Three Distinct Programs
Like most universities, Santa Clara University (SCU) is organized into several
divisions. Three of these provide programs of studies for undergraduate students: the
College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Business. Each
has different educational foci and objectives which affect the degree programs they offer,
and each division also provides a distinctive program in which a student is able to
engage in the study of computing. Before a prospective student selects a course of
study, whether in computing or in another field, it is helpful to consider carefully the
emphases and objectives of the School or College with which his or her prospective major
is associated.
At SCU, the three programs in computing are called: Computer Science (CS), Computer
Engineering (CE), and Operations and
Management Information Systems (OMIS). These three programs at
SCU reflect three of the most commonly offered undergraduate
computing majors in U.S. colleges and universities. (More information
about typical differences in undergraduate computing majors may be found at
http://computingcareers.acm.org/?page_id=6 .)
Those interested in learning more about national recommendations for
different undergraduate programs in computing are referred to
Computing Curricula 2005, available at the website of the
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) (
http://www.acm.org) at
http://www.acm.org/education/curric-vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf.
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) also has information
on the variety of undergraduate computing degree programs and on
career opportunities at
http://computingcareers.acm.org.
Computer Science:
The Department of Mathematics and
Computer Science within SCU's College of Arts and Sciences offers an undergraduate
degree program in Computer Science. The College provides the context of a classical
"liberal arts" education, requiring exposure to languages and fine arts in
addition to the in-depth study of a major, and the opportunity for several free electives
that can be used to complete a minor or second major. Computer-related courses in this
context are influenced by the scientific tradition of observation, hypothesis, proof and
the mathematical tradition of analysis and abstraction.
The curriculum has also been influenced by various published
guidelines for computing
programs in liberal arts schools, e.g.,
http://www.lacs.edu/model-curriculum.pdf.
Students majoring in computer science may choose, if they wish,
an emphasis in cryptography and security.
Computer Engineering:
The Department of Computer Engineering within
SCU's School of Engineering offers an undergraduate degree program in Computer
Engineering. The School provides the context of an accredited engineering program,
exposing a student to engineering techniques, to other engineering disciplines, and to the
many demands of modern technology. The program includes extensive laboratory work in both
hardware and software, and places a heavy emphasis on analysis, design methodologies,
creative problem solving techniques and teamwork.
Students majoring in computer engineering may choose, if they wish,
a concentration in:
information assurance, or
game development, or
web technologies.
Operations and Management Information Systems:
The Department of Operations and Management
Information Systems in SCU's School of Business offers an undergraduate degree program
in Management Information Systems that focuses on the use of analytical decision-making
methods and computer information systems in business organizations. Students specialize in
the skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate the computer-based systems that are
necessary to manage business operations effectively.
What's the difference at SCU?
Other Computer-Related Courses
The Department of Art and Art History offers courses in Art in the
Computer Age, Computer Imaging, and Graphic Design. Other departments
offer specialized courses involving the use of computers for students
majoring in their departments.
Students should be aware that there are a variety of ways of
studying and making use of computers during their undergraduate
academic career.
