B.S. in Computer Science

Computer Science focuses on solving problems from a scientific perspective by applying software engineering, information systems, and computational theory. Our program emphasizes group projects, hands-on labs and one-on-one interaction to ensure students’ success in their future careers. Why choose CS? The careers are diverse and exciting, employment opportunities are increasing and starting salaries are among the highest for bachelor degree graduates.

Computer science careers are diverse and exciting, employment opportunities are increasing, and starting salaries are among the highest for bachelor’s degree graduates. As a computer science major at Siena, you’ll study topics including Java programming, user interface design, hardware, computer graphics, robotics, databases, web design, and artificial intelligence. We emphasize group projects, hands-on laboratory learning, and one-on-one interaction with faculty.

Siena’s B.S. in computer science requires coursework in computer science and mathematics. As a computer science major, you will also participate in a senior-year capstone experience in software engineering. Most of our students participate in our well-established internship program, as well. We also offer opportunities to conduct research with computer science faculty.

Program Highlights

• The Computer Science Department at Siena is one the largest at any liberal arts college.
• 14 full-time faculty experts specializing in areas such as databases, computer graphics, robotics, artificial intelligence and web application development.
• Students can concentrate coursework in specific career areas or take a broad array of different CS courses to prepare for graduate study.
• Student-centered labs, which are capped at 16 students.
• Independent study courses with faculty mentors.
• Paid internship and summer research opportunities.
• Regional and national conference attendance.
• Project-based software design and development capstone course.
• Student clubs: Association for Computing Machinery student chapter and Women in Computer Science.
• Preparation for careers such as software engineer/developer, project manager, Java developer, application security engineer, web/mobile application developer, web design specialist, database administrator, information technology specialist, web design consultant, data analyst, quality assurance engineer and business intelligence developer.

Requirements for the Major (35 credits)

• CSIS120 - Intro to Programming 4 credits
• CSIS210 - Data Structures 3 credits
• CSIS220 - Assembly Lang and Comp Architecture 4 credits
• CSIS225 - Object-Oriented Design and Programming 3 credits
• CSIS385 - Design+Analysis of Algorithm 3 credits
• CSIS410 - Software Engineering I 3 credits
• CSIS415 - Software Engineering II 3 credits

AND

• CSIS110 - Intro to Computer Science 3 credits

And 3 additional courses between CSIS 310 and CSIS 499 (9 credits) OR 4 additional CSIS electives between 310 and 499 (12 credits)

Note: CSIS-251 and CSIS-351 may not be applied toward the required CSIS credits in Computer Science, however, CSIS-351 (Discrete Structures II) may apply towards the required CSIS credits if a student is a double CS/Physics major taking the Computational Science track for the Physics major.

Auxiliary courses (15 credits)

• MATH110 - Calculus I 4 credits
• MATH120 - Calculus II 4 credits
• MATH250 - Discrete Structures 4 credits
• MATH350 - Theory of Computation 3 credits

.

Success Stats

• 100% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school
• 40% of students participate in an independent study or research project
• 57% complete at least one internship for credit
• 45% of faculty are female vs. the national average of 15%
• The freshman retention rate is 96%
• Siena is one of two colleges nationally to offer the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Research Experience funded by the National Science Foundation. Students receive a $5,000 stipend along with full room and board during the summer.

Recent Internship Sites

• 3M
• Albany Crime Analysis Center
• BOCES
• Credit Suisse
• Doctored Apps
• Ernst Information Systems
• Google
• New York State Office of Information Technology
• New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
• New York State Senate IT Department
• Pitney Bowes

Employers of our Graduates

• Amazon
• Bank of America
• CDPHP
• Cisco
• ESPN
• GE
• IBM
• Key Bank
• Lockheed Martin
• MetLife
• National Hockey League
• rewardStyle
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Transfinder
• Vanguard
• Xerox

Job Titles of Recent Graduates

• Application Team Lead
• Associate Engineer
• Business Analyst
• Chief Operating Officer
• Computer Programmer
• Database Administrator
• Developer
• Director of Product Management
• Director of Software Engineering
• IT Engineer
• Lead Technician
• Programmer
• Project Manager
• Senior Technical Consultant
• Senior Security Engineer
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer
• Web and Mobile Developer

A Siena education is an education with soul. Located in Loudonville, New York—just 10 minutes from the state capital of Albany—the Siena experience is built for a new generation of leaders eager to create a more just, peaceful, and humane world. It empowers them through a transformative journey of intellectual, spiritual, and personal discovery.

At Siena education isn’t something you get, it’s something you get to do. With 40 majors, 80-plus minors and certificates, and prestigious joint-degree programs in liberal arts, science, and business, Saints have over 1,200 unique ways to reach their personal and professional goals. But that’s just the beginning. Our 3,000 Saints engage personally with top scholars in a dynamic, customized learning environment. From internships to research to service, they get real-world experience now, not later. The result: sought-after graduates prepared to succeed in an ever-changing global society.