Unsung, unusual program creates unique
opportunity for computer science students at EOU
By Laura Hancock | Media and Publications Writer
University Advancement | lhancock@eou.edu
La Grande, Oregon – Eastern Oregon University’s computer science and multimedia studies program has introduced a new concentration in scientific and statistical computing. The program, SSC for short, is being offered for the first time this year and will provide students with a solid foundation for going into scientific programming.
Photo/Kerry Loewen: Students in the computer science and multimedia studies program make good use of one of the media arts labs on campus.
It is intended to prepare students for a variety of careers in science, including genomics, gene sequencing, market research, financial industry analysis, or graduate school in a scientific discipline.
“I don’t know of any place in the Northwest where you can major specifically in this subject,” says Frederick Pratter, assistant professor of computer science at EOU.
It works like this: The first two years of study, everyone enrolled in the computer science and multimedia studies program covers the same core curriculum. By the time they become juniors, students choose a specialization in traditional computer science, multimedia, or the new scientific and statistical computing. Students also must complete a capstone, or major project, in their area of interest – such as building a Web site that is linked to a database, or creating software for a local business.
The computer science and multimedia program is one of the fastest growing on campus, says Pratter. Because students are exposed to all three concentrations as part of the core curriculum, they will graduate with a broader knowledge of modern technology across the spectrum.
Students in the program share two digital imaging labs and two Linux labs, one for general purpose use, the other dedicated to investigating problems in computer network security. A new high-end scientific computing parallel processing machine will also soon be available for students in the program to use for study complex problems like weather forecasting or gene sequencing.
Pratter hopes that eventually EOU will begin working with the Oregon Health & Science University and Oregon State University to coordinate their computer science programs and collaborate on research projects. Alongside the OHSU recruited scientists, students could work on issues that have a local impact, such as examining the potential health and cultural impacts of the use of nanotechnology.
“We want to bring an advanced scientific and analytic capability to the region and this concentration is intended to prepare students to fill those roles,” says Pratter. “There are no formal barriers in the field. It is truly open to everyone.”
Contact Information for Admissions
Eastern Oregon University
University Advancement
One University Boulevard
Ackerman Hall, Room 209
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: 541-962-3740
Fax: 541-962-3680
Email: advancement@eou.edu