B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Integrated Computer Science
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a distinctive Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Integrated Computer Science. This program stands out by intertwining a robust computer science core with another academic discipline, allowing students to develop both deep technical skills and a broad, interdisciplinary perspective. Currently, Whittier offers tracks that integrate Computer Science with Mathematics, Physics, Economics, and Political Science, reflecting the pervasive nature of computing across diverse fields. This integrated approach aims to cultivate future computer scientists who not only possess technical proficiency but also the global perspectives and social/cultural insights essential for ethical and creative application of computing in a rapidly evolving world.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Integrated Computer Science program at Whittier College is officially STEM-designated. This is a significant benefit, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of valuable practical experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Integrated Computer Science at Whittier College is designed with a core of computer science and mathematics courses, typically totaling 27 credits. This foundational core provides essential programming, algorithmic, and theoretical computer science knowledge. In addition to this, students complete a set of approximately six courses in their chosen coordinate discipline (Mathematics, Physics, Economics, or Political Science), along with any further requirements dictated by that specific field. This structure ensures that graduates gain specialized knowledge in their chosen integration area, enabling them to apply computing principles in interdisciplinary contexts. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, likely through coding projects, laboratory work, and practical problem-solving exercises.
Research Focus: While specific details on current Integrated Computer Science research projects are not extensively publicized, Whittier College generally fosters an environment of active undergraduate research across its STEM departments. The Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, in particular, encourages students to engage in "Discovery in Mathematics" and "Hands-On Learning in Mathematics," which often extend to computer science. Students in integrated programs have opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored research, potentially culminating in senior projects. For instance, a past math and physics double major worked on a cluster computing and parallel programming research project, demonstrating the potential for interdisciplinary research within the Integrated Computer Science framework. The annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference also provides a platform for students to present their original work.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Center for Career and Professional Development plays a vital role in preparing Integrated Computer Science graduates for successful careers. The "Whittier Works" initiative offers personalized coaching, career exploration, job readiness training, and graduate school preparation. The Career Center actively builds partnerships with employers, leveraging Southern California's thriving tech and diverse industry sectors to provide valuable internships and experiential learning opportunities. For example, a recent alumna with a minor in computer science successfully transitioned into the cybersecurity and multinational tech industries, highlighting the program's effectiveness in preparing students for real-world tech roles. This focus on practical connections helps students gain relevant experience and build professional networks.
Global Perspective: Whittier College is dedicated to cultivating a strong global perspective among its students, which is implicitly integrated into the Integrated Computer Science program through its liberal arts foundation. The Office of International Programs, recognized for its commitment to diversity in study abroad, offers extensive opportunities across five continents. While the structured nature of an Integrated Computer Science major might require careful planning, students can explore study abroad options to gain broader insights into international computing trends, diverse technological landscapes, and cross-cultural collaborations. This global exposure enhances students' adaptability and prepares them to navigate the increasingly interconnected and globalized world of technology.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
Whittier College's B.A. in Integrated Computer Science offers a unique advantage by combining a strong core in computer science with a specialized focus in another discipline, such as Mathematics, Physics, Economics, or Political Science. This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with both deep technical skills and the ability to apply computing to complex problems across various fields, making them highly versatile in the job market.
Software Developer/Engineer: This is a primary path for many computer science graduates. They design, develop, test, and maintain software applications for various platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop. The core computer science curriculum at Whittier provides the necessary programming and algorithmic foundations.
Data Scientist/Analyst: Especially for those who integrate Computer Science with Mathematics or Economics, this role involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets to extract insights and inform business or research decisions. The quantitative skills gained are highly valuable here.
Web Developer (Front-end/Back-end/Full-stack): Graduates can specialize in building and maintaining websites. Front-end developers focus on the user interface, back-end developers handle server-side logic and databases, and full-stack developers do both.
Cybersecurity Analyst: With an understanding of computer systems and networks, graduates can work to protect an organization's digital assets from cyber threats, implementing security measures, monitoring for breaches, and responding to incidents.
Systems Analyst: These professionals bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions. They analyze existing computer systems, identify areas for improvement, and design new systems to enhance efficiency and productivity. An integration with Economics or Political Science could be particularly useful here.
IT Project Manager: With strong organizational and problem-solving skills, graduates can oversee the planning, execution, and completion of IT projects, ensuring they meet objectives, timelines, and budgets. This often requires a blend of technical knowledge and leadership.
Database Administrator: Graduates can manage and maintain an organization's databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility. This role is crucial in almost any industry that relies on data.
Machine Learning Engineer/AI Developer: For those with a strong mathematical and computational background from their integrated major, this cutting-edge field involves developing algorithms that enable computers to learn from data and make predictions or perform intelligent tasks.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Particularly for those with a Computer Science and Mathematics or Economics integration, this role in finance involves using mathematical and computational models to analyze financial markets, manage risk, and develop trading strategies.
Technical Consultant: Graduates can work for consulting firms, advising clients on how to best utilize technology to solve business problems, optimize processes, and implement new systems. The interdisciplinary nature of Whittier's program provides a broad understanding applicable to various client needs.
