Student Research
Computer science majors are encouraged
to apply their classroom knowledge of computer science in a number
of different ways. This includes activities such as taking up
internships, part-time jobs and volunteer work.
In addition, the department provides
students with structured ways by which they can apply and expand
their knowledge of computer science. These are primarily the senior
seminar and the honors program, which are described in detail
below. Students may also perform directed studies on topics of
special interest.
Senior Seminar
Senior seminar is a graduation requirement for all majors at Millsaps.
In the computer science department,
senior seminar consists of:
- The senior project
- The written test (Major Field
Achievement Test)
- The senior comprehensives
Senior seminar helps students to
thoroughly review and prepare for life after graduation.
The senior project is a year-long
research project, performed with faculty supervision, on an appropriate
topic selected by the student.
The MFAT is a standardized written
test of computer science administered by the Educational Testing
Service (ETS).
The senior comprehensives consist
of a demonstration and defense of the senior project, as well
as an oral exam on all Computer Science courses taken at Millsaps.
Honors Research
The honors program allows
exceptional students to explore a topic in depth.
The projects have involved
the development of software tools and systems for practical and
challenging problems, using the latest technologies available,
such as JAVA, Virtual Reality, and NT/Active Server.
Students must meet certain
eligibility standards including a minimum grade point average.
Honors graduates are recognized at commencement.
The project is executed
over 3 semesters in collaboration with a faculty advisor, on a
mutually agreed upon topic of research.
The results of the research
are developed into an honors thesis, which the student defends
in an oral exam before the Honors Comitttee.
