SSU Offers Majorin Computer Science Beginning Fall 2000

SALISBURY, MD--Salisbury State University will offer a major in computer science beginning fall 2000. The program, recently approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and by the University's Curriculum Committees, will be through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology.

The new computer science major includes a mathematics core (constituting a minor in mathematics), lower-division and upper- division computer science cores, and a variety of computer science electives. Software development, including a two-semester sequence in software engineering, is emphasized throughout the curriculum. University officials anticipate both extensive student interest in the major and abundant opportunities for its graduates.

Dr. Kathleen Shannon, chair of the department, said, "We are in a unique position, developing a computer science major just as the century turns and in the midst of some major paradigm shifts in computer science. We truly are poised to prepare students to face the challenges presented by the information age. The department is excited about the opportunities for us and especially for our majors that this new program will offer."

Dr. David Parker, who will coordinate the major, said, "We intend to offer a modern, interesting and rigorous program which will enable our students to be truly competitive in the computer science field."

Dr. Thomas Jones, dean of the Henson School, said that the new program was initiated with the cooperation and support both the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at SSU and the Department of Physics. "This major complements and completes the University's existing programs in management information systems, physics/microelectronics and the computer science concentration with the mathematics major. We now offer students programs which span the breadth and depth of the computer and information sciences fields."

Additional information about this major is available from Parker or Shannon at the Mathematics and Computer Science Department (410-543-6471). The departmental Web site at http://henson2.salisbury.edu/~mathcosc/ also contains links listing detailed requirements and curricular details.