Baruch College Launches Computer Science Major
November 14, 2023
As the demand for computer science professionals continues to soar, Baruch College’s Department of Mathematics proudly introduces its new Computer Science major officially beginning this Fall 2023. The major distinguishes itself by emphasizing a robust technical foundation, ensuring students are well-prepared for the constantly evolving tech industry.
“We want to ensure that the major is at a strong technical level, preparing students for jobs, graduate school, or any other pursuit they might have in mind,” Professor Adam Sheffer, the Program’s Director said. Despite the program’s challenging prerequisites, it promises a more personalized experience for students. “It allows us to give more one-on-one attention to each student.” Sheffer added, emphasizing the close-knit community the program aims to foster.
A unique aspect of Baruch’s new Computer Science Major is its adaptability. “Computer science is a field that moves fast,” Sheffer explained, “So our approach is that the curriculum has to constantly evolve.” While there is a foundational core that all students will cover, the electives will be fluid, changing according to industry trends, advancements, and student-led specialization. Machine learning and natural language processing like ChatGPT are currently popular, but Sheffer predicts that in a few years, there’ll be completely unforeseen fields that the program will train future experts in.
Jie Ying, one of the first four students to officially declare the major, intertwines her aspirations of medical school with a childhood dream of creating video games. “I really enjoyed playing simulation games. Back then, I always wanted to make one myself because I always had opinions about the games I played. Now, with Baruch offering Computer Science, I get to explore programming and genuinely enjoy the challenges it presents,” says Jiang. Her sentiments echo the passion of many students who want to mold emerging technology to connect with their interests.
For Samuel Smith, the journey into computer science was more serendipitous. Originally heading down the path of financial math, Smith’s realization of his true strengths led him towards coding. “What I liked about computer science is the blend of problem-solving and creativity. It allows for a practical application of mathematics, and my previous experiences made this major feel like a timely and perfect fit.”
To ensure that the transition from college to career is smooth, Sheffer and his team are working to create strong connections with the professional world. “We’re very oriented towards making sure our CS majors can find a job,” he emphasized. He further detailed an initiative to keep students informed: “I have a mailing list where I share opportunities—be it hackathons, competitions, or summer openings.” Beyond that, Sheffer has introduced casual meetings—sessions of what he calls a “not-club”— where students can discuss their interests, concerns, or simply learn more about advanced topics in computer science.
In the end, Sheffer’s vision for the program extends beyond just imparting knowledge. He hopes to transform the lives of students, especially those who haven’t had prior opportunities. “We’re striving to make sure our program is diverse and inclusive. My hope is that we have numerous stories of students who, through this program, achieve a satisfying career and a better life. There are only four now, but I think this is the beginning of something big.”
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, Baruch College’s new Computer Science Major promises to be an essential pathway for students eager to make their mark on the digital world.
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