Breakthroughs in computing are fundamentally changing the landscape of contemporary life.
Studying Computer Science at Alma College
How do algorithms reproduce – or resist – existing biases in our society? How will artificial intelligence evolve in the future? How do machines learn?
As a computer science major at Alma College, you’ll explore application design and development, including the study of algorithms, programming languages and computing systems. You’ll also debate the complex social and ethical questions that preoccupy – and divide – some of the leading minds in technology.
You’ll study programming languages like Python and Java. You’ll learn how to pick up new languages by understanding their fundamental characteristics. You’ll build applications using at least two contemporary programming idioms, such as object-oriented, functional and declarative programming.
And you’ll work side by side with your peers, community partners and our expert faculty. You’ll learn to solve complex problems in the real world with a flexible, transferable suite of skills.
Program Highlights
In Alma’s computing laboratories, you’ll hone the tools you need to flourish in your future career.
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including 3-D printers, Raspberry Pi workstations and computing-intensive servers that support big data, graphics and visualization and virtual networks to the labs.
You can also connect with like-minded peers in the Alma College Developers Club. This newly-formed, student-led organization provides opportunities to develop programming skills and build a professional network through connections with nationally-recognized companies.
When you graduate, you may also choose to pursue advanced study in Alma’s master of science in communication and information technology (CIT). This rigorous, graduate-level degree will prepare you to lead organizations through the rapidly evolving technological and regulatory landscape.
“After graduating from Alma, I became a network engineer at Gratiot-Isabella RESD in Ithaca, where I’m responsible for managing and maintaining the MMNET fiber network and our members’ network equipment. Through Alma, I was able to build a great foundation for programming and understanding of the fundamental aspects of computers while also expanding my tech background and finding what I truly wanted to pursue in such a diverse field.”
—Adam Lawhorne
Network Engineer, Gratiot-Isabella RESD
Where Can Computer Science Take Me?
Because computer science combines the principles of engineering, mathematics and science, it opens up a wide range of careers to you. And you won’t be short of opportunities: between 2017 and 2027, the number of STEM jobs will increase by 13%, compared to 9% for non-STEM jobs.
Our students leave Alma ready for advanced study and employment in high-demand roles such as software development, computational science, website and database administration, information systems consulting and computer system administration.
Recent Employers
- State of Michigan
- Auto-Owners Insurance
- Atomic Objects (Michigan-based software development company)
- IBM Group
- 1001 (financial services)
Recent Graduate Schools
- Ball State University
- Michigan State University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- DePaul University
