SMWC Introduces Computer Science Degree

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has launched a Bachelor of Science in computer science program. The college says the major will be available in the fall with concentrations in management, front end and data structures.

The college says the program will prepare students for the growing demand for software developers, computer programmers and database administrators.

“We have taken care to create a program that is uniquely The Woods,” said Dr. Rob Vandermolen, the faculty member in charge of the program. “In the liberal arts tradition of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, we have designed a program with opportunities, using our concentrations, to take an artistic, business, or strictly scientific approach to computers and computer programming.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand in all computer occupations will increase by 22%. The college says the program will focus on data analysis, product development and web design.

“The addition of a computer science program is an exciting feat for the College and the Department of Science and Mathematics,” said Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment management and institutional technology. “With SMWC’s liberal arts background, students will be provided with a robust education.”

SMWC says it is collaborating with Google and other private colleges on the computer science concentration. Among the skills developed will be writing clear and efficient code as well as analysis of problems to create unique solutions.