Ibrahim Gardner
The Department of Computer Science at American University in Washington, DC, offers a variety of programs for students interested in the field. The university provides a balance between the practical and theoretical aspects of computer science, preparing students for professional employment or further study. The MS Computer Science program, for instance, offers specializations such as applied computer science, cybersecurity, and data science. American University also has a growing community of computer science students who participate in clubs, organizations, and competitions, fostering a tight-knit environment. While some consider AU's computer science program small and relatively new, it has produced graduates working at notable companies like Google, NASA, and Amazon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Department Name | Computer Science |
| Course Type | MS Computer Science, BS Computer Science |
| Course Structure | Core curriculum and specializations in applied computer science, cybersecurity, game and computational media, or data science |
| Course Credits | 30 |
| Core Courses | Design/Organization of Programming Languages, Database Management Systems, Software Engineering, Operating Systems, Artificial Intelligence |
| Capstone Project Options | Internship and Project, Project, Thesis |
| Elective Courses | Introduction to Simulation and Modeling |
| Labs | AU Game Center and Game Studio, Design and Build Lab, Data Science Lab, Lab for the Study of Sensation, Perception, Reality, and Illusion, Computational Material Perception Laboratory |
| Clubs and Organizations | Yes |
| Scholarships | Merit scholarships |
| Student Placement | Google, NASA, Amazon, GEICO |
| Student Feedback | Growing program, small class sizes, good relationships with professors, strong placement and job opportunities |
| Faculty Aim | Solve scientific, technological, and social problems, teach fundamentals and applied aspects of computer science, enable students with technological problem-solving skills |
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What You'll Learn
Computer Science at American University
The Department of Computer Science at American University in Washington, DC, offers a balanced curriculum that covers the practical and theoretical aspects of the field. The university prepares its students for professional employment or further academic pursuits after graduation. The department maintains connections with various labs on campus, including the Design and Build Lab, Game Lab, and the Center for Innovation.
The Computer Science program at American University offers both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. The BS program prepares students for a wide range of careers, including software development and design, multimedia computing, artificial intelligence, and technical computing professions. The MS program offers specializations in applied computer science, cybersecurity, game and computational media, or data science. Students can also work with faculty on projects and labs, such as the AU Game Center and Game Studio, the Data Science Lab, and the Computational Material Perception Laboratory.
The MS Computer Science program at American University requires 30 credits. Students must complete five core courses: Design/Organization of Programming Languages, Database Management Systems, Software Engineering, Operating Systems, and Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, they must complete a 6-credit Capstone project with options for an internship, a project, or a thesis. The program also offers 9 elective credits in the student's chosen specialization.
The Department of Computer Science at American University provides a tight-knit community that facilitates easy access to professors and participation in faculty research. Students have the opportunity to work as research assistants with professors, gaining valuable experience in their field of study. The university's location in Washington, DC, also provides access to internships and resources at high-tech companies and government agencies, including IBM, Mellon Bank, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
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Career prospects and salaries
The Department of Computer Science at American University in Washington, DC, offers a curriculum that balances the practical and theoretical aspects of computer science. The university provides students with a background for professional employment or further study in the discipline.
Graduates from American University's Computer Science program can pursue a wide range of careers, including software development and design, multimedia computing, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. The university also offers a variety of clubs, organizations, competitions, conferences, internships, and scholarship programs for CS students to enhance their career prospects.
While information on the salaries of computer science graduates from American University is not readily available, it is worth noting that computer science skills are in high demand across various industries. The field of computer science continues to expand rapidly, creating a high demand for skilled employees. As a result, some of the highest-paying jobs in today's economy require computer science skills, and these skills can significantly impact salary levels.
According to Arizona State University's computer science career outlook, several computer science-related careers offer substantial pay. Here are a few examples of career options and their corresponding median salaries:
- Computer and information system manager: 16% growth, $159,010 median salary
- Database administrator: 9% growth, $101,000 median salary
- Information security analyst: 35% growth, $102,600 median salary
- Software developer: 25% growth, $109,020 median salary
Additionally, American University provides career services and resources to support its students in finding employment. The university offers assistance through its AU Career Center, with services such as career advising, interview preparation, resume guidance, and professional image consulting. Students can also find part-time job opportunities near campus and gain professional experience through micro-internships.
Overall, a degree in computer science from American University can lead to diverse career prospects, and the university provides the necessary support to help students transition into the job market successfully.
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Course structure and content
American University in Washington, DC, offers a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science. The program trains students from diverse backgrounds—including computer science majors and those new to the field—through a common core curriculum and specializations in applied computer science, cybersecurity, game and computational media, or data science. The curriculum covers both the practical and theoretical aspects of computer science, providing a background for professional employment or further study in the discipline.
The MS Computer Science program requires 30 credits and progresses through three phases. The first phase consists of five core courses: Design/Organization of Programming Languages, Database Management Systems, Software Engineering, Operating Systems, and Artificial Intelligence. These courses provide a solid foundation in computer science principles and programming languages.
In the second phase, students have the option to choose from a variety of elective courses to deepen their knowledge in specific areas. They can explore topics such as simulation and modelling, machine learning, and cybersecurity. This phase allows students to customize their learning path according to their interests and career goals.
The third phase of the program focuses on the capstone project, where students can choose from three options: an internship and project, a project, or a thesis. This phase provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. The capstone project is designed to be expansive and can involve working with faculty projects and labs, such as the AU Game Center, Design and Build Lab, and Data Science Lab.
Additionally, American University's Computer Science Department hosts and collaborates with various labs on campus, including the Design and Build Lab, Game Lab, and the Center for Innovation. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs, organizations, competitions, conferences, internships, and scholarship programs to enhance their learning experience and build a strong network.
While the university's computer science program may not be as well-known as others, it has produced graduates who have gone on to work for companies like Google, NASA, Amazon, and GEICO. The program's small size also fosters a tight-knit community, easy access to professors, and opportunities for independent studies and research involvement.
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Student experience
The student experience at American University (AU) in Washington, DC, will differ depending on the student's interests, motivations, and aspirations. While AU has a strong reputation for international service, politics, and international relations, it is also developing its STEM offerings.
For students passionate about computer science (CS), AU offers a successful, albeit small, program. The Department of Computer Science at AU balances the practical and theoretical aspects of computer science, providing a background for professional employment or further study. The department works with many labs on campus, including the Design and Build Lab, Game Lab, and the Center for Innovation. Students can also participate in clubs, organisations, competitions, conferences, internships, and scholarship programs.
The community at AU is described as tight-knit, with accessible professors who are exploring many different areas of study. This makes it easy for students to conduct independent studies, participate in faculty research, and obtain internships and career opportunities through their professors' advice and recommendations. Students can also work with faculty projects and labs, including the AU Game Center and Game Studio, the Data Science Lab, and the Computational Material Perception Laboratory.
The program trains students from diverse backgrounds through a common core curriculum and specialisations in areas like applied computer science, cybersecurity, and data science. Students can receive funding as research assistants, and there are opportunities for merit scholarships. The DC tech sector also offers a wide range of career choices, with higher-than-average growth and salaries projected for most computer subfields.
However, for students seeking a top-tier CS education or a direct line to prestigious companies, AU may not be the best choice. The CS program is relatively new and small, and AU is not known for its CS department in the same way that it is known for its political science offerings. Nonetheless, AU has produced computer science graduates who have gone on to work for companies like Google, NASA, Amazon, and GEICO.
Overall, the student experience at AU for those interested in CS will depend on the individual's motivations and goals. While AU may not be the best choice for a singular focus on CS, it can be a great fit for students interested in combining CS with other fields, such as politics or international relations, and taking advantage of the diverse opportunities available.
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Admissions and requirements
American University in Washington, DC, offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in Computer Science. The Department of Computer Science at the university balances the practical and theoretical aspects of the field, providing students with a background for professional employment or further study.
The specific admissions requirements for the Computer Science undergraduate program are not publicly available. However, the university's website mentions that graduates move on to careers in software development and design, multimedia computing, artificial intelligence, and other technical computing professions. This indicates that the program prepares students for a range of career options in the field.
American University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science. The program is designed for students from diverse backgrounds, including computer science majors and those new to the field. The MS program has a common core curriculum with specializations in applied computer science, cybersecurity, game and computational media, or data science.
To be admitted, students are not required to submit GRE scores or have a technical degree. The program starts in the fall or spring, and students can choose to complete it in 18 months or at their own pace. The tuition fee is $2080 per credit, and all applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships.
The MS program requires 30 credits, including 5 core courses: Design/Organization of Programming Languages, Database Management Systems, Software Engineering, Operating Systems, and Artificial Intelligence. Students also complete a 6-credit Capstone project with options for an internship, and 9 elective credits in their chosen specialization.
Student Experience
The Computer Science department at American University works with various labs on campus, including the Design and Build Lab, Game Lab, and the Center for Innovation. Students participate in clubs, organizations, competitions, conferences, internships, and scholarship programs. The community at AU is described as tight-knit, with accessible professors and opportunities for independent studies and faculty research.
Career Prospects
The DC tech sector offers a wide range of career choices for graduates, with triple the national concentration of computer science jobs. Starting salaries for MS graduates can exceed $100K. Graduates have gone on to work at prestigious companies, including Google, NASA, Amazon, and GEICO.
Comparison with Other Universities
While American University's Computer Science program is growing and has produced successful alumni, it may not be considered a top school for CS compared to other universities in the DC area, such as UMD or Georgetown. However, the small size of the program allows for a good relationship between students and professors and encourages self-motivation. The university's focus on international service and interaction between different schools provide a unique charm that may appeal to students interested in politics, international relations, or business interactions in addition to their CS studies.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, American University in Washington, DC, offers both a BS and an MS in Computer Science.
The Computer Science program at American University balances the practical and theoretical aspects of computer science. The program provides students with a background for professional employment or further study in the discipline.
The MS Computer Science program at American University offers specializations in applied computer science, cybersecurity, game and computational media, and data science.
Graduates of the Computer Science program at American University have gone on to work in a wide range of careers, including software development, multimedia computing, artificial intelligence, and technical computing professions. The university's location in Washington, DC, also offers access to a high concentration of computer science jobs, with starting salaries for MS graduates exceeding $100,000.
The MS Computer Science program at American University does not require GRE scores or a tech degree for admission. The program has variable course scheduling, mostly in the afternoons and evenings, and can be completed in 18 months or at your own pace.
