Utica College Computer Science Program Description

Computer Science

The Utica College computer science department follows a curriculum recommended by the Association for Computing Machinery. ACM is the oldest organization of computer professionals and establishes the guidelines used by most colleges. Computer science majors at Utica College pursue concentrations in one of three areas: business applications, scientific applications, or computer security.
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Special Opportunities

Computer science majors work closely with the criminal justice department's Economic Crime Investigation Institute (ECII) to keep the curriculum in the forefront of computer and network security.

The Economic Crime Investigation Laboratory at UC is unique in the country and is used by both computer science and economic crime investigation majors to get hands-on experience working with computer security.

Facilities

Utica College maintains many academic computer laboratories on campus. Classes are taught in some of the computer labs; all labs are accessible to any UC student during published hours. The labs are equipped with laser printers and scanners, and the computers have word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs as well as specialized software for specific courses. Student assistants and a Computer Help Desk provide any assistance that students need.

Faculty

While the curriculum is excellent, the real strength of the program is its faculty. There are four full-time department professors: Professor Janice Huss, Professor Ron LaBella, Dr. Angel Rivera, and Dr. John Kim. They have a significant experience with computer systems and continue to share their professional knowledge with students both in and out of the classroom.

Co-ops

There are many opportunities for paid work experiences related to the computer science field. They include part time positions during the semester with full-time work in the summer. Among the organizations actively recruiting our students for co-op positions are IBM, New York Power Authority, Air Force Research Lab, and PAR Technologies. There are also many relevant and interesting work experiences available on campus.

Career Opportunities

Perhaps one of the best indications of the strength of the faculty and curriculum is the success of Utica College's graduates. Alumni have gone on to employment in knowledge engineering, virtual reality, aerospace, NASA, computer security, business, and many other related fields.

UC Graduates

Victor V. Costanza '02, System Analyst, New York Power Authority

Supports and maintains the New York Power Authority's Energy Management System's hardware and software assets, including the real time operation and control of the Authority's generation and transmission facilities. Also assists with applications development, relational database maintenance, diagnosis of software and hardware problems, data storage and recovery, and development of effective solutions that meet the stringent requirements of Energy Management System availability.

"My experience at Utica College was enjoyable and enterprising. There was a diversity of cultures, skills, and interests, which helped provide for a productive future. Utica College gave me the opportunity to work as an intern at the New York Power Authority, where I received hands-on experience and was able to showcase my abilities to my prospective employer. The faculty and staff at Utica College were committed to helping students succeed and launch a career."


Jennifer Gibbins '01, software engineer at Lockheed Martin Oricon, Arlinton VA

Developing JAVA programs for network security using mobile agent technology, Lockheed Martin Oricon, Arlington, VA.

"UC helped me prepare for my career by giving me a good breadth of knowledge to quickly adapt to industry trends and work cooperatively with my team members"


Christina (Prause) Allan '93, programmer at IDX Systems Corp. in South Burlington, VT.


Raquel S. Whittlesey '92, Software Engineer, Aerospace Design and Fabrication, Inc., Brookpark, OH

Proves the correctness of software for NASA before it is used in potentially life-threatening situations.

"Utica College was the perfect choice for me: a small college atmosphere with large university benefits. At UC you are an important member of a family. The smaller classes made it easier for professors to get to know the students as individuals. The computer science program at UC offers a diverse selection of courses. It can be tailored to scientific or business applications. I found this to be one of UC's most beneficial assets. Another asset which cannot be overlooked is the caring and knowledgeable computer science faculty with industry experience and an excellent reputation. My experience at UC has prepared me for both industry and advanced degree work, and believe me, I am taking advantage of both. The only disappointing experience I have had after graduating from UC is it's a tough act to follow. Go Pioneers!"


Jaime Lawton '88, is at Rome Labs working in the field of knowledge engineering.


Rich Evans '80, works at Rome Labs in the exciting area of virtual reality.


Al Ritchie '76, is regional office administrator for Utica National Insurance Company.