Mathematics and Computer Science

Draper Building
CPO 2146
859-985-3563

Office Hours:
M–F, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Contact:
Obtaining a Major in Computer and Information Science
 

Berea College offers a minor in Computer Science as well as a major in Computer and Information Science with an optional concentration in Computer Science.

Each application to the Computer and Infromation Science Major is considered individually and is approved or rejected based upon departmental discussion of the applicant's potential to satisfactorily complete the major. For this reason, students interested in pursuing the major should begin taking the core CSC courses as early as possible. Students considering a major in Computer and Information Science should contact by email or phone (859) 985-3569 and enroll in CSC 226 as soon as possible.

Computer Related Career Profiles

The following are job descriptions and career profiles of a number of actual computer professionals. They are provided for students to obtain a closer look at these types of jobs.

Pursuing the Dual Degree Program in a Computer-Related Area

The 3-2 Dual Degree program is designed to provide students interested in entering a computer engineering profession a strong background in both the liberal arts as well as in the specific mathematical and physical sciences needed for computer science studies. Through the 3-2 Dual Degree Program at Berea, students have the opportunity to earn two degrees in five-years: a BA or BS from Berea, and Computer Engineering degree from a partner university. Courses offered at Berea in mathematics, physics, and computer science provide excellent preparation for students to complete both of these degrees, and students in the 3-2 program may complete any major they wish at Berea. Students in the 3-2 Program typically spend their first three years at Berea and their final two years at the Computer Science school. We currently have 3-2 partnerships with the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky in Lexington and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, however we have also had recent Berea students successfully complete their second degree at other institutions. Both institutions offer degrees in Computer Science available through Berea's 3-2 program, and Washington University offers a program in Computer Engineering as well as in Computer Science. In addition to the regular coursework, Berea offers the opportunity for 3-2 Dual Degree students to enhance their educational experience, improve their post-graduation employment opportunities, and clarify their career through a labor position in the Information Systems and Services (IS&S), campus visits with officers from engineering and computer science schools, internships with computer science firms, and exploratory short-term exchange programs with engineering and computer science institutions. Recent graduates have enjoyed exceptional success at gaining employment following their completion of the 3-2 Dual Degree program.

For students in the 3-2 Dual Degree program nearly all of Berea's graduation requirements must be completed while the student is still in residence at Berea. Because of language requirements at many engineering and computer science schools, including the University of Kentucky, students who are working toward a dual degree are strongly encouraged to satisfy Berea's cultural area requirement by completing two courses in a language. This does not apply at Washington University, where either method of completing the cultural area requirement will be accepted. Students planning to leave Berea after three years must take both Seminar in World Issues since 1945 and Seminar in Christianity and Contemporary Culture in their third year. Approval will be given for this exception to Berea College policy. Dual degree students are free to select any Berea major that they wish, and while it is not necessary to major in mathematics or science, a judicious choice of major can shorten the student's overall time commitment. In addition to completion of major and general education requirements, students interested in the Dual Degree Program must complete the following courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better: Calculus I, II, III and differential equations; one year of calculus-based physics; one year of chemistry. Familiarity with a computer programming language such C++ is also essential for the Computer Science and Computer Engineering 3-2 Dual Degree Programs.

Additional information on the 3-2 Dual Degree Program is available from Berea College's 3-2 Dual Degree Advisor, or through the Office of Admissions at 1-800-326-5948. Students intending to complete the 3-2 Dual Degree Program should stay in regular contact with Berea's Dual Degree Advisor in addition to their own academic advisor during their time both at Berea and at their second school. It is especially important for students to communicate as regularly as possible about their graduation plans.


Computer Engineering and Computer Science Links