Computer Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there Computer related internships available for me here at USF?
A: All students have the opportunity to include an internship in their coursework. Internship opportunities are exceptional since our students have earned us an outstanding reputation in the community. Some companies who have recently provided internships are: Argonne National Laboratory, Caterpillar, ComEd, C.W. Beilfuss & Associates, and EI Solutions.
Q: What is the employment record like for the CS department?
A: The employment record for our graduates is also outstanding and starting salaries are in line with the Chicagoland ranges for Information Technology entry positions. Companies who have recently hired graduates include: Applied Systems, Argonne National Laboratory, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, Caterpillar, Inc., Chicago Bridge and Iron Corporation, ComEd, McDonald's Corporation, Municipal Retirement Fund, Rand McNally and EI Solutions.
Q: Is there a computer lab dedicated to the Computer Science Students?
A: There is a new hands-on instructional lab in St. Albert Hall dedicated to the Computer Science Department. In room A119 there are 12 computers equipped with removeable hard drives. Each student in selected networking and database courses will be assigned his/her own hard drive for use during the semester in this lab. This will give each student practice in installing, administering and maintaining a variety of network operating systems and database tools. This lab is geared more for the upper division classes such as Senior Project and Network Adminisatration.
Q: What computer language is concentrated on most?
A: At USF, the primary computer language is C++. In the Computer Science major, the first two courses are taught in C++. This could change at any time as we stay on the cutting edge of technology and teach what is needed in the current market. The Java programming language is also taught because it is emerging as a significant language in the IT industry.
Q: What are the different choices of majors?
A: We offer a Computer Science major that focuses on programming and software development. A second choice is our Information Technology major that prepares graduates in current and emerging network technologies and also prepares them to manage web servers. A third major, new for Fall 2003 is Web Application Development. As the name implies, these majors will be highly trained in the tools for developing web sites and will also develop the skills necessary to install and administer web servers. We are very excited about this new major. By Fall 2004, we will also be offering a joint major in Computer Science and Mathematics.

(This is an ongoing page. As questions are asked, they will be posted.)