Experiential Learning
The College of Charleston, the School of Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering and the Department of Computer Science are all in on experiential learning.
Whether you're interested in research, studying abroad or diving into an internship, there are many opportunities for you to get real-world experience.
Hands on Learning
Research Labs
Our dedicated research faculty is engaged in various computing research areas. For details on individual interests, please visit our faculty pages. Professors are always looking for students to participate in research, so feel free to reach out if you're interested!
Several faculty members run advanced research labs.
Capstone Project
All of our majors take a 3-credit hour capstone course. For the duration of the semester, they work on a small team in an Agile environment on a semester long software project for a real industry client.
Students present their work at our annual Harbor Walk After 5 event.
Study Abroad
Since the Department of Computer Science at the College of Charleston was established in 1980, our computer science students have been coding around the world. CS Students have studied abroad in Estonia, Italy, Turkey, Japan, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Greece, and many other countries around the globe. In addition to studying abroad, CS Students have traveled around the world presenting their undergraduate research at international conferences in Australia, Austria, Ireland, Italy, and others.
Summer in Spain
The Department of Computer Science in partnership with the Department of Hispanic Studies offers a 5-week summer study abroad program in Trujillo, Spain. Spend your summer earning CofC credit while taking a language and culture class and a computing class in the Coria, a 15th century restored convent. Live with our wonderful host families in Trujillo for an extraordinary opportunity to improve fluency in Spanish and experience the Spanish culture firsthand. Language classes and the Computing and Society class will be integrated with experiences outside of the classroom. In addition to visits to local sites of interest, there will be excursions to other cities throughout the program.
Explore your world
Through the Center for International Education, students can select from a variety of study abroad programs: Affiliate Programs, College of Charleston Faculty Led Programs, or International Exchange Programs. Scholarships are also available for students through the Center for International Education to assist with funding.
To Get Started: Explore your options – Meet with your CS Faculty Advisor or talk to CS@CofC students that have studied abroad!
International Exchange Programs through CofC that offer Computer Science courses in English:
- University of Nottingham, Ningbo (China)
- University of Tartu (Estonia)
- The American College in Greece (Greece)
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy)
- Bahcesehir University (Turkey)
- University of Hertfordshire (United Kingdom)
Attend an Advising Session at the Center for International Education
Apply and Study Abroad!
Internships
While the responsibility of finding an internship is the priority of the student, through partnerships with tech companies, the department and the College are prepared to help with your search. Students are frequently sent emails highlighting opportunities. The department regularly hosts events connecting students with potential employers and sends out a student resume book to our industry partners.
Benefits:
- Apply what you have learned
- Gain hands-on experience
- Improve professional and social skills
- Bolster your professional confidence and resume
Resources for current students are available on the CofC Computer Science Student Hub.
Internship leads to career for student
Go Everywhere, Do Everything
Innovation Center
The second floor of Harbor Walk East houses the Student Innovation Center, available to all CS students even after hours. Use the 3D printers, play in the VR room, meet in the conference rooms, study, relax, or play games.
Learn about the Innovation CenterStudent Organizations
Connect, learn from and work with peers with similar interests. Join one of our student organizations:
- Computing in the Arts Club
- Cybersecurity Club
- Data Science Club
- Esports Club
- Women in Computing Club
- Women in STEM
- Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society
Current students can find more information on our student clubs on the College of Charleston Computer Science Student Hub.
Get involved
Become a Computer Science Department student ambassador, volunteer for department events, work at our front desk, become a peer advisor, join a student club, participate in a hackathon or competition, do hands-on research and make the most of your time with us!