Every Doane Computer Science graduate will have at least one major independent project, developed as part of their senior capstone course. In addition, there are opportunities to engage in undergraduate research projects, while working one-on-one with Doane faculty members. Current research areas of interest include machine learning (neural networks and genetic algorithms), virtual reality applications developed in Doane’s VR lab, computer vision as applied to the natural sciences, and high-performance computing utilizing Doane’s very own supercomputer, Onyx. Many of these capstone and research projects have led to conference publications and presentations by Doane students.
Student Organizations
Doane Academic Competition Team: Programming
The Doane programming team competes in at least two intercollegiate programming competitions each year, matching their skills against teams from other colleges and universities from all over the upper midwest. The team meets weekly to practice, learning how to solve complicated problems with advanced programming techniques. Starting in the 2019-2020 academic year, members of the programming team will earn college credit for participating in the practices and competitions. In addition, scholarships are available for team members.
Student Organizations
The Guild
The Guild is Doane's largest themed community. Hosted out of Smith Hall the guild is focused around all things gaming! Video games, board games, card games, and more! They host a number of events on campus throughout the year including charity live-streams and gaming competitions. Guild members also have access to the Smith gaming room in the basement equipped with two large televisions and ample room for gaming of all sorts.
Student Organizations
Project SERVE & Noyce Scholars
Interested in having K-12 students get excited about science? Doane has received the largest National Science Foundation grant in school history with a goal of recruiting and retaining STEM teachers in urban and rural schools in Nebraska, where they are needed the most. Ten Doane undergraduate STEM students will receive $14,000 in their junior year and $24,000 in their senior year and become apart of a group of students who will participate in seminars, have a mentor from a urban or rural school and attend STEM education conferences all with a goal of preparing you to teach in a high need urban or rural school.
Special Programs
Exceptional Student Curriculum (ESC)
The purpose of the Exceptional Student Curriculum (ESC) is to provide undergraduate students majoring in Computing unique curricular offerings to complement their Doane liberal arts education. In order to be successful taking these offerings, students must have demonstrated sustained academic excellence, be self-motivated, and have strong independent learning skills.
Courses available each semester to students as part of the ESC come from undergraduate courses designed jointly by a student and an CS faculty member and offered as a Doane directed study with content from external partners including Microsoft Professional Program in the Cloud AdminCSration, IT Support, and Artificial Intelligence tracks, and EdX partners in computer-related areas. Paths to Masters degrees and professional certifications are available.
Special Programs
Computing w/ Honors
Students who have academically excelled have the option of entering the Computing with Honors program. Students apply for the program typically in their sophomore year and must be unanimously approved by the Computing program faculty. Once approved, in addition to completing additional courses, the student will complete a significant undergraduate research project working with a faculty member. The undergraduate research is often completed during the summer, and if part of Doane’s larger summer research program, has stipends associated with it.
Special Programs
Three-Year Graduation Program
Students who have earned significant number of college credits through AP or dual-enrollment programs may be eligible for the three-year graduation program in Computing. These students, in conjunction with an advisor in the Computing department, create an academically-intensive three-year schedule, allowing them to complete the four-year degree in three years.
The Doane Difference
Flexibility & Options
The Information Science and Technology Department offers two majors, Computing and Information Systems. Each involve the same four core courses and the same two focus areas (software development and information technology). Students can explore both majors before choosing one and can pursue either focus area from both majors.
Technical and Essential Non-Technical Competencies
The Computing program is designed to immerse the student in experiences which will allow them to gain competencies that are both technical and non-technical, but mutually essential to be successful in the industry.
Active and Experiential Learning
Our students are expected to be active participants in their learning during class time. You should also expect to engage as developing professionals through a community service project, internship, and capstone project along with research opportunities in machine learning, parallel processing and virtual reality.
Career Information
Helpful Links
Whether you’re ready to apply or still testing the waters with a tour, we’re here for you. Here are some helpful links to assist you on your journey.
