Computer Science (CS)
Overview
A computer Scientist must be able to choose the software “building blocks” that best match the operational goals of the system being developed. Computer Scientist jobs vary, ranging from software development as diverse as a new PC operating system, to an accounting package, or even a new computer game. A Computer Science career might include design of a new search engine, running an Internet Service Provider (ISP) business, or performing system administration on a network of workstations.
Every computer chip needs programming in order to function. Programs are the representation of algorithms. In turn, algorithms are detailed sequences of actions to perform to accomplish a task or to solve a problem. Computer science is the systematic study of these algorithms.
MECOP Computer Science students learn to invent algorithms that enable computers to do new things. Professionals in this field should be able to prove the correctness and determine the efficiency of algorithms. MECOP Computer Science internships provide real-world experience in key skills, such as the design of computer systems able to execute algorithms automatically as languages, compilers, and operating systems.
Key Course Highlights
- Operating Systems
- Analysis of Algorithms
- Introduction of Computer Networks
- Database Management Systems
- Computer Architecture
Internship Project Samples
- Web Development
- Database Management
- Java, C/C++ Programming
- Script Programming
- Regression Testing and Test Harness Development
- GPS Navigation and Avionics Simulator
Internship History
Active Company Participants
The following participating companies have taken CS students in the recent past (within the last 5 years):
Student Participation
Participating Universities
MECOP currently accepts Computer Science students from the following universities:
Internship Timeframes
The following timeframes have been laid out by our participating universities for when an internship should be offered. These timeframes have been structured to allow students to participate in the program and not fall behind on their upper-division coursework schedule beyond the terms that internships overlap.
Oregon State University
- Junior Year: Spring-Summer Internship
- Senior Year: Summer-Fall Internship
Oregon Tech
- Junior Year: Summer-Fall Internship
- Senior Year: Summer-Fall Internship
Portland State University
- Junior Year: Spring-Summer Internship
- Senior Year: Spring-Summer Internship
University of Portland
- Junior Year: Summer-Fall Internship
- Senior Year: Summer-Fall Internship
- Spring-Summer Internship: Internship occurring during Spring and Summer school terms (March through September).
- Summer-Fall Internship: Internship occurring during Summer and Fall school terms (June through December).
Coursework Requirements
Each participating university discipline has a set of required courses that must be taken to stay on schedule for program participation. Theses requirements are optimized to provide the necessary skills to participate in MECOP's internships while minimizing the amount of time added to receiving a degree. If you are a student and want to discuss your current academic qualifications please see our directory of advisors for a list of staff members familiar with MECOP.
- For a full listing of coursework requirements, please visit: https://www.mecopinc.org/students/course-requirements
- Need a spreadsheet to plan your coursework? For sample worksheets, please visit: https://www.mecopinc.org/students/curriculum-plans
Coursework Requirements:
Academic Advisors
- Need to talk to an advisor familiar with MECOP? For advisor contact info, please visit: https://www.mecopinc.org/universities/advisors