Computer Science
The Department views computer science as an academic discipline firmly rooted within Clark University's liberal arts tradition, with an emphasis on the science of designing software and hardware. Courses emphasize concepts and principles; at the same time, the program as a whole closely follows Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) guidelines for university computer science.
Additional information on recommended courses for the major, minor and honors in computer science can be found at the Academic Catalog links at right. We also invite you to visit the First Year Research Group in Computer Science. Clark's fifth-year tuition-free
M.B.A. and
M.S.F. programs (for eligible students) are especially popular with computer science majors.
The Major
The major provides preparation for a variety of career paths, both inside and outside the academic community. Two courses in computer programming and one course in discrete mathematics serve as general introductory courses. Four intermediate courses (core requirements) expose the fundamental principles of computer science. One year of calculus is required, and should be completed as soon as possible, if at all possible by the end of the sophomore year. Beyond this, a series of elective courses is offered, in which applications and advanced topics are explored.
Declaring a Major
The department has a system of advising to assist students with their course selections. Department faculty are eager to help students select courses. A major must be declared no later than the second semester of the sophomore year; earlier declarations are encouraged. Students should choose an academic advisor from the department faculty as early as possible, or at least by the time the major is declared. (Entering students enrolled in First-Year Seminars in programs outside mathematics, computer science, or the natural sciences are especially encouraged to make a prompt choice of an unofficial secondary advisor in the Computer Science Department, who will be able to supplement the advice offered by their primary advisor.)
The Minor
A minor in computer science consists of six courses: CSci 120-121, Introduction to Computing and Data Structures, and four other courses in Computer Science (although Math 114, Discrete Mathematics, may substitute for one), at least one of which is at the 200-level.
Here are some sample minors in computer science:
Software sequence: CSci 120-121, Math 114, CSci 160, 170, and 250
Theory sequence: CSci 120-121, Math 114, CSci 160, 180, 270.