The Computer Science Concentration at St. Olaf comprises courses and experiences that emphasize the principles of the discipline, integrating the advantages of a liberal-arts education, St. Olaf's tradition of exploring leading-edge computing technology and attention to applications of Computer Science beyond academia. The concentration may be earned in conjunction with any major.
Introductory courses focus on disciplinary principles, always reinforced with applied programming exercises. The complete concentration satisfies basic entry requirements at most graduate schools. Writing and other liberal-arts skills are exercised and developed, alongside technical capabilities, throughout the concentration. St. Olaf was among the first of four-year colleges to use the Unix operating system (1975) and to join the Internet network (1988), and new directions in computing technology continue to inform the concentration program. Internships and contacts with industry link the program to contemporary practical applications of Computer Science.
By means of a contract system for specifying requirements, the concentration conforms to individual student interests, and maintains flexibility to evolve along with the discipline while focusing on enduring fundamental principles.
Computer Science courses are supported by a dedicated network of thirteen Sun workstations, equipped with numerous programming languages and other specialized software and fully connected to the Internet network, plus specific hardware and software that supports advanced courses. Some courses and projects have access to specialized equipment in various departments such as Art, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.