PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Computer Science
Computer Science
Ann Smith, M.S., Chair
The focus of the department of computer science is to prepare students to be lifelong learners of and
responsible contributors to the dynamic and expanding field of computing. The department contributes
to the liberal arts mission of the university by developing ethical and professional leaders who are
skilled in the art and craft of software construction and practiced in critical thinking and abstract
problem solving.
The department supports one major, software development, and participates in an interdisciplinary
minor in scientific computing. The software development major follows a 3-1 educational model, three
years of intense course work plus one year of supervised project work. The supervised project work may
include an internship with regional partners.
The software development major emphasizes the acquisition of software design and development skills
through a project-based curriculum. From a platform constructed on fundamental computing concepts
and problem-solving skills stressed in the first year of study, the curriculum builds to a senior capstone
practicum experience involving the student in the complete lifecycle of software development. The
practicum is a year-long endeavor, either of the student’s own design or in conjunction with an ongoing
group project. The department strives to engage students with outside partners in the computing
industry as well as on-campus partners such as the GeoSpatial Services and the Kabara Institute for
Entrepreneurial Studies.
The software development major concentrates on the skills, technologies and practices necessary
to become a successful software artisan. Though students use cutting edge software development
technologies, the curriculum focuses on the concepts and principles embodied by those technologies
that persist over time.
General Department Goals
Students develop:
• Proficiency in core computing skills;
• Project-based software development experience;
• Development of software design and architectural skills leading to the construction of quality software;
• Engagement in the entire lifecycle of the software development process; and
• An understanding of the scientific, cultural, and political role that technology plays in our global society.
Students who have a high school background in computer science are encouraged to apply for credit
through advanced standing. Advanced placement information is available from the department chair.
Majors Offered:
Software Development
The computer science department also supports and staffs the scientific computing minor.
Software Development Major (50 credits):
The software development major emphasizes the acquisition of software design and development skills
through a project-based curriculum. The major follows a 3-1 educational model, three years of course
work followed by a year of real world project work.
A. All of the following:
CS101 Computer Science Fundamentals
CS110 Computer Science I: Introduction to Programming
CS111 Computer Science I Laboratory
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