declare a concentration in Computer Game Design if they are graduating in Spring 2025 or later. Students graduating earlier than this who are interested in this field should speak with their advisor about how to best position themselves in this area, but cannot declare a concentration.
Systems Administration
To earn a minor in computer science, you must complete the following courses:
Three additional CS courses, 300 and above, excluding:
In exceptional cases, the department may waive the exclusion of CS 484, CS 485 or CS 486.
95% of recent graduates from the computer science program were employed or continuing their education, 6 months after graduation.
Skilled
Our Green Science group designed and built our first solar charging station. Now anyone in the community can charge their devices using solar energy!
Outcomes
Computer science students tend to gravitate toward careers as software developers and engineers. Recent grads are working for companies such as Google, Microsoft, Bloomberg and Viagogo.
What types of jobs and graduate school programs do graduates pursue?
Our students who choose to enter the industry become database administrators, cybersecurity specialists, IT project managers, software developers, web developers, data scientists and founders of successful tech startups.
They work in a wide variety of organizations ranging from small local companies to large international corporations. Our students who choose to go to graduate school have become successful university teachers and researchers.
What kind of research experience and internships are available?
Recent internships include an array of organizations and industries: local and national government, banking, pharmaceutical research, manufacturing and distribution, civil and environmental engineering, consulting firms, and insurance and software companies.
Students have interned at large companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft and a host of smaller companies across the US and the world. Locally, we partner with TechPoint in Indianapolis and DoxPop and Green Filing here, in Richmond. Some of our graduates go on to be a significant part of tech-startups, often as a part of the founding group.