COMPUTER SCIENCE
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The Dordt Difference Computer information systems are used by almost everyone—organizations, businesses, government, education. Continual advances in computer technology mean that people working in this area need to know how to install, program, administer, and troubleshoot a wide variety of computer systems. Computers are everywhere around us, making it easy to forget that such technologies have a powerful ability to shape who we are and how we live. Christians can offer leadership that emphasizes the appropriate use of computing technology and encourages service to others. “The field of computer science provides tremendous opportunities to labor for the kingdom of God,” says Professor Nick Breems. Simply learning to use today’s hardware and software isn’t enough. Dordt’s computer science program emphasizes both skills and their underlying principles, enabling you to keep learning throughout your career as you adapt to ever-changing trends in technology.” You will receive personalized, quality instruction and advice from professors who are dedicated teachers and committed Christians. They will help you understand why things work the way they do and give you the tools to be a responsible servant leader in the organization or business in which you work. Combined with hands-on learning experiences, Dordt College’s two- and four-year degree programs will prepare you for serving in information management.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Computer technology professionals are in demand and included in many lists of top jobs. Projections show that need growing even more as baby boomer retirements create new opportunities. Dordt College computer science graduates excel in their fields. Our comprehensive Christian education helps graduates develop skills and understanding that allow them to be responsible, welltrained professionals who can learn new skills, work well with others, and understand the broader context of technological processes. In the past several years, all of our graduates found positions before or shortly after graduation in positions such as: programmer • network technician • systems administrator • consultant • systems analyst
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
THE PROGRAM The hardware emphasis will prepare you for careers in hardware design and lowlevel systems programming. The information systems emphasis prepares you to create and maintain web applications, database software, and other information systems used in business. The systems administration emphasis prepares you to work with operating systems, hardware, and networks. This emphasis is also excellent preparation for further graduate study.
Nathan Friend (’13) works as an engineer at DuPont Pioneer in Des Moines, Iowa, designing user interfaces for software applications used in research around the globe. A typical day involves writing code, designing system architectures, and deepening his understanding of the company in order to write software that better fits their needs. “I began my college career at Dordt with very little technical background, but left feeling well-prepared to continue learning my craft in the workforce,” says Friend. “More importantly, I left Dordt with a distinctly biblical framework that I use daily to understand and affect the world around me.”
A minor in computer science can be added to almost any major, including: • a business administration major to better prepare you for the world of business • a graphic arts major to prepare you for computer-based graphic design • an engineering science major to give you important background for software engineering • a mathematics education major to prepare you for teaching The computer science department also offers a joint major in mathematics and computer science and a minor in web development to help you create and support web-based applications. A two-year associate of arts degree in computer networking will give you a general education and a complete college experience. You can continue with a four-year computer science major should you wish to do so.
HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES Many Dordt students work during the school year or summer, helping build and maintain our computer network and information systems. Students also work with local businesses to design, implement, enhance, and maintain computer information systems. This practical experience has helped our graduates find employment.
SAMPLE PROJECTS Internet/intranet websites for businesses • a plant identification app for prairie management • a manufacturing resources planning program • implement an inventory program • a manufacturing bill of materials • a client imaging system for a major government lab • a campus computer system networking • point-of-sale system testing • a database for investments and real estate • an informational website for a local municipality • an online web auction • an early childhood literacy testing and reporting system • a performance dashboard for a government agency
THE FACULTY Nick Breems, Ph.D., University of Salford (UK). Interests include social and philosophical issues in computing, programming, and systems development Nick.Breems@dordt.edu Kari Sandouka, M.A., Webster University. Interests include databases, web programming, business applications, and project management Kari.Sandouka@dordt.edu Derek Schuurman, Ph.D., McMaster University. Information systems and engineering; research interests have included computer vision and issues related to faith and computer technology Derek.Schuurman@dordt.edu August 2015