Ave Maria University
The Computer Science major aims to establish an understanding of the timeless and fundamental principles underlying computing, while developing strong problem-solving, analytical-reasoning, and computational-thinking skills. The program is also designed to nurture an aptitude for creatively implementing elegant and efficient software systems. This program fosters the view of computing, including the mathematics associated with it, as part of God’s creation and the activity of composing programs and proofs as a creative expression for giving glory to God.
Careers: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Professional
Computer science is the study of information processes—the study of how to describe, predict properties of, and efficiently implement information processes. These information processes are all around us from software that predicts patterns of weather to the navigation systems of aircraft to the software that interacts with the sensors embedded into common household devices/appliances.
—Evans. D. (2012). Introduction to Computing: Explorations in Language, Logic, and Machines. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Fast Fact: Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, B.V.M. was the first person to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science.
An Increased Capacity to Think and Reason – Our intellect is an aspect of the human person that naturally reflects the reality that we are made in the image of God. Computing is an intellectual amplifier. The study of computer science involves the mechanics of how to think, albeit think computationally. The ability to think computationally gives one access to explore, reason about, and understand the world and problems in it through a new lens. Studying computer science formally will help students develop strong problem-solving, analytical-reasoning, and computational-thinking skills, which are applicable to a variety of fields, including engineering, medicine, and law.
Fluency in Computer Programming – The natural extension of the development of computational-thinking skills is the ability to creatively design and implement software systems that realize the solutions conceived and refined through the computational-thinking process. Students will learn a host of pragmatic software development and engineering tools (e.g., programming languages) for practicing the profession of computing.
Access to Advances in the Arts and Sciences — Computing touches—and, in many cases, drives—nearly every important development in the arts, sciences, and engineering. Thus, competency in computing will give students a way to participate in and contribute to these new developments in the arts and sciences in a more meaningful and substantial way.
A New Paradigm to Conduct Science — While computer science is not a natural science like biology or chemistry—it is more of an abstract field like mathematics—, computer science offers a new paradigm (in addition to theory and experimentation) through which to conduct the observation essential to natural science. In other words, while not a natural science itself, computer science is a method for doing natural science. Thus, the study of computer science directly supports other STEM fields and programs at AMU (e.g., biochemistry, physics).
Giving Glory to God — The activity of composing computer programs is a creative expression for giving glory to God. Moreover, computing is a phenomenon that occurs in nature (e.g., DNA) and, therefore, computing is part of God’s creation. An understanding of computation illuminates deep insights into the nature of the Creator, the properties of His creation, and the minds of His creatures.
PHYS 211 and PHYS 212 (or PHYS 221 and PHYS 222, if MATH 151 taken)
LATN 101 Elementary Latin
LATN 102 Intermediate Latin
Education: B.S., Computer Science, Villanova University; M.S., Computer Science, Virginia Tech; Ph.D., Computer Science, Virginia Tech Office: Henkels 2048 Email: Saverio.perugini@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7920
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The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.
With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.
Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.
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