Geneva College revitalizes computer science program

BEAVER FALLS, PA (01/27/2015)(readMedia)-- Geneva College has revitalized its computer science program as part of an ongoing commitment to meet the increasing demand for knowledgeable and ethical computer professionals in today's technologically changing workplace. The overhaul offers students greater flexibility in their degree choices and provides instruction in cutting-edge fields such as cybersecurity, data science, and web and mobile technology.

Geneva's computer science program has implemented a "big tent" view of computing that fosters integration of computing with other disciplines. The core curriculum for the major forms a broad understanding of the foundations of computer science: programing, software engineering, mathematics, networking, security and ethics. To address the cross-disciplinary nature of the field, students are required to pursue a minor or second major to which computer science can be applied.

This approach is in line with new recommendations made by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society, which jointly develop the computer science curriculum guidelines that form the basis for most undergraduate degree programs. Nationally prestigious computer science schools such as Carnegie Mellon University, Harvard University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute are following this format.

In conjunction with the revitalization of its computer science major, Geneva has developed minors in cybersecurity, data science, and web and mobile technology to add to its list of nearly 40 majors and programs. Computer science majors at Geneva also benefit from the flexibility to customize their education to their strengths and interests by choosing nearly any other major or minor that the college offers to meet degree requirements.

The cybersecurity minor provides students an expanded background in security. Training focuses on system cyber techniques, probing and scripting. Courses include Computer Forensics and Disaster Recovery.

The data science minor is for those interested in the analysis and interpretation of large sets of data, or "big data," which are found in a wide range of disciplines such as meteorology, genomics, physics, biological and environmental research, and business. Courses include Operations Research and Big Data Analytics.

The web and technology minor teaches software development that can be applied to mobile computing and cloud applications. Courses include HCI Design and Programing and Web Engineering.

These minors are not only prime options for computer science majors, but are open to any student who meets course prerequisites.

In addition, Geneva has added two computer-related minors specifically for non-computer science majors who wish to add technology skills to their resumes and compliment their current majors: general computer science and software development.

Geneva College invites students to step forward and leap ahead with an academically excellent, Christ-centered and affordable education. Offering nearly 40 majors, Adult Degree Programs with fully online and campus-based options, and high-demand advanced graduate degrees, Geneva's programs are recognized for their high quality. U.S. News & World Report ranks Geneva as a Top 6 Best Value with one of the Top 90 engineering programs in the nation. Adhering to the inerrancy of Scripture, a Geneva education is grounded in God's word as well as in a core curriculum designed to prepare students vocationally to think, write and communicate well in today's world.

Geneva College admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.