Computer and Information Science

What is this major? 
The computer science major emphasizes the technical dimensions of the field.  It is for students who want to work on the cutting edge in developing the software necessary to run the computers of tomorrow.  Students develop proficiency in programming and problem solving through hands on learning.  They develop a deep and broad understanding of operating systems, programming languages, computer networks, computer architecture, and advanced programming techniques.  Electives are chosen from topical subjects such as computer graphics, parallel processing, artificial intelligence, microprocessors, computer security, and optimization techniques.

The information science major is geared toward students who want to use computers effectively in the modern business world.  It is designed to produce skilled and creative individuals to manage the information, computer systems, and people needed by businesses in the 21st century.  Information science majors learn how to analyze and solve the complex data processing problems of modern organizations.  In advanced courses in systems analysis and design, students use advanced software engineering techniques.  Elective courses are chosen from a diverse list including small business systems, computer networks, programming languages, artificial intelligence, web design, and data structures. Courses in information science emphasize projects where students working in groups learn by doing real-life projects.

What can I do with this major? 

Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level	Further Education/Experience Required
assistant analyst manufacturing engineer software developer  LAN administrator programmer analyst game creator/developer	consultant programming supervisor systems analyst systems integration services consultant associate consultant

What skills will I improve/gain? 
Abstract and formal reasoning, programming language concepts, knowledge of operating systems, multi-tasking, testing, analyzing, mathematical skills, problem-solving, organizing / simplifying, logical thinking, attention to detail, thoroughness, working independently and in teams, advanced quantitative abilities, statistical analysis, designing systems, written and oral communication skills, marketing concepts, research, classifying / systemizing, efficiency, systematic critical thinking

Who employs graduates from this major? 
Consulting firms, banks and investment firms, colleges/universities, government, telecommunications, international agencies, military, business and industry, research and development, professional and technical journals

What is special about this major at Hartwick? 

• Great internship opportunities
• Graduates often know 2-4 programming languages and web development
• Graduates accepted at graduate schools such as RPI, Rutgers, Boston University, Northwestern, New York University
• Awesome hardware due to a large grant - homemade computers overflowing with high power

Department Chair
Susan Carbone, 607-431-4852, carbones@hartwick.edu

Undeclared Contact
Robert Gann, 607-431-4761, gannr@hartwick.edu

Major Connections Contacts
Bryan Del Bene (CISC major), 607-431-6643, delbeneb@hartwick.edu
Caitlin Gilman (CISC minor), 607-431-6826, gilmanc@hartwick.edu
Chad Toland (INSC major), 607-431-7549, tolandc@hartwick.edu