Computer Science
About Computer Science
Our Program and Courses
You can major or minor in computer science at F&M. While studying computer science, you will learn about computer organization, data structures, and algorithms. Advanced study covers topics such as mobile application development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and bioinformatics. In a world where data privacy and technology is constantly changing, having an in-depth understanding of computing systems will serve you not only in your future career, but in your daily life, as well.
Students from a wide range of majors take advantage of computer science classes to gain technical and programming skills that will help them in their studies. As a student studying computer science, you’ll have the opportunity to fine-tune your computer science degree however you please.
By the time you graduate, you will be able to demonstrate:
- Computational thinking and problem solving.
- The ability to communicate technical information to experts and non-experts alike.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically across disciplines (such as biology, business, and mathematics).
- The ability to work individually and in teams, building on the work of others.
- Understanding of new developments in the field of computer science as they arise.
- The ability to communicate observations and discoveries orally and in writing.
- Advanced programming skills in a variety of programming languages.
- Sophisticated theoretical and applied computing-related problem solving skills.
Wondering what computer science courses are like? Explore our course catalog to see what classes are available to you.
Learning Outside the Classroom
The world of computing is expansive, and you will be able to take your studies far outside the classroom.
Research Opportunities
As you dive into the intricacies of computer science, you may find yourself wanting
to further explore a particular area or topic. Recent computer science students have
researched robot interaction, sensitive data management, phone security and data leaks,
and more.
Explore research at F&M
Honors in Computer Science
Completing research or an independent study could also lead to honors in computer science. To be considered for honors, you must first be nominated based on the results of your independent study, after which you will continue to research your thesis, defend your findings, and complete requested edits on your results.
Internships
Computer science is a gateway to opportunities across academic and professional domains.
Internships not only allow you to continue your studies beyond the classroom, but
also enhance your resume prior to entering the workforce. Previous computer science
students have interned with prominent tech companies such as Amazon and MongoDB.
Explore internships at F&M
Off-Campus Study
F&M students have extraordinary experiences to extend their academic experience abroad. Computer science students have studied in England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia,
and New Zealand.
Explore off-campus study at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
F&M’s computer science department prepares its students to excel in a variety of careers or graduate school programs. The intellectual and analytical activities that make up the work of computer science — including technical fluency, data gathering, collaborating with others, and critical thought — help you develop useful and productive skills you can apply to any post-college plan.
Graduate School
Computer science graduates are prepared to pursue advanced degrees in a variety of disciplines, including science and engineering, advanced computer science, artificial intelligence, and information technology . They’ve pursued advanced degrees at institutions such as:
- Boston University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University
- New York University
- Rutgers University
- University of Oxford
- Virginia Tech University
Career Paths
Many computer science graduates embark on their chosen career paths immediately upon graduating from F&M. They have landed at notable companies such as Google, Facebook, Girls Who Code, HBO, Oracle, and Vanguard. They hold positions such as:
- Data Architect
- Database Administrator
- Engineer Application Developer
- Python Developer
- Research Scientist
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Software Support Engineer
- Tech Analyst
Alumni Spotlight
From the Gridiron to the Computer Grid
On the football field, Isaiah Brown ’24 found routine and discipline. In the classroom, he found logic and purpose.“I took a range of classes just to explore my options, and it wasn’t until I signed up for a computer science course that things started to click. I liked the logical structure of coding and the way it challenged me to think differently,” Brown said. “Eventually it became clear this was the direction I wanted to pursue.”
Brown is now a software engineer for Lockheed Martin, one of the largest companies in the aerospace, military support, security, and technologies industry.
“My computer science classes gave me a solid foundation for the technical side of my software engineering job,” he said. “I relied on the problem-solving skills I built at F&M to make meaningful contributions.”
Read More »
Course Spotlight
F&M Course Empowers Students to Design AI Ethics Curriculum
At F&M, students aren't just learning about artificial intelligence ethics; they're actively shaping the curriculum itself. In “Teaching and Learning Machine Ethics,” a course led by Assistant Professor of Computer Science Jason “Willie” Wilson, students were separated into groups and, with a faculty mentor, created curricular material to be used in future courses across campus.“What we will work on moving forward is making this information accessible outside of F&M, so that other colleges can have access to creating components of machine ethics. Because in an age where machines and AI and technology affect everybody, we need it,” said Elshaddai “El” Muchuwa ’26, a government and cognitive science double major.
Read More »
Student Spotlight
Sujal Shah ’27 Awarded Generation Google Scholarship
As a child, Sujal Shah ’27 was always curious about the technological things around him.“Whenever I used to call somebody, I’d wonder: How did the voice transfer within milliseconds from one part of the world to the other? How does this internet work? Those kinds of things always fascinated me,” he said. “The more I explored, the more I realized computer science might be the best way to fulfill that curiosity.”
Shah was recently awarded a Generation Google Scholarship.
“This incredible opportunity provided by Google recognizes individuals who are passionate about technology and dedicated to making a positive impact in the world,” Shah said.
Shah is already making a difference for students in his home country. He and fellow F&M student Binayak Jha ’27 launched Uunchai, a free, six-week virtual project-based learning program for primary school students in Nepal.
Read More »
Related Fields of Study
Bioinformatics
Immerse yourself in a rapidly-expanding field that combines the study of biology, chemistry, computer science, and applied mathematics. By studying bioinformatics at F&M, you’ll explore how to develop methods and software tools for understanding biological data.
Cognitive Science
How do minds fit into the natural world? When you study cognitive science at F&M, you’ll employ intellectual tools from several disciplines to understand the nature of the mind and how it works, functions, and behaves.
Mathematics
The study of mathematics is ancient, and its roots in clear and creative thought can still be seen today. While studying mathematics at F&M, you will learn both the fundamental foundations and theories of the field as well as how to apply these theories to real-life problems.
F&M Computer Science in Action
June 27, 2025
The (Diplomat) Way of St. James
Completing the Camino de Santiago is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But Johansen Vargas '26 and David Nieves '27 have accomplished this feat twice. The two were selected as student leaders for F&M on the Camino.
June 20, 2025
From the Gridiron to the Computer Grid
On the football field, Isaiah Brown ’24 found routine and discipline. In the classroom, he found logic and purpose. "It wasn’t until I signed up for a computer science course that things started to click," he said. Brown is now a software engineer for Lockheed Martin.
June 5, 2025
Students Study AI Ethics and Implications
A spring course, “Teaching and Learning Machine Ethics,” does more than explore the basic fundamentals of AI. It prepares students to teach machine ethics.