Computer Science at UW-Green Bay
The Computer Science program is about problem solving and the ability to learn new ideas and apply them. That's because the heart of software design is not the language or the developer environment, but the ability to define a problem, analyze various components, and project and evaluate potential solutions, all of which are subject to limitations and constraints inherent in a given computer. Students must understand that in industry there must be more than just a working program. Good software must not only work but must be fully documented, clearly written, and easily modifiable to meet changing and more extensive requirements.
Equally important, the program provides a theoretical base for computer science and helps students understand there is more to computer science than software development. Students develop skills they can use upon graduation but they must be prepared to enter a field which is both diverse and rapidly changing and they must be able to adapt. This requires a solid theoretical foundation with knowledge of how computers work and how they carry out tasks specified in applications software. It requires that students think beyond writing software and explore areas such as Neural Networks, Scientific Applications, or the very foundations upon which Computer Science is built. This knowledge is an important ingredient to professional development and pursuit of graduate studies as it provides the knowledge necessary to analyze efficiency and evaluate various programming and data design options and to see the possible futures as computer science evolves.
The program (as is the field) is always undergoing changes. We've recently added new courses in Neural Networks, Linux Systems Programming, Graphics and animation, and Project Management and have made major changes to integrate powerful developer environments, database tools and connectivity standards, software design patterns, and graphics standards into the curriculum. Also we have moved to Eclipse as the environment for our introductory Software Design courses. This should provide us with a more stable environment for those courses.
If you have any questions about the program, courses, facilities, or anything else, please feel free to contact any of the faculty members via the faculty link above. All are more than willing to talk with prospective students or parents, to describe the program, or to answer any questions you may have.