Computer Science

WHY STUDY COMPUTER SCIENCE AT SMC?

At SMC, you can receive your Associate in Science Degree with an emphasis in Computer Science. As a Computer Science major, you will learn how to use critical thinking skills to analyze problems, design algorithms to solve those problems, and code and test software solutions for desktop, cloud-based, and web-based platforms.

Earning your Associate in Science Degree with an emphasis in Computer Science will prepare you to succeed in upper-level computer sciences classes as you continue your education.

The close relationships you form with your Computer Science professors will provide you with the support, encouragement, and drive to succeed in college and beyond.

Spartanburg Methodist College offers a wide range of Computer Science courses, including the following:

• Introduction to Computer Technology
• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
• Digital Design for the Web
• Algorithmic Design I
• Algorithmic Design II
• Data Structures
• Computer Organization

All of the Computer Science faculty at SMC hold advanced degrees in their field and bring their specialized knowledge of computer science, software engineering, and information technology to the classroom.

Because SMC maintains small class sizes, Computer Science faculty are able to work closely with you as you develop your skills as a software engineer and grow as a student in your college career.

Bob Coyle, Professor of Computer Science

Office Location: Walker Building, Office 305A
Email: CoyleB@smcsc.edu
Phone: 864-587-4278

Professor Bob Coyle received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his MS Degree in Computer Science from North Carolina State University. He also holds Project Management certifications from the Project Management Institute and Stanford University.

Professor Coyle has extensive experience in software analysis, design, development, and testing with IBM Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, CII Technology Solutions, Singer Company (now BAE Systems), and Grant Thornton International. He has previously taught software engineering courses at North Carolina State University. His research and teaching interests include Algorithmic Design, Robotics, and Software Engineering.

Professor Coyle believes in challenging his students to think analytically and to understand the importance of technology to society and our country. He enjoys creating innovative and challenging projects for his students and working with them to analyze, understand, and solve problems.

In his spare time, Professor Coyle enjoys hiking and traveling. He has two cats, Sugar and Spicy, that he misses a lot while he is teaching at SMC.

Tonya Miller, Professor of Computer Science

Office Location: Walker Building, Office 305B
Email: MillerT@smcsc.edu
Phone: 864-587-4292

Professor Tonya Miller obtained her BA in Mathematics with a Computer Science concentration from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, then her MS in Technology from the University of Maryland. She has also earned 30 credits towards her PhD in Management Information Systems from NorthCentral University. Additionally, she holds Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Certified Netware Administrator (CNA) certifications.

Professor Miller has an extensive background in electronics and computer technology. She has worked in various professional Electronic Technology and Computer Systems positions for such companies as BAE Systems, Honeywell International, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Affiliated Computer Services. Additionally, Ms. Miller has taught a wide variety of computer science courses in the past via both online and campus formats.

When not in class, she enjoys reading, playing board/card games and has been known to play her share of both PC and console video games. She also enjoys spending time with her family, as well as enjoys bird watching and gardening when the weather is nice. She has three children; 1 girl and 2 boys, two dogs named Athena and Nikki, as well as three cats named Alex, Ellie and Sparta.

One of her true passions is to learn something new every day and she encourages her students to do the same. She is a dedicated lifelong learner and works hard to motivate her students to become lifelong learners themselves.

CSCI-101: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE. (3 hours) Introductory course in computer literacy and computer appreciation with emphasis on personal and business applications. Topics include components of a business computer system, database management, file organization, word processing, and spreadsheets. Laboratory.

CSCI-115: DIGITAL DESIGN FOR THE WEB. (3 hours) An introductory course in Web design and publishing. The course includes the most important topics of HTML and DHTML, from creating multimedia Web pages with hypertext links, tables, frames, and forms, to using cascading style sheets and programming with JavaScript. Laboratory.

CSCI-121: ALGORITHMIC DESIGN I. (3 hours) Algorithmic design and testing using an appropriate language such as Java. Coverage includes problem solving, structured programming, vectors and arrays, and string processing. Laboratory.

CSCI-221: ALGORITHMIC DESIGN II. (3 hours) Continuation of Computer Science 121. Rigorous development of computer algorithms. Linear data structures, trees, and more string processing. Laboratory. Prerequisite: CSCI-121.

A career in computer science or related IT field offers outstanding career opportunities and growth. Employment in computer and information technology fields is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Computer-related occupations are projected to add about 557,100 new jobs. Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.

The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $84,580 in May 2017. This was significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $37,690. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

As a Computer Science major, you will be well prepared to enter a wide range of careers, including the following:

• software development
• computer system analysis
• information security analysis
• computer programming
• web development
• network and computer system administration
• computer and IT support
• and database administration.