Strength of Computer Science Major at RHIT

<p>My son is deciding between RHIT, RIT, RPI, WPI, Case Western and University of Rochester. He knows he wants to major in Computer Science and probably get a job after graduation rather than pursue an advanced degree. I'd appreciate any information about the computer science program, specifically, at RHIT. I know the engineering programs are very strong but that's not his true interest. Also, he does not drive and I'm concerned that the location of the school is a drawback for him. Does anyone know about public transportation or school shuttles to local movie theaters, stores and restaurants? I've read that many of the students are active in sports. My son is NOT into any sports--would this make him feel more isolated on the campus? Any information would be greatly appreciated!!</p>

<p>I’m not a CS major, so I can’t really answer your specifics there, aside from hearing about how much work it takes (but then again, every major complains about their workload). </p>

<p>Coming from far away, I also don’t drive, but that has never been a problem for me. Plenty of people are from around the college, and you’ll never really have a problem getting anywhere you want to. Even during the weekdays, during which not many student leave campus, I’ve always been able to find a ride when I need to. Everyone eats out on the weekends (or orders pizza), so you can always hitch a ride with someone. Wal-Mart runs are probably made weekly by people who need to renew their caffeine supply, so going to stores are normally not a problem, though if you want to shop at the mall or something, it’s much rarer to see people go there, and I don’t think there are many other places to shop around here. As far as I know, from the research I did before I came here, the public transportation around here is terrible with inconsistent bus times and rare taxis, but I have no first-hand experience. School Shuttles are only provided for rides to the airport during breaks, though it costs 20 dollars, I think, but I’ve been able to hitch a ride to the airport from someone every time.
Not being into sports won’t make him feel isolated at all; I’m not a very active person at all, and it hasn’t affected my social life at all, but I do know people who work out every day, play soccer, do track, etc. and they don’t make me feel awkward at all around them. I’ve also seen some groups irregularly go play racquetball or basketball once every few days, and quite a few dorms have a good amount of frisbee enthusiasts. Many freshmen do join in Intramurals initially (participation seems to decrease as you go deeper in the quarter due to work and into the year as you find more people to hang out with), but it’s mostly for fun and you don’t have to be good at that stuff at all. As someone who isn’t regularly active, I tag along one of the groups sometimes when I feel like it and fit right in.
In the end, everybody seems to find their own group to fit in, though the groups are not hostile towards each other or anything and almost everyone seems to get along great.</p>

<p>I really like the CS department here. I’m not a CS major, but I’ve taken three CS courses and enjoyed them all. I really like CS, though, so I could be biased…</p>

<p>But really, my experience with the CS department has been very positive. I think the professors are friendly, knowledgeable, and well organized - and the setup of the courses is good. There are two CS “labs” that are full of laptop stations that are open for use, and many nights they are staffed by experienced CS majors ready to answer questions on homework or projects. </p>

<p>If you’re worried about employment after graduation, take a look at last fall’s career fair listings: [Companies</a> Attending the Rose-Hulman Career Fair](<a href=“404 | Rose-Hulman”>404 | Rose-Hulman) . Check the boxes to filter for companies looking for CS/SE full-time… 72 companies. How many CS/SE seniors are there this year? 38. ([Enrollment</a> Stats PDF](<a href=“404 | Rose-Hulman”>404 | Rose-Hulman))</p>

<p>Roughly two companies came looking for CS/SE graduates to hire for every one graduating student. </p>

<p>I was talking to someone in career services the other day…I can’t remember if they were talking about CS or EE grads, but they mentioned how practically every senior in that major already had jobs lined up. They were considering telling some companies not to come to the upcoming spring career fair because there simply weren’t any graduates in that major they were looking for that didn’t already have jobs. That’s how things are, especially with CS right now (software is on fire).</p>

<p>Was at an Open House meeting before coming to China where the Director of Career Services, Kevin Hewerdine, indicated that CS seniors are averaging $75K offers so far this year.</p>

<p>Terre Haute City Transit added our campus as a bus stop a couple years ago. Buses stopped several times a day for just over eight months and not a single student got on the bus. Proved the students were getting to places in town on their own, car or no car. We’re no longer a stop for the bus.</p>

<p>Lots of other activities beyond athletics as state by the student above. Intramurals have three different levels: A League (still for blood, guts and glory), B League (moderately competitive–lots of coed and faculty/staff teams), and C League (“there’s a scoreboard? where?”). Definitely have him join the professional organization for CS and a couple clubs that fit his interests.</p>