<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I have inquiry about the Computer Science degree offered at Saint Leo University. I'm basically on a self debating standstill on if the curriculum offered at this university is worth the investment. I honestly don't quite understand the break down of classes and if it's competitive enough to hold weight after completing the degree. I'm seeking advise and wisdom about Saint Leo University - B.S. Computer Science, would it be a good choice to pursue my CS here?</p>
<p>I’m bumping this because I too would like to know the answer to this myself as a future Computer Science major. I’m considering going here instead of going to USF because USF is a little far of a commute from Spring Hill (37 miles/1hr commute to and from), and is a little large for my taste having been to the campus. Saint Leo seems smaller in comparison so I feel like I would get more individualized attention. Not having to deal with traffic on US-41 or an hour long commute would be nice.and it’s closer to home so it gives me a shorter commute (26 miles/ maybe half an hour 45min travel time to and from). </p>
<p>I’m just wondering if a CS degree from St. Leo would really hold any weight at all and is worth the shorter journey. Personally, I’m trying to avoid living on campus since I’m 27 and don’t really want a room mate and the cost of living where I’m at is cheaper then a dorm.</p>
<p>I’m looking to be a Software Engineer in the video games industry if it helps at all.</p>
<p>I’ve added the curriculum if it helps for anyone to evaluate:</p>
<p>Major Requirements (48-51 credit hours)</p>
<p>COM 203 - Computer Systems 3 credits
COM 204 - Programming Logic and Design 3 credits
COM 209 - Programming in Java 3 credits
COM 301 - Algorithms and Data Structures 3 credits
COM 309 - Network Theory and Design 3 credits
COM 312 - Computer Architecture 3 credits
COM 330 - Database Concepts and Programming 3 credits
COM 340 - Introduction to Internet Applications 3 credits
COM 405 - Operating Systems 3 credits
COM 416 - Introduction to Information Security 3 credits
COM 430 - Software Engineering 3 credits
COM 465 - Artificial Intelligence 3 credits
COM 497 - Computer Science Capstone 3 credits
MAT 151 - College Algebra 3 credits *
MAT 152 - Trigonometry 3 credits
MAT 231 - Calculus-with Analytic Geometry I 4 credits
MAT 251 - Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
Note:</p>
<ul>
<li>Should be taken as the LINK basic math course.</li>
</ul>
<p>Information Assurance Specialization (12 credit hours)</p>
<p>COM 450 - Network Defense and Security 3 credits
COM 452 - Computer Forensics 3 credits
COM 470 - Management of Information Security 3 credits
COM 475 - Penetration Testing 3 credits
Additional Electives (6-9 credit hours)</p>
<p>Recommended electives include the following:</p>
<p>COM 335 - Applied Data Mining 3 credits
COM 420 - Disaster Recovery 3 credits
COM 424 - Information Technology and Project Management 3 credits
COM 425 - Computer Information Systems Internship 3 credits
COM 460 - Internet/Intranet Security 3 credits
MAT 361 - Linear Algebra 3 credits
Academic Requirement for the Major:</p>
<p>In order to continue in the major, students will be required to earn a minimum grade of C+ in COM 203 and COM 204. If a C+ is not earned, students will not be able to continue with their major coursework until such grade is earned.</p>
<p><a href=“http://saintleo.catalog.acalog.com/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=1620&returnto=1021”>http://saintleo.catalog.acalog.com/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=1620&returnto=1021</a></p>
<p>Please any help at all would be appreciated to evaluate the degree. I’m a little lost in comparing what is and what is not a good computer science curriculum.</p>
<p>Just from looking at the course titles, the program looks fine for a vanilla CS degree. It doesn’t look like there’s much for games, though. I’d at least like to see a computer graphics class. </p>
<p>For OnlySteven, Saint. Leo would work. That wouldn’t be the case with FloridaStudent86.</p>
<p>There are schools with video games degrees or CS programs with an emphasis on games. Although it’s a big school, it looks like UCF has a video games program.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice Simba9. Unfortunately UCF is on the otherside of the state so it won’t be a good option for me. I did like the FIEA stuff going on at UCF but its just too far to commute (about 99 some odd miles from Spring Hill). My only other option is USF and I don’t know how well it ranks for what I want to do, as well as how well it ranks compared to other schools in the state. I’m new to the Florida state higher education system and google isn’t quite providing a comprehensive breakdown of higher learning here. </p>
<p>Information on the Saint Leo Computer Science department is practically non-existent, and so is student feed back for that matter. It seems more like liberal arts college than anything else and I’m not sure how reputable the program is for STEM. I’m just worried about large classes sizes and a slightly longer commute at USF-geting lost in the system being and not being able to have the classes I want or the schedule I need as a commuter. Realistcally I’d like to limit it to 2 days a week if at all possible for now.</p>
<p>FloridaStudent86, one option would be to contact someone in Saint Leo’s CS department and see if they can help tailor a program for you. </p>
<p>I took a look at the USF program, and it does have a wider range of classes that would allow you to get closer to what you’re looking for. I wouldn’t worry too much about rankings, as they’re not all that applicable for CS. Also, the CS program at USF is ABET accredited which, while not essential for CS, should at least guarantee a certain level of quality. I can’t speak to the scheduling and commute issues.</p>
<p>No matter where you go to school, much of what you’ll learn in a CS program won’t be directly applicable to work, and you’ll end up having to learn things on your own. Computer graphics ended up being my niche at work, yet I never took a computer graphics class in college. I just learned it on the job and on weekends.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice again Simba9, I’m going to try out USF for at least 1 semester and then go from there. I have a gut feeling that this may not work out but time will tell. I’m more interested in the Software engineering side of things, so I think I can tailor a program at USF to my taste. I see they offer an Information Technology degree entirely online, so it stands to reason that they gotta have some of these heavier classes online to lessen my commute. Hopefully this is a good decision on my part. If not there’s always Saint Leo, or the Phoenix online BS in Software Engineering.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t suggest University of Phoenix. It has a dodgy reputation.</p>
<p>If you can tailor an online USF program, great. Take a look at Arizona State’s online SE program, too. They have a graphics and game development track.</p>
<p><a href=“https://webapp4.asu.edu/programs/t5/roadmaps/ASU00/TSSERBS/2013?init=false&nopassive=true”>https://webapp4.asu.edu/programs/t5/roadmaps/ASU00/TSSERBS/2013?init=false&nopassive=true</a></p>