Students who wish to major in computer science should certainly take all the mathematics they can in high school. No specific high school computer courses are required for introductory computer science course work at CSB and SJU, and we pride ourselves on the number of students who get our degree with no previous background in computer science. However, students are encouraged to get all the background they can. The minimum requirements for a computer science major at CSB and SJU are 12 credits of mathematics and 40 credits of computer science. Both majors require substantial writing, programming and research as part of the courses you must take to get the degree.
Many courses require in-class laboratories in addition to the usual lecture and discussion classes.
Most courses without a laboratory either require large group projects to give our students experience with the kind of work done in industrial and research settings or have a required large programming or research project. Most students who go on to graduate school or to a career in the computer industry take more computer courses than the minimum, as well as a full complement of courses in other departments. While employers in fields such as communications and management are recognizing the value of computer-literate employees, employers in the computer industry seek promising computer science graduates with experience in group projects and discussion and who have extensive experience writing and doing research. Our program supplies all of these things. 37 S. College Ave.