Computer Science

Program Chart (PDF)
Department Web Site

M. A. Gennert, Head
D. Finkel, Associate Head
Professors: D.C. Brown, M.L. Claypool, D. J. Dougherty, D. Finkel, J. Guttman, M. Hofri, R.E. Kinicki, C. Rich, E.A. Rundensteiner, S.M. Selkow, M.O. Ward
Associate Professors: E. Agu, K. Fisler, M.A. Gennert, N. Heffernan, G.T. Heineman, C. Ruiz, C.E. Wills
Assistant Professors: J. E. Beck, S. H. Chernova, R. W. Lindeman
Professor of Practice: G.F. Pollice
Affiliated Associate Professor: G.N. Sarkozy
Adjunct Assistant Profesor: H.C. Lauer
Instructor: G. Hamel
Professors Emeritus: M.H. Hardell, K.A. Lemone

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.

Program Educational Objectives

In support of its goals and mission, the WPI Computer Science undergraduate program's educational objectives are to graduate students who will:

  • achieve professional success due to their mastery of Computer Science theory and practice;
  • become leaders in business, academia, and society due to a broad preparation in mathematics, science & engineering, communication, teamwork, and social issues;
  • pursue lifelong learning and continuing professional development;
  • use their understanding of the impact of technology on society for the benefit of humankind.

Program Outcomes

Based on the educational objectives, the specific educational outcomes for the WPI Computer Science undergraduate program are that by the time of graduation CS majors will have achieved:

  1. an understanding of programming language concepts;
  2. knowledge of computer organization;
  3. an ability to analyze computational systems;
  4. knowledge of computer operating systems;
  5. an understanding of the foundations of computer science;
  6. an understanding of software engineering principles and the ability to apply them to software design;
  7. an understanding of human-computer interaction;
  8. completion of a large software project;
  9. knowledge of advanced computer science topics
  10. an understanding of mathematics appropriate for computer science;
  11. knowledge of probability and statistics;
  12. an understanding of scientific principles;
  13. an ability to design experiments and interpret experimental data;
  14. an ability to undertake independent learning;
  15. an ability to locate and use technical information from multiple sources;
  16. an understanding of professional ethics;
  17. an understanding of the links between technology and society;
  18. an ability to participate effectively in a class or project team;
  19. an ability to communicate effectively in speech;
  20. an 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, 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 4515, CS 4516), 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.
    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, RBE 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, Computers with Applications, which is not accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The distribution requirements for that program, can be viewed here.

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 4515, CS 4516), 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 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, 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.

 
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