Study Computer Science at UMW. Small classes, ten faculty members covering a lot of specialties, and location. UMW is in Fredericksburg, VA, about 45 miles south of Washington, D.C. That means there are great internship and job openings at many government agencies, such as the FBI, and private companies, such as MITRE and General Dynamics. About 25 miles to the east is the Dahlgren Naval base, which hires many students into technology roles. About 30 miles to the north is Culpeper, VA, home to technology companies such as SWIFT, one of the world’s largest telebanking companies. So, while Fredericksburg offers a small-town feel, there are incredible job opportunities outside town. Virtually all of our students are gainfully employed soon after completing their degree.
- Small class sizes – Unlike larger schools, we do not have huge classes with hundreds of people in them. Our classes are limited to around 25 students. That means that you will get to know your instructors well and be able to get help when you need it. At UMW, you are never “just a number” but instead part of our community of teachers and learners.
- Our faculty – We have ten full-time faculty members interested in cybersecurity, machine learning, human-computer interaction, game programming, networks, and more. We also have several part-time adjunct instructors who are employed full-time in the field and share their experience by teaching with us. At UMW, our classes are taught by experts who love teaching, not graduate students. Also, because we do not have graduate students in computer science, you will have the chance to work on research projects with a faculty member.
Want to write cutting-edge software? Code the next killer app? Computer scientists find innovative solutions to complex problems. Our bachelor’s program combines theory, application, technique, and design. Explore coding, computer architecture, operating systems, and software engineering, and choose from electives in networks, artificial intelligence, 3D graphics, cybersecurity, and more.
Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to mitigate the ever-growing number of cyber threats that we all face in a more and more connected world. Whether defending systems from intrusion, developing more secure software, analyzing new forms of malicious software, or implementing new cryptographic methods, there is a wealth of areas in cybersecurity that need talented professionals who can not only handle the tasks of today, but also innovate and tackle the security challenges of tomorrow.
Generally, students who enjoy coding more and want to work as software developers should consider majoring in computer science. Students who prefer cybersecurity topics and want to work as cyber analysts should consider a cybersecurity major. However, the coursework for the first one or two years is the same as that for computer science and cybersecurity. So students do not need to pick between the two majors right away. By the time you are at the point where the majors diverge, you will have a good sense of which of the two is right for you.
Students who have completed an AP course in computer science and earned a five on the exam can be given credit for CPSC 220 and enroll in CPSC 240 and CPSC 284. These students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Java programming language before beginning CPSC 240.
More information about AP, IB, and dual enrollment can be found in academic services.
Have questions?
If you have any questions about Computer Science at UMW, please email the department chair, Andrew Marshall