• Introduction to WPI
• Section 1: The WPI Plan
• Section 2: Department and Program Descriptions
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Air Force Aerospace Studies
  • Biology & Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Civil & Environmental Engineering
  • Computer Science
    • Computer Science Minor
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Engineering Science Courses
  • Engineering Physics
  • Environmental Programs
  • Fire Protection Engineering
  • Humanities and Arts
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Interactive Media and Game Development
  • Interdisciplinary Programs
  • International Studies
  • Law & Technology Minor
  • Liberal Arts and Engineering
  • Management
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Military Science
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Pre-Law Programs
  • Pre-MBA Program (Dual Degree)
  • Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, & Pre-Veterinary Programs
  • Project-Based Learning Community Option (PLC)
  • Robotics Engineering
  • Social Science and Policy Studies
• Section 3: Course Descriptions
• Section 4: Academic Policies and Procedures
• Section 5: Resources and Special Programs
• Section 6: Career Development & Graduate School
• Section 7: Admission, Expenses, Financial Aid & Housing
• Section 8: Trustees, Administration & Faculty
• Supplement
• Search
• Computer Science Minor

Computer Science

Program Chart (PDF)
Department Web Site

M.A. Gennert, Head
D. Finkel, Associate Head
Professors: D. C. Brown, D. Dougherty, D. Finkel, M. Hofri, R. E. Kinicki, C. Rich, E. A. Rundensteiner, S. M. Selkow, M. O. Ward
Associate Professors: M. Claypool, K. Fisler, M. A. Gennert, G. T. Heineman, K. A. Lemone, C. Ruiz, C. E. Wills
Assistant Professors: E. Agu, N. Heffernan, R. Lindeman, M. Mani
Professor of Practice: M. Ciaraldi, G. F. Pollice
Affiliated Associate Professor: G. N. Sarkozy
Instructor: G. Hamel

Mission Statement

The mission of the Computer Science Department at WPI is to provide outstanding education to its undergraduate and graduate students in accordance with the principles of the WPI mission, to advance scholarship in key domains of the computing sciences, and to engage in activities that improve the welfare of society and enhance the reputation of WPI. The Department aims to maintain an environment that promotes innovative thinking; values mutual respect and diversity; encourages and supports scholarship; instills ethical behavior; and engenders life-long learning.

Educational Objectives

The objectives established by the WPI Computer Science Program in support of its goals and mission are to graduate students with a Computer Science major who:

1. Are prepared technically for computer science and software engineering practice.
2. Understand the basic principles of computer science and software engineering.
3. Understand appropriate mathematical concepts and are able to apply them to computational problems.
4. Have knowledge of computer hardware and architecture.
5. Understand and follow the software engineering process.
6. Are prepared to design and implement software systems.
7. Are prepared to analyze and evaluate software systems.
8. Understand fundamental scientific principles and the scientific method.
9. Can function effectively in diverse teams and situations.
10. Can communicate effectively in speech and in writing.
11. Are able to learn independently and find relevant resources.
12. Are prepared for future changes in computer science and software engineering.
13. Are prepared to uphold professional and ethical standards.
14. Understand and appreciate the role of computer science and software engineering in a societal context.
15. Are aware of career and further educational opportunities.
16. Have a mature understanding of themselves and others.

Program Outcomes

Based on the above objectives, the specific outcomes to be achieved for the WPI Computer Science major are that:

1. All students will demonstrate an understanding of programming language concepts.
2. All students will demonstrate knowledge of computer organization.
3. All students will demonstrate an ability to analyze the behavior of computational systems.
4. All students will demonstrate knowledge of computer operating systems.
5. All students will demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of computer science.
6. Almost all students will demonstrate an understanding of software engineering principles and the ability to apply them to software design.
7. A majority of students will demonstrate an understanding of human-computer interaction.
8. All students will complete a large-scale software project.
9. All students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of computer science topics.
10. All students will demonstrate an understanding of the mathematical foundations of computer science.
11. All students will demonstrate knowledge of probability or statistics.
12. All students will demonstrate an understanding of scientific principles.
13. A majority of students will demonstrate the ability to design experiments and interpret experimental data.
14. All students will demonstrate independent learning.
15. All students will demonstrate the ability to locate and use technical information from multiple sources.
16. All students will demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics.
17. All students will demonstrate an understanding of the links between technology and society.
18. A majority of students will belong to at least one professional organization, including IEEE, ACM, and UPE.
19. All students will participate in a class or project team.
20. Almost all students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in speech.
21. All students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Program Distribution Requirements for the Computer Science Major

The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students (see page 9) mathematics, basic science, and related fields as follows

Computer Science	Minimum Units
1. Computer Science (including the MQP) (Notes 1, 2).	6
2. Mathematics (Notes 2, 3, 5).	7/3
3. Basic Science and/or Engineering Science (Notes 2, 4).	5/3

Notes:

1.  
   1. Only CS 1101, CS 1102 and computer science courses at the 2000-level or higher will count towards the computer science requirement. CS 2118 will not count towards the computer science requirement.
   2. Must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the following areas: Systems (CS 3013, CS 4513, CS 4514, CS 4515), Theory and Languages (CS 3133, CS 4120, CS 4123, CS 4533, CS 4536), Design (CS 3041, CS 3431, CS 3733, CS 4233), and Social Implications of Computing (CS 3043, STS 2208, GOV/ID 2314). (If STS 2208 or GOV/ID 2314 is used to satisfy this requirement, it does not count as part of the 6 units of CS.)
   3. At least 5/3 units of the Computer Science requirement must consist of 4000-level courses. These units can also be met by WPI graduate CS courses, with the exception of CS 501 and CS 507.
   4. Only one of CS 1101 and CS 1102 may count towards the computer science requirement. Only one of CS 2301 and CS 2303 may count towards the computer science requirement.
2. A cross-listed course may be counted toward only one of areas 1, 2, 3, above.
3. Must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the following areas: Probability (MA 2621, MA 2631) and Statistics (MA 2611, MA 2612).
4. Courses satisfying the science requirement must come from the BB, BME, CE, CH, CHE, ECE, ES, GE, ME, PH disciplines. At least three courses must come from BB, CH, GE, PH, where at least two courses are from one of these disciplines.
5. At most four 1000-level Mathematics courses may be counted towards this requirement.

The Computer Science Department offers a second program not accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and not bearing the title "Computer Science." The distribution requirements for that program are:

Program Distribution Requirements for the Computers with Applications Major

Computers with Applications	Minimum Units
1. Computer Science (including the MQP) (Notes 1, 2).	16/3
2. Mathematics (Note 2).	7/3
3. Basic Science (Notes 2, 3).	2/3
4. Application Area (Notes 2, 4).	5/3

Notes:

1.  
   1. Only CS 1101, CS 1102 and computer science courses at the 2000-level or higher will count towards the computer science requirement. CS 2118 will not count towards the computer science requirement.
   2. Must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the following areas: Systems (CS 3013, CS 4513, CS 4514, CS 4515), Theory and Languages (CS 3133, CS 4120, CS 4123, CS 4533, CS 4536), Design (CS 3041, CS 3431, CS 3733, CS 4233), and Social Implications of Computing (CS 3043, STS 2208). (If STS 2208 is used to satisfy this requirement, it does not count as part of the 16/3 units of CS.)
   3. At least 5/3 units of the Computer Science requirement must consist of 4000-level courses. These units can also be met by WPI graduate CS courses, with the exception of CS 501 and CS 507.
   4. The MQP must involve the application of computer science concepts to the Application Area specified in Requirement 4.
   5. Only one of CS 1101 and CS 1102 may count towards the computer science requirement. Only one of CS 2301 and CS 2303 may count towards the computer science requirement.
2. A cross-listed course may be counted toward only one of areas 1, 2, 3, 4 above.
3. The two courses satisfying the science requirement must both come from one of the following disciplines: BB, CH, GE, PH.
4. This requirement is satisfied by a cohesive set of work from disciplines other than Computer Science. Work used for any other degree requirements cannot be used for the Application Area. At least 3/3 units must be course work at the 3000 level or higher. Independent Study/Project (ISP) work, if any, must be conducted under the supervision of a member of the faculty in that discipline.

Additional Advice

For additional advice about course selections, students should consult with their academic advisor or the Computer Science Department web site.

Independent Study

Independent study and project work provide the opportunity for students, working under the direction of faculty members, to study or conduct research in an area not covered in courses, or in which the students require a greater depth of knowledge. The background required of a student for independent study work depends on the particular area of study or research.

Project Opportunities

Off-campus major qualifying projects are available at the Budapest Project Center, The Lincoln Laboratory Project Center, the Silicon Valley Project Center, the Sun Microsystems Project Center, and the Wall Street Project Center.

Projects are also available on campus, both to support the ongoing research activities of the faculty, and to expand and improve the applications of computers for service, education, and administration.

Additionally, the department supports IQPs in a number of areas including assistance with, and development of, computer science education at neighboring area schools.

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: May 01, 2008 14:31:20