The Computer Science major at Roberts Wesleyan College focuses on teaching a solid theoretical background in computer science along with developing technical skills in software development and the use of computer technology.  The goal of our program is to prepare our graduates to meet the immediate requirements of employment, but also provide them with the theoretical knowledge required to excel in a constantly changing environment.

Students majoring in Computer Science at Roberts are required to obtain the mathematical and scientific foundation needed to integrate technology within a wide range of technical disciplines.  In addition, our students are encouraged to pursue interests outside the sciences such as business, the arts, education, or any of a number of other disciplines available on the Roberts campus.

Students at Roberts are prepared through education and experience in a liberal arts setting to understand and influence the world around them.  The skills needed to communicate effectively and to interact in both the society in which we live and cross-culturally are specific characteristics sought by employers. These are the skills gained in completing a liberal arts degree in Computer Science at Roberts Wesleyan College.

Not only does Roberts have a first-class program and experienced faculty, but students are also encouraged to put their skills to work through internships and other opportunities for non-traditional activities. These might include participation in regional programming contests, working with faculty in organized teams on special projects, or exploring an area of special interest through an independent study experience.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE LISTING

Roberts provides education that is focused on the individual student.  Because the Computer Science department is small there is a high degree of interaction between faculty and students.  This interaction, both in and outside of the classroom, provides the students with opportunities often not found in larger institutions.

Typical Class Size:

• CSC Service Courses 25 students
• CSC Lower Division 15 students
• CSC Upper Division 8 students

Student-Faculty Ratio: 14 students/class

Facilities:
The Computer Science department at Roberts Wesleyan College is committed to providing a broad range of computing facilities for the use of its students.  Students are encouraged from the beginning of their freshman year to incorporate hands-on learning in laboratories with their classroom work.  Many systems are available specifically for student experimentation and research and students are encouraged to load and use various operating systems, tools, and other applications.

• Computer Science facilities:
  • Computer Equipped Classroom:  Most computer science courses are taught in a computer equipped classroom providing hands-on experiences blended with traditional lectures.
  • Linux Lab:  10 systems, organized as 5 workstations, allow the students both to use and to experiment with the Linux operating system.
  • Computer Science Research Lab:  16 systems, organized as 4 workstations, provide a wide range of computer hardware and operating systems for the students.  This lab also provides a private network for hands-on experience for networking and security courses.
  • Through agreements with Microsoft, IBM, and Sun, the students are provided operating systems, programming languages, and development tools free of change.

• Other facilities in the Science building:
  • Math Lab:  6 systems running Windows with many specialized mathematics and statistics tools available for student use.
  • Computer Labs:  A total of 27 Windows systems are available in two labs for general student use.
  • Mobile Lab:  6 laptops are available for work in classrooms, the Science library, and other locations as needed.
  • Physics, Chemistry, and Biology labs:  All science disciplines at Roberts include the use of computers as part of their laboratory experience.  Computer Science students interested in instrumentation are encouraged to work with the faculty in these labs.

Roberts is committed to providing technology across the campus. Computers are available around the campus both for general student use and also for the support of other departments. Networking is available in all buildings on campus with many having wireless access in addition.

Our graduates are employed by a variety of companies and organizations from large companies like IBM, Kodak, Xerox and EDS, to small specialty software development companies. Paychex, a large payroll processing company founded and headquartered here in the Rochester area, has hired many of our recent graduates. It employs over 7,000 people and is ranked 42nd on Fortune Magazine’s list of 100 best companies to work for. In fact, the founder and CEO of the company recently donated 5 million dollars toward a new library on our campus.

Those who have chosen to continue their education have been accepted at schools such as Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Dayton, and many additional graduate programs on a part-time basis, with their tuition paid by their employer. Because of the breadth of their backgrounds, many of our graduates have pursued advanced degrees in different fields and are using their technology skills in a wide variety of specialized non-computer fields.

Roberts Wesleyan College is committed, not only to scholarship, but also to spiritual formation and service.  The faculty in the Computer Science department at Roberts believe that every technological decision is also a decision that affects people.  Computer technology impacts our society, both locally and globally. We are committed to teaching computer science within a tradition of historic Christianity.  We believe that our Christian faith demands that we act ethically in the world and follow our Lord’s example to love the world. As we design and implement technology, we cannot forget how what we are doing impacts people that we are called upon to serve.

The computer science faculty have nearly 50 years of involvement with the computer science discipline. This is represented both by their record in the classroom and by their involvement in the larger computer science community – including employment, a consistent record of publications, and active participation in national and international computing conferences.

Jonathan M. McGarvey, M.S., Adjunct Assistant Professor of Computer Science; B.S., Roberts Wesleyan College; M.S., Rochester Institute of Technology. At Roberts since 2001.

Gary Raduns, Professor of Mathematical Sciences. Ph.D., State University of New York at Binghamton. At RWC since 2001. Teaching specialties:Analysis, algebraic structures, mathematical statistics. E-mail: raduns_gary@roberts.edu.

Jennelle Torrey, M.S. Adjunct Assistant Professor of Computer Science; B.S., Roberts Wesleyan College; M.S., Nazareth College. At RWC since 2000.

Robert G. Willhoft, Professor of Computer Science. B.A., Geneva College, 1978; M.S., Syracuse University, 1984; Ph.D., Syracuse University, 1995. Advisory Engineer, IBM, 1978-2003. Email: willhoft_robert@roberts.edu

In addition, outstanding professionals from the Rochester area are often used to present individual lectures or courses on special topics.