Energized by innovative new courses and research opportunities, Whitworth's computer science program has grown from 36 to 51 majors over the past two years while most other computer science programs in the region are shrinking.
In response to evolving trends and needs in the high-tech marketplace, Whitworth recently launched a degree in international software management and a course, in partnership with Microsoft Corp., on quality assurance in software management.
Susan Mabry, professor and chair of the math & computer science department, says few other schools in the country offer a degree in international software management. The program builds on Whitworth's strengths in computer science theory, software development, cross-cultural study and the liberal arts.
"This new degree option presents an exciting opportunity for students to graduate from Whitworth prepared with advanced computing knowledge, effective communication skills, appreciation for cultural differences, awareness of international challenges in the software industry, and the confidence to interact effectively in a global economy," says Mabry, who will soon lead her second Jan Term computer science study program to Ireland and Wales.
The new software quality-assurance course was developed in response to a request from Cherie Eckholm, '87, a senior test lead at Microsoft who says that the industry is in dire need of more qualified software-testing and quality-assurance engineers. Associate Professor of Computer Science Peter Tucker, '91, a former Microsoft engineer himself, developed a course that quickly filled up even though it was offered late in the fall registration process. Eckholm says Microsoft is encouraging other universities to develop similar courses.
"To our knowledge, most other offerings of a course in quality assurance are at the graduate level," Tucker says. "It is a great opportunity for our students, and should open up more employment opportunities for them."
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