I'm a high school junior trying to find smaller liberal arts colleges with good computer science programs. I like the idea of a close-knit campus, but I also want strong academics in CS. Any recommendations?
When considering small liberal arts colleges for a Computer Science (CS) education, a few notable institutions come to mind:
1. Harvey Mudd College: Known for its strong engineering and computer science programs, Harvey Mudd College also provides a solid liberal arts foundation to create well-rounded graduates with strong problem-solving skills.
2. Williams College: Although it is grounded in the liberal arts, Williams College has a robust and increasingly popular computer science program. The college provides a broad foundation in computer science theory and offers an array of electives.
3. Swarthmore College: Swarthmore is known for blending the liberal arts and sciences seamlessly. The CS department offers a variety of courses ranging from robotics to algorithm design, and includes research opportunities.
4. Pomona College: The computer science department at Pomona collaborates closely with the other Claremont Colleges, which allows students to explore numerous interdisciplinary and cross-institution opportunities.
5. Amherst College: While Amherst is a liberal arts school famous for its open curriculum, its CS program is also substantial. The college’s open curriculum allows students to delve into many areas within CS.
6. Grinnell College: Grinnell's CS department is distinctive due to its emphasis on algorithm design and the theory of computation. Here, students get ample opportunities to work on research projects.
Remember to investigate each college's course offerings, faculty, and research opportunities in the CS department to gauge the program's strength and see if it aligns with your career goals and interests in CS. Spend time hearing from current students and alumni, as this can be a valuable source of information not readily available elsewhere.
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