Computer Science



Major Map: B.S. Computer Science

omputer Science is about using computers for problem solving. Our students develop software applications to solve real life problems on campus and in the community. They obtain very competitive internships and our recent alumni have joined several Fortune 500 companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Oracle, and Deloitte). Faculty is actively involved in research related to Bioinformatics, Healthcare Management, Sensor Networks, Pervasive & Ubiquitous Computing, Mobile Computing, and Curriculum Innovation; the research is funded by several federal grants (e.g. NSF HBCU-TIP and NIH BD2K-R25 Diversity).

"Computer science is not awesome strictly because of its practical element, or its current value in the job market. It's awesome because it provides the opportunity to create something brand new and to develop the mental ability to attack difficult problems in a variety of fields - from biology to economics and even to literature." [V. Laskshman]

"Computer science inverts the normal. In normal science, you're given a world, and your job is to find out the rules. In computer science, you give the computer the rules, and it creates the world." [A. Kay]

"Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes." [E. Dijkstra].

GET THE COURSES YOU NEED

 

 

Fall Semester
CSCI 110 Computer Science I (Python)
CSCI 110L Computer Science I (Lab)
  Foreign Language
  Math Course (based on placement)
CORE 100 New Student Orientation
CORE 150 Composition I
Spring Semester
CSCI 120 Computer Science II (Object Orientation)
CSCI 120L Computer Science II (Lab)
  Foreign Language
  Math Course (based on placement)
CORE 120 Critical Thinking
CORE 160 Composition II

 

 

Fall Semester
CSCI 241 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSCI 201 Sophomore Seminar I
  Foreign Language
  Math Course
  CORE and Electives
Spring Semester
CSCI 230 Introduction to Computer Architecture
CSCI 230L Introduction to Computer Architecture (Lab)
CSCI 202 Sophomore Seminar II
  Math Course
  CORE and Electives

 

 

Fall Semester
CSCI 261 Operating Systems
CSCI 301 Junior Seminar I
Math Course
Major Elective
CORE and Electives
Spring Semester
CSCI 282 Programming Languages or
CSCI 292 Theory of Computation
CSCI 302 Junior Seminar II
Major Elective
CORE and Electives
Fall Semester
CSCI 410 Senior Seminar
CSCI 312 Database Management
Major Elective
CORE and Electives
                                      Spring Semester
Major Elective
CORE and Electives

 

GET RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

  • Create a core resume. Ask staff in Office of Career Planning and Development to review your resume.
  • Complete on-line assessment to ascertain career interests. Discuss these with your academic advisor and staff in the Office of Career Planning and Development. Self-assessments also available through CareerOneStop.org. One of the five assessment tools matches strengths with occupations.
  • Meet with staff in Career Services to identify potential internships.
  • Participate in activities organized by Google at Fisk campus; in conjunction with Google-in-Residence Program, where a Google Employee stays at Fisk (August - December) in order to train students for internships and tech-careers.
  • Submit applications for internships to major companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Deloitte, HCA, etc).
  • Many companies have special tracks for Freshmen and Sophomore (e.g. Google's Engineering Practicum, apply by October)
  • Apply for research internships at Fisk University; we have several research opportunites sponsored by Federal Grants (e.g. National Science Foundation, National Institues of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, etc)
  • Apply for research internships at other places. There are several places that accept International Students (e.g., Case Western Reserve University, NIMBiOS - National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, UCLA B.I.G. Summer Institute, etc)
  • Attend Industry Expo for internship opportunities.
  • Shadow professionals in field of interest.
  • Conduct informational interviews in employment sector(s) of interest.
  • Select part-time jobs in field of interest.
  • Update your resume. Ask staff in Office of Career Planning and Development to review your resume.
  • Complete on-line assessment to ascertain career interests. Discuss these with your academic advisor and staff in the Office of Career Planning and Development. Self-assessments also available through CareerOneStop.org. One of the five assessment tools matches strengths with occupations.
  • Meet with staff in Career Services to identify potential internships.
  • Participate in activities organized by Google at Fisk campus,in conjunction with Google-in-Residence Program, where a Google Employee stays at Fisk (August - December) in order to train students for internships and tech-careers.
  • Submit applications for internships to major companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Deloitte, HCA, etc).
  • Many companies have special tracks for Freshmen and Sophomore (e.g. Google's Engineering Practicum, apply by October/November)
  • Apply for research internships at Fisk University; we have several research opportunites sponsored by Federal Grants (e.g. National Science Foundation, National Institues of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, etc)
  • Apply for research internships at other places. There are several places that accept both US citizens/immigrants and International Students (e.g., Case Western Reserve University, NIMBiOS - National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, UCLA B.I.G. Summer Institute, etc)
  • Attend Industry Expo for internship opportunities.
  • Shadow professionals in field of interest.
  • Conduct informational interviews in employment sector(s) of interest.
  • Update your resume. Ask staff in Office of Career Planning and Development to review your resume.
  • Complete on-line assessment to ascertain career interests. Discuss these with your academic advisor and staff in the Office of Career Planning and Development. Self-assessments also available through CareerOneStop.org. One of the five assessment tools matches strengths with occupations.
  • Meet with staff in Career Services to identify potential internships.
  • Participate in activities organized by Google at Fisk campus,in conjunction with Google-in-Residence Program, where a Google Employee stays at Fisk (August - December) in order to train students for internships and tech-careers.
  • Submit applications for internships to major companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Deloitte, HCA, etc).
  • Apply for research internships at Fisk University; we have several research opportunites sponsored by Federal Grants (e.g. National Science Foundation, National Institues of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, etc)
  • Apply for research internships at other places. There are several places that accept both US citizens/immigrants and International Students (e.g., Case Western Reserve University, NIMBiOS - National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, UCLA B.I.G. Summer Institute, etc)
  • Attend Industry Expo for internship opportunities.
  • Shadow professionals in field of interest.
  • Conduct informational interviews in employment sector(s) of interest.
  • Update your resume. Ask staff in Office of Career Planning and Development to review your resume.
  • Complete on-line assessment to ascertain career interests. Discuss these with your academic advisor and staff in the Office of Career Planning and Development. Self-assessments also available through CareerOneStop.org. One of the five assessment tools matches strengths with occupations.
  • Meet with staff in Career Services to identify potential internships.
  • Participate in activities organized by Google at Fisk campus,in conjunction with Google-in-Residence Program, where a Google Employee stays at Fisk (August - December) in order to train students for internships and tech-careers.
  • Submit applications for internships to major companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Deloitte, HCA, etc).
  • Many companies have special tracks for Freshmen and Sophomore (e.g. Google's Engineering Practicum, apply by October/November)
  • Apply for research internships at Fisk University; we have several research opportunites sponsored by Federal Grants (e.g. National Science Foundation, National Institues of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, etc)
  • Apply for research internships at other places. There are several places that accept both US citizens/immigrants and International Students (e.g., Case Western Reserve University, NIMBiOS - National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, UCLA B.I.G. Summer Institute, etc)
  • Attend Industry Expo for internship opportunities.
  • Shadow professionals in field of interest.
  • Conduct informational interviews in employment sector(s) of interest.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY

  • Participate in activities organized by Computer Science Club and Google-in-Residence Program at Fisk.
  • Female students should check NCWIT summit and Grace Hopper Conference (the world's largest gathering of women technologists).
  • Apply for the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors program and participate in their offered activities and programs.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations (e.g. ACM, IEEE, NSBE, Tapia).
  • Participate in Fisk Annual Research Symposium (Abstracts are due in March, Poster or Oral Presentation in April, check Fisk website for more information); share your research experience or best practices with your peers (note: 'early and often' is very effecitve strategey);
  • Participate in Service Day during New Student Orientation, Homecoming, and the MLK Day of Service.
  • Take advantage of service learning opportunities offered in courses (e.g., Core 100) and as scholarship requirements.
  • Join student organizations with community outreach programs (e.g., Talented Tenth Scholars Program for males). Attend student organization events to become acquainted with student organizations. Meet with staff in Office of Leadership and Service for list of student organizations.
  • Frequently check Fisk e-mail for news of volunteer opportunities shared by faculty/advisors and by the Office of Leadership and Service.
  • Volunteer as a tutor with on-campus entities (e.g., AESP, THRUST, or GUSTO).
  • Participate in activities organized by Computer Science Club and Google-in-Residence Program at Fisk.
  • Female students should check NCWIT summit and Grace Hopper Conference (the world's largest gathering of women technologists).
  • Apply for the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors program and participate in their offered activities and programs.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations (e.g. ACM, IEEE, NSBE, Tapia).
  • Participate in Fisk Annual Research Symposium (Abstracts are due in March, Poster or Oral Presentation in April, check Fisk website for more information); share your research experience or best practices with your peers (note: 'early and often' is very effecitve strategey);
  • Participate in Service Day during New Student Orientation, Homecoming, and the MLK Day of Service.
  • Take advantage of service learning opportunities offered in courses (e.g., Core 100) and as scholarship requirements.
  • Join student organizations with community outreach programs (e.g., Talented Tenth Scholars Program for males). Attend student organization events to become acquainted with student organizations. Meet with staff in Office of Leadership and Service for list of student organizations.
  • Frequently check Fisk e-mail for news of volunteer opportunities shared by faculty/advisors and by the Office of Leadership and Service.
  • Volunteer as a tutor with on-campus entities (e.g., AESP, THRUST, or GUSTO).
  • Participate in activities organized by Computer Science Club and Google-in-Residence Program at Fisk.
  • Female students should check NCWIT summit and Grace Hopper Conference (the world's largest gathering of women technologists).
  • Apply for the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors program and participate in their offered activities and programs.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations (e.g. ACM, IEEE, NSBE, Tapia).
    Click here for photos
  • Participate in Fisk Annual Research Symposium (Abstracts are due in March, Poster or Oral Presentation in April, check Fisk website for more information); share your research experience or best practices with your peers (note: 'early and often' is very effecitve strategey);
  • Participate in Service Day during New Student Orientation, Homecoming, and the MLK Day of Service.
  • Take advantage of service learning opportunities offered in courses (e.g., Core 100) and as scholarship requirements.
  • Join student organizations with community outreach programs (e.g., Talented Tenth Scholars Program for males). Attend student organization events to become acquainted with student organizations. Meet with staff in Office of Leadership and Service for list of student organizations.
  • Frequently check Fisk e-mail for news of volunteer opportunities shared by faculty/advisors and by the Office of Leadership and Service.
  • Volunteer as a tutor with on-campus entities (e.g., AESP, THRUST, or GUSTO).
  • Participate in activities organized by Computer Science Club and Google-in-Residence Program at Fisk.
  • Female students should check NCWIT summit and Grace Hopper Conference (the world's largest gathering of women technologists).
  • Apply for the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors program and participate in their offered activities and programs.
  • Attend conferences of professional associations (e.g. ACM, IEEE, NSBE, Tapia).
  • Participate in Fisk Annual Research Symposium (Abstracts are due in March, Poster or Oral Presentation in April, check Fisk website for more information); share your research experience or best practices with your peers (note: 'early and often' is very effecitve strategey);
  • Participate in Service Day during New Student Orientation, Homecoming, and the MLK Day of Service.
  • Take advantage of service learning opportunities offered in courses (e.g., Core 100) and as scholarship requirements.
  • Join student organizations with community outreach programs (e.g., Talented Tenth Scholars Program for males). Attend student organization events to become acquainted with student organizations. Meet with staff in Office of Leadership and Service for list of student organizations.
  • Frequently check Fisk e-mail for news of volunteer opportunities shared by faculty/advisors and by the Office of Leadership and Service.
  • Volunteer as a tutor with on-campus entities (e.g., AESP, THRUST, or GUSTO).

GET THINKING GLOBALLY

  • Begin foreign language course requirements (placement examination determines beginning course)
  • Begin planning potential study abroad (see staff in Office of Global Initiatives).

  • Click here for photos
  • Be intentional in interacting with international students and students from other subcultures.
  • Pay close attention to textbooks and lectures offering cross-cultural comparisons.
  • Begin foreign language course requirements (placement examination determines beginning course)
  • Begin planning potential study abroad (see staff in Office of Global Initiatives).
  • Be intentional in interacting with international students and students from other subcultures.
  • Pay close attention to textbooks and lectures offering cross-cultural comparisons.
  • Finalize arrangements for study abroad (see staff in Office of Global Initiatives). Meet with advisor to ensure courses earned abroad will meet student course requirements for general studies, electives, and major.
  • Be intentional in interacting with international students and students from other subcultures.
  • Pay close attention to textbooks and lectures offering cross-cultural comparisons.
  • Be intentional in interacting with international students and students from other subcultures.
  • Pay close attention to textbooks and lectures offering cross-cultural comparisons.

GET READY FOR LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Join computing related national organizations: ACM, IEEE, NSBE etc.
  • Apply for EXCEL program offering professional development opportunities for sophomores with GPAs of 2.8 or higher.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Join computing related national organizations: ACM, IEEE, NSBE etc.
  • Apply for EXCEL program offering professional development opportunities for sophomores with GPAs of 2.8 or higher.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Join computing related national organizations: ACM, IEEE, NSBE etc.
  • Apply for EXCEL program offering professional development opportunities for sophomores with GPAs of 2.8 or higher.
  • Participate in Career Development Workshops, particularly the LinkedIn session and discipline specific sessions.
  • Join computing related national organizations: ACM, IEEE, NSBE etc.

WHERE COULD I GO AFTER GRADUATION?

Fisk's recent computer science graduates join the following companies:

Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, HCA, Deloitte, etc

Selected Job Titles:

Software Engineer, Software Developer, Web Developer, Game Developer, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Database Adminstrator, Network Administrator, System Adminstrator, Systems Analyst, etc

Research and Graduate Studies:

Ph.D in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engieering, Data Science, etc Masters in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, etc Research in National Research Labs Research in Tech Companies (Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, etc)

Other related jobs:

Government, Marketing, Journalism and Mass Communication, Law, Patent Law, Immigration Services, Management, Financial Services and Banks, Tourism and Recreation, Multimedia Production, etc