Liberal Arts Colleges for Computer Science

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I never seem to hear about computer science at small liberal arts colleges. How much does the size and reputation of a program matter in this field? I don't mind large public universities, but I also think that the personal attention of an LAC would be really beneficial. </p>

<p>Could someone tell me pros and cons? Could you give me examples of LACs with good programs? Also, ones that are bad examples?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p><a href=“Physics and Computer Science at Grinnell - Grinnell College - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/grinnell-college/1618152-physics-and-computer-science-at-grinnell.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Harvey Mudd—great program and great reputation. If you get into any other of the Claremont colleges, you would also be taking your CS classes at Mudd. Definitely recommend checking it out.</p>

4

<p>Skidmore because one the new professor at UCSD taught there.
<a href=“http://cse.ucsd.edu/node/2608”>http://cse.ucsd.edu/node/2608&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>@d33d33 You won’t necessarily take your classes at Harvey Mudd, if you were at one of the other Claremont colleges. You would need to schedule your classes at Harvey Mudd, if you wanted to. Apparently, however, it is getting harder to get into Harvey Mudd CS classes, due to the popularity of the subject as a minor and major at the other Claremont colleges. </p>

6

<p>I should probably mention, I’m probably not material for a school like Harvey Mudd. I have a 29 ACT and a 3.5 GPA. </p>

7

<p>While many LACs offer CS, for most students, the typical size of the department is small. Here size matters, because course offering will be limited. Some courses will be offered infrequently. Also class projects will be limited, since ideally these would require a team. The absence of graduate students and high level research limits hand-on research opportunities. Since computer science is often an adjunct to electrical engineering that aspect will be limited in LACs.</p>

8

<p>Would small schools with a more technical focus be of interest? E.g. some of the schools with “Mines” or “Mining” in their names.</p>