Computer Science, Minor (Capital)

Program Description

Computing has become an essential component of many disciplines, and it is driving innovation in fields far beyond computer science. The minor in Computer Science at Penn State Harrisburg provides basic proficiency in computer science, with an emphasis on building both a theoretical framework for computer science and providing practical skills needed to apply computer science to other fields of study. The knowledge and skills gained in the minor expands opportunities for students seeking careers in the growing number of fields that require a strong foundation in computer science. In addition, for students seeking to pursue graduate study, the minor provides background knowledge for the computing intensive aspects of their chosen discipline.

The minor begins with the second-level course in computer programming (CMPSC 122 or CMPSC 132), a course in object-oriented programming in either Java or C++ (CMPSC 221 or CMPSC 330), a course in discrete math for computer science (CMPSC 360), and a course in data structures (CMPSC 462). These twelve credits are followed with an additional six credits of 400-level work in computer science (CMPSC).

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of computational methods, including their principles and foundations, their efficient implementation, their analyses, and their practical application in wide-ranging areas. It includes the foundations of software development, computational problem solving, the principles of system software, and the fundamental principles and limits of computing. It is much more than just programming. It includes the mathematical foundations that support analyzing, evaluating, and proving the correctness of computational solutions. It includes specializations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data mining, high-performance computing, computer networks, computer graphics, computer vision, quantum computing, and others. It is continually evolving with the development of new and faster forms of computation and with the identification of new problems that require computational solutions.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).

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CMPSC 121 and MATH 140 are prerequisites for CMPSC 122.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Harrisburg

Jeremy Blum, Ph.D.
Program Chair
Olmsted Building, W255a
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6686
jjb24@psu.edu

Contact

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY
Olmsted Building, W255
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6081
jlb8348@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology/computer-science-minor