The Department of Computer Science offers a major program of study in three areas:

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Science (Teacher Certification in Computer Science)
  • Computer Science with Business
  • Computer Science with Mathematics
     

Our degree programs prepare students to work effectively in industry and government jobs, and to enter graduate programs.

Students are introduced to the basics of operating systems and computer architecture, along with the fundamental concepts of data structures and the algorithms that proceed from them. In addition to examining the basic fundamental components found in a computer, emphasis is placed on designing and executing functional computing platforms.

Our students have the opportunity to practice conceptual theory in our labs and in the community. All students benefit from one-on-one interaction with our faculty, while many students take advantage of our extensive network of internship opportunities.

The Computer Science Department directs four minors: Computer Science Minor, Cyber Criminology Minor, Data Analytics Minor and Web Design Minor.

Refer to the Online College Catalogue for more information, including course descriptions.
 

Why Study Computer Science at Saint Anselm College? 

The Computer Science program at Saint Anselm College prepares students with a diverse grounding in both theory and applications, both software and hardware, problem solving and communication. We empower students to pursue a rewarding and successful future in either graduate studies or industry.

Students graduate from the Computer Science program at Saint Anselm College with the technical competency expected by employers. Our major and minor programs provide the perfect blend of hands-on computing as well a sound theoretical foundation in the discipline.  Students have the opportunity to explore the field of computer science from different perspectives through our three degree tracks: Computer Science, Computer Science with Business, Computer Science with Mathematics; and four minor programs: Computer Science, Cyber Criminology, Data Analytics, Web Design. 

Recent surveys of employers have listed the following as the most important non-technical skills: critical thinking and problem solving, oral and written communication, cultural awareness, teamwork and collaboration, and creativity. These skills are interwoven into the core curriculum of both Saint Anselm College and the Computer Science Department.  During their four-year tenure at the college, students engage with questions of value, moral choice, and the real significance of human life fostering cultural awareness and the shared human condition.  Students develop written communication skills across and within disciplines developing an in-demand skill in the workforce of tomorrow. The message is clear: the very skills that companies are looking for are those most valued in our Liberal Arts education. 

A Saint Anselm College Computer Science degree says more to a potential employer than a technical accomplishment.  It says “I have both the technical and non-technical skills the corporation wants and our society needs!”
 

Student Outcomes

Student Opportunities

Students within the Department of Computer Science can participate in several clubs and activities related to course studies and research. The college offers additional opportunities for engagement. And if you don't see a club or activity that meets your interest, we encourage you to start one!

  • Gaming Association

    The Saint Anselm Gaming Association (SAGA) is an association of students who have an interest in a variety of games, including computer games, video games, role playing games, board games, strategy games, and collectable card games. Strategic sports such as laser tag and paintball are also included. The association hosts tournaments, fairs, competitions, and conventions.

  • HawkNet

    Computer Science majors are well positioned to seek student employment with HawkNet,  Saint Anselm's information technology customer support program. HawkNet offers student employees flexible hours and hands-on experience while working in teams to help solve IT issues for on-campus users. HawkNet offers great resume experience, structured training, student leadership positions, flexible hours, good pay, and a fun-working environment.

Activities and Community Engagement

The department supports many activities that engage students and the greater community.  The Department is currently involved in activities related to closing the digital divide, Hour of Code and the High School Programming Contest.

  • Hour of Code

    The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science The Hour of Code began as a one-hour coding challenge to give students a fun first introduction to computer science and has become a global learning event, celebration, and awareness event. HourOfCode.com offers hundreds of one-hour activities in over 48 languages for kindergarten and up. Activities require no experience and can be run on browsers, tablets, and smartphones - some don’t require any computer at all.

    The Computer Science Department  hosts The Hour of Code at Saint Anselm College during Computer Science Education Week in early December. In recent years elementary school students in grades four and six have participated.   

    See the 2018 Hour of Code at Saint Anselm College
    See the 2019 Hour of Code at Saint Anselm College
     

    If you are interested in participating please contact Dr. Carol Traynor at ctraynor@anselm.edu.

  • High School Programming Contest

    Saint Anselm College has a long history of running a High School Programming Contest.  The contest, in its current form, has been running since 2006.  The original contest was held for many years up until 2001.  This contest provides a venue for High School students to compete against their peers and other high schools who share your interest and passion in programming!  

    The High School Programming contest will not be held in 2019, please check back here for more information!

Student Awards

  • Father Ralph Cinque Award

    Father Ralph Cinque Award
    The faculty of the Computer Science Department established the Father Ralph Cinque Award in memory of Father Ralph, a monk of Saint Anselm Abbey who was instrumental in initiating the Computer Science program at the College. The award is given to a student majoring in Computer Science who has distinguished himself or herself through a combination of academic achievement and service to the department.

    Recipients of the Fr. Ralph Cinque, O.S.B. Award in computer science:

    • 2019 - Pauline Yates
    • 2018 - Olivia Morsey
    • 2017 - Matthew Guzzardi
    • 2016 - Eamon Dawes
    • 2015 - Domingos Neves
    • 2014 - Emily Dutile
    • 2013 - Erin Boudreau
    • 2011 - Jonathan Arsenault
    • 2010 - Michael Torra
    • 2009 - Christopher Orlandella
  • CCSCNE 2015

    Saint Anselm College tied for 2nd Prize at the CCSCNE 2015 Programming Contest on April 17, 2015 at College of the Holy Cross, Mass.

    The participating team consisted of three computer science students: Long Nguyen '16, Duong Do '16, and Edmund Dawes '16, with advisor Dr. Mihaela Malita.

    ccscne2014winners.jpg

  • CCSCNE 2014

    Saint Anselm College won the 3rd Prize at the CCSCNE 2014 Programming Contest on April 25, 2014 at Providence College, RI.

    The participating team consisted of three computer science students:

    Long Nguyen '16, Duong Do '16, and Christopher Batista '17. Their advisor was Dr. Mihaela Malita.