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Who is the Chair for the Computer
Science department?
The
Chair for the Computer Science department is Tom Goulding. His phone
number is 603-577-6561; his e-mail is
Goulding@dwc.edu.
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What kinds of courses do I take my
first year?
One of
the strengths of the DWC program is that you will begin programming
the first week of your first semester in school. A typical first
year schedule will include Intro to Programming, Calculus I and II,
Discrete Math, Intro to Software Engineering, as well as writing and
social science courses.
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What's unique about the DWC
computer science program?
Our
program focuses on software engineering, which is in high demand in
today's job market. Software engineering is not simply programming.
It is a discipline with a specific methodology for developing
computer programs, which includes problem solving, documentation,
coding, testing, quality assurance, and maintenance. Although you
will take traditional computer science courses, you will spend 5
semesters practicing software engineering, beginning the second
semester of your freshman year. During your sophomore and junior
years you will practice software engineering for two semesters each
year. By the time you are a senior, you will be ready to take on an
internship in the industry.
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Does an internship cost me any
additional tuition?
No.
Your computer science internship is built into your curriculum
during your senior year. It is included in your regular tuition. You
will receive 3 credits for your internship.
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What kinds of employment
opportunities are available in New Hampshire or elsewhere?
There
are many opportunities for software engineering both in the Nashua
area and the nearby Boston metropolitan area. We have contacts with
many companies with whom we place our interns. Often those
internships become job offers on graduation. Beginning salaries of
course vary by company, but many computer science students can
expect to start in the $50,000+ year salary range.
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How much programming experience
must I have in high school for this program?
None!
We assume you know nothing about programming.
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If I know nothing about
programming, how do I know that I'll like the major?
If you
enjoy the computer, have strong problem solving skills, love math,
get excited by the idea of creating something such as new software
and are eager to learn and work with a rapidly changing environment
you could discover a great career in Computer Science.
If you
enjoy the computer, have strong problem solving skills, are very
organized and enjoy working with people, business applications and
solutions, you could discover that Information Systems is the career
for you.
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What type of math background do I
need and what courses should I take in high school?
The
more math you can take in high school, the better. Calculus I and II
along with calculus-based physics would be ideal.
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What is software engineering?
Software engineering is a process that involves working in teams
rather than individually, while applying engineering principles to
build software systems.
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What type of jobs can I do with
this major?
DWC
Computer Science majors work as software engineers, quality
assurance engineers, programmers, network designers, web developers,
consultants, system administrators, and in many more positions. DWC
Information System majors work as database administrators,
programmers, network administrators, consultants, and in many more
positions.
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Can I find a part time job while I
'm in school and apply my coursework to my job?
Yes,
we have more companies looking for students to hire, than we have
students! Southern NH is a high tech hub! We have everything from
major companies, such as Compaq and Sanders, to small start-ups that
have not yet issued IPO's. Also, DWC has an excellent Lab Tech
Program, which employs students for a variety of technology related
positions.
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If I'm working part time will I
still be able to complete my schoolwork and hold down the job?
Most
of our ambitious students have found that their employers are
extremely flexible and allow the students to work around their
course schedule and their assignment loads. In fact, many work and
go to school through the summer and graduate early. Limiting work
time to fewer than 15 hours per week should not compromise your
academic success. On the other hand, you may decide to take an extra
year to finish.
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Can I take any of the Daniel
Webster College certificate courses?
Because of the
number of high tech companies in the area, DWC offers many computer
sciences/ IT programs through our continuing studies division. These
courses give the professionals in the area the skills they need to
stay current. DWC computer science students may use these
certificate courses as non-computer science electives.
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