The study of computer science enriches a liberal arts education by fostering skills in the organization and representation of ideas, the development and application of practical problem-solving techniques, the modeling of complex systems, and the use of formal languages to express ideas succinctly and unambiguously. Increasingly, computational approaches are the driving force behind progress in a wide range of disciplines, ranging from the arts to engineering and scientific research.

The computer science program at Kalamazoo College is designed to expose students to the central theoretical concerns of this rapidly evolving discipline, and to generate an understanding of the principle techniques and algorithms necessary to support meaningful applications. Students who graduate from this program are prepared for graduate study or a wide range of computing careers. Students whose major interest lies in another field might consider electing the minor in computer science.

Advanced Placement

A student with a score of 4 or 5 on the computer science A exam will be awarded credit for COMP 110 (Introduction to Programming). A student with a score of 4 or 5 on the AB exam will be awarded credit for COMP 110 and COMP 210 (Data Structures). Students interested in the major or minor must still take one of the Introduction to the Discipline courses (COMP 105, 107, or 108). Computer Science majors are strongly encouraged to take advantage of advanced placement to take additional courses in the major.

Transfer, Dual Enrollment, Study Abroad Credit

Courses taken at other institutions will be awarded credit in computer science if they meet one of the following criteria: 1) the course is similar in content and rigor to an existing course in the Computer Science department, or 2) the course covers some important topic of computer science not offered at Kalamazoo College.

Students are responsible for meeting with the director of the computer science program in advance to determine whether a course offered elsewhere will transfer back as a computer science credit.

Typically up to two computer science units from outside courses (AP, transfer, dual enrollment, or study abroad) may count towards the major or minor in computer science. Students who wish to apply additional external units toward the major must consult with the department. External credits may also be used to satisfy the mathematics cognates for the major or minor.