The department of mathematics and computing has achieved regional and national recognition for its innovative programs. The department has been named one of the Top 101 Success Stories in the integration of computer technology into the classroom by EDUCOM, a national educational computing organization. A computerized classroom/lab provides students at all levels with regular access to hardware and software comparable to that used in business and industry. The incorporation of technology into the classroom is part of the department’s emphasis on active learning, in which students are encouraged to work individually and in teams to discover features and applications of fundamental concepts and to complete real-life projects.

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Available Majors in Computing

The emphasis of the majors in computing is on the mastery of basic principles and practical experience, providing the fundamental knowledge necessary to keep pace with the rapid rate of change in the computing field. This development occurs in a carefully designed progression from the freshman-level courses, which provide an introduction to the field of computing, problem solving, logical reasoning, and the development of software systems. Development also occurs in the senior project, which includes the analysis, design, and implementation of a computer-based solution to a real-world problem. All students interested in either of the two computing areas begin their training with a programming course emphasizing object-oriented programming using the C++ programming language. Graduates and employers alike have cited the hands-on nature of our program and the individual attention received from professors in small classrooms as primary factors in our students’ success in job placement and advancement.

• Computer Science provides students with both theoretical and practical background in the fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software. This major or minor has proven to be particularly strong career preparation when combined with additional study in applied mathematics, chemistry, or physics.
   
• Computer Information Systems provides preparation for students who wish to pursue careers as applications programmers, systems analysts, or software engineers in business and industry. Related courses in management and accounting provide a strong business orientation for these students. A major or minor in computer information systems is highly marketable and can be effectively combined with additional study in the areas of business, accounting, or economics.

Internships

Recent internships taken on by Franklin College students in the field of computing include:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Interactive Intelligence Inc.
Bailey & Kastner, Inc.
Benchmark Records
Bitwise Solutions, Inc.
Franklin Community School Corp.
Cactus Graphics
Bloomington Hospital
Johnson CO. Memorial Hospital
Franklin College I.T. Service

Opportunities

Graduates are teaching in public schools and at the college level and are also working for large employers such as Eli Lilly & Company, USA Funds, EDS, American States Insurance, Cummins, Inland Mortgage, and American United Life Insurance. In addition to, they are also working for smaller companies such as Premier Solutions and Software Artistry (consulting firms), Sagian Inc. (which provides software for robots used in chemical laboratories), and Prism Data Services Inc. (which implements medical software).

For those interested in graduate school, fellowships and assistantships are available which cover tuition and provide additional stipends of over $10,000 per year. Those who have chosen graduate school have compiled successful records at the doctorate and master’s level at the following schools:

• Georgia Tech
• Indiana University
• Vanderbilt University
• Ohio State University
• Auburn University
• University of Cincinnati
• Miami University (Ohio)