Why Study Computer Science at Saint Anselm College?
The Computer Science program at Saint Anselm College prepares students with a diverse grounding in both theory and applications, both software and hardware, problem solving and communication. We empower students to pursue a rewarding and successful future in either graduate studies or industry.
Students graduate from the Computer Science program at Saint Anselm College with the technical competency expected by employers. Our major and minor programs provide the perfect blend of hands-on computing as well a sound theoretical foundation in the discipline. Students have the opportunity to explore the field of computer science from different perspectives through our three degree tracks: Computer Science, Computer Science with Business, Computer Science with Mathematics; and four minor programs: Computer Science, Cyber Criminology, Data Analytics, Web Design.
Recent surveys of employers have listed the following as the most important non-technical skills: critical thinking and problem solving, oral and written communication, cultural awareness, teamwork and collaboration, and creativity. These skills are interwoven into the core curriculum of both Saint Anselm College and the Computer Science Department. During their four-year tenure at the college, students engage with questions of value, moral choice, and the real significance of human life fostering cultural awareness and the shared human condition. Students develop written communication skills across and within disciplines developing an in-demand skill in the workforce of tomorrow. The message is clear: the very skills that companies are looking for are those most valued in our Liberal Arts education.
Facilities
The Computer Science Department maintains its own computing facilities for its students and faculty. Electronic door locks control access to these computer rooms in the department. Access is controlled by the college identification card-swipe system.
The department provides a Computer Science Lab in ROOM 112, Poisson Hall. The department has a Linux server running a LAMP stack and is used in many courses, especially upper level computer science courses. Most of the Computer Science classes take place in ROOM108, Poisson Hall or Classroom A, Poisson Hall.
All the computers have internet access. Wireless internet access is available throughout Poisson Hall which houses the Computer Science Department.
The Linux server name is Athena.
A Saint Anselm College Computer Science degree says more to a potential employer than a technical accomplishment. It says “I have both the technical and non-technical skills the corporation wants and our society needs!”
Internships
The Computer Science Department hosts its own internship program. Computer Science majors have the option to pursue internships through the Computer Science Department or the internship office. Students who obtain internships through the Computer Science Department earn computer science credit. For details on internships through the Internship Office, please see their webpage.
The department provides a Computer Science Lab with 12 state of the art desktops running 64 bits Windows 10 Operating System and a Mac computer for all CS majors/minors or any student taking a Computer Science course. These computers have all the software required for Computer Science courses. A Network color printer is available for use with all the computers. Students frequently print their assignments and reading material on this printer. This is the Computer Science major center where you will find most of the CS student hanging out or busy doing their assignments.
Students can also bring their personal laptop and work in the CS Lab over the college wireless network. The department provides much of the course related software to students at no cost for installation onto their personal computing platform.
CS Students can also request an account on a Linux server provided by the department. The Linux computer runs an Apache web server, PHP engine, MySQL database server and other course specific software for computer science courses. It also serve as a web based development platform. Students can store their personal files, assignments, etc. either on the Linux server or on multiple network attached storage provided by the College.
Most of the Computer Science classes take place in this room. This is a classroom with 20 laptops, 2 blackboards, audio/video equipment and an overhead projector. The computers have the Windows 10 operating system and all the software required by students pre-installed. There is also a network printer in the room, which can be accessed from all the laptops in the room. Additionally the color network printer in Room 112 can be accessed by these laptops.
This Active Learning Lab/classroom is a state of the art classroom designed specifically for collaborative work. This exciting space features 5 active learning pods, 5 LCD TV screens, and 30 laptop computers. The computers have the Windows 10 operating system and all the software required by students pre-installed. There is also a printer in the room which can be accessed from all the computers in the room as well as through the Print Anywhere campus printing solution.
Student Opportunities
Students within the Department of Computer Science can participate in several clubs and activities related to course studies and research. The college offers additional opportunities for engagement. And if you don't see a club or activity that meets your interest, we encourage you to start one!
The Saint Anselm Gaming Association (SAGA) is an association of students who have an interest in a variety of games, including computer games, video games, role playing games, board games, strategy games, and collectable card games. Strategic sports such as laser tag and paintball are also included. The association hosts tournaments, fairs, competitions, and conventions.
Computer Science majors are well positioned to seek student employment with HawkNet, Saint Anselm's information technology customer support program. HawkNet offers student employees flexible hours and hands-on experience while working in teams to help solve IT issues for on-campus users. HawkNet offers great resume experience, structured training, student leadership positions, flexible hours, good pay, and a fun-working environment.
Activities and Community Engagement
The department supports many activities that engage students and the greater community. The Department is currently involved in activities related to closing the digital divide, Hour of Code and the High School Programming Contest.
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science The Hour of Code began as a one-hour coding challenge to give students a fun first introduction to computer science and has become a global learning event, celebration, and awareness event. HourOfCode.com offers hundreds of one-hour activities in over 48 languages for kindergarten and up. Activities require no experience and can be run on browsers, tablets, and smartphones - some don’t require any computer at all.
The Computer Science Department hosts The Hour of Code at Saint Anselm College during Computer Science Education Week in early December. In recent years elementary school students in grades four and six have participated.
If you are interested in participating please contact Dr. Carol Traynor at ctraynor@anselm.edu.
Saint Anselm College has a long history of running a High School Programming Contest. The contest, in its current form, has been running since 2006. The original contest was held for many years up until 2001. This contest provides a venue for High School students to compete against their peers and other high schools who share your interest and passion in programming!
The High School Programming contest will not be held in 2019, please check back here for more information!
Student Awards
The faculty of the Computer Science Department established the Father Ralph Cinque Award in memory of Father Ralph, a monk of Saint Anselm Abbey who was instrumental in initiating the Computer Science program at the College. The award is given to a student majoring in Computer Science who has distinguished himself or herself through a combination of academic achievement and service to the department.
Recipients of the Fr. Ralph Cinque, O.S.B. Award in computer science:
- 2019 - Pauline Yates
- 2018 - Olivia Morsey
- 2017 - Matthew Guzzardi
- 2016 - Eamon Dawes
- 2015 - Domingos Neves
- 2014 - Emily Dutile
- 2013 - Erin Boudreau
- 2011 - Jonathan Arsenault
- 2010 - Michael Torra
- 2009 - Christopher Orlandella
Saint Anselm College tied for 2nd Prize at the CCSCNE 2015 Programming Contest on April 17, 2015 at College of the Holy Cross, Mass.
The participating team consisted of three computer science students: Long Nguyen '16, Duong Do '16, and Edmund Dawes '16, with advisor Dr. Mihaela Malita.
Saint Anselm College won the 3rd Prize at the CCSCNE 2014 Programming Contest on April 25, 2014 at Providence College, RI.
The participating team consisted of three computer science students:
Long Nguyen '16, Duong Do '16, and Christopher Batista '17. Their advisor was Dr. Mihaela Malita.