Computer science and STEM majors at Smith College

Please please tell me how is Smith College’s Computer Science and other Science related majors. I really loved Smith and I want to apply in ED so it’s really important for me

Science majors at Smith should be pretty solid as they are at many LAC’s.

In terms of CS, their offerings are a bit sparse. It’s not like you would not be able to get a job in CS after or anything, but your course selection will be somewhat limited. After intro + data structures, it seems about 6-8 additional courses are offered per semester, but many are offered only every other semester or sometimes less. Their algorithms course for example is offered every 2 years. Same goes for their AI course and their computer vision course. Many staples fall into the every other semester pattern which could be worse though, but will require decent planning.

While I wouldn’t say it’s the best place for CS, a significant fit match should override the less than ideal CS parts. But I would also apply to some more extensive CS programs.

You will probably find this helpful for finding good LAC options for CS:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19190340/#Comment_19190340

I completely agree with PengsPhils. For STEM in general Smith is top notch, for CS, perhaps still very good quality, but limited in options. Smith students can take courses at the other nearby schools as I’m sure you know. So you might check out their CS options as well and explore whether Smith allows those to satisfy major requirements at other schools. It could be the difference between a really rich set of CS courses to choose from and a very limited set. Good luck with ED if you decide to go for it!

Smith has been actively building up its STEM offerings, and support for women in business for the last 25 years. The CS program is small, but highly collaborative, and alums tend to speak highly of their CS professors for decades after graduating. Most of the CS grads I know have gone on to successful careers in the field.

If there are gaps in your Smith classes, you can bolster your major with CS classes at the other schools in the 5 College Consortium, especially UMass.

The open curriculum at Smith also offers ample opportunities to explore outside the major, and hone your analytical skills. Being able to research, analyze, and distill your findings in writing are invaluable in almost any field, including I.T.

It’s been 27 years since I applied ED and got in, but I’m pretty sure that a great essay, that is personal, and sincere still plays a huge role in admissions decisions. I visited twice, interviewed on the second visit, and got my application in nice and early.

FWIW, I majored in French and minored in History, at Smith, but I taught myself to code while working in the computer labs, and have had a successful I.T. career for nearly 25 years, 10 as a developer and the rest in project and product management. There is more than one pathway into a career in I.T. , and sometimes the path less-traveled is highly appealing to employers.

Good luck with your applications!
Stop back to let us know how it turns out. Also, if you’d like to talk to more alums, especially CS alums, search Facebook for Smith-related groups, or 7 Sisters groups. They are generally vibrant, active, and supportive communities, and members will gladly answer questions.

@vbsprints thank you very much for your response