The second floor of the Highline-Central Washington University Higher Education Center (Building 29) was scattered with red tables and tents last week.
Central Washington University representatives excitedly manned the crimson booths, which were dedicated to the university’s computer science department.
Stacy Soderstrom, assistant director of International Student and Scholar Services, explained that Central Washington University is launching a joint computer science curriculum with Highline.
“CWU is here today to highlight this computer science program, which is starting in the fall,” said Soderstom. “We want to encourage all students to join a popular and needed major.”
The new computer science bachelor of science degree makes it easier to earn your certification and transfer to Central Washington University in the future.
Credits you earn through the program transfer more smoothly, allowing more course equivalencies outside of a traditional direct transfer agreement.
Soderstrom added that the partnership helps increase affordability. In-state tuition for three quarters totals under $7,000.
“Dang, that’s a steal!” said one fair attendee.
At the Careers booth, Steve Laing, assistant director of Career Services, discussed job pathways after graduation.
CWU computer science grads land internships and jobs with firms such as Docusign, Salesforce, Microsoft, Tableau, Intel, T-Mobile, Nintendo, and Amazon, he said.
AnnMarie Vo, one of the fair’s attendees, said she was surprised about all of the careers available in computer science.
“I didn’t realize how many options and companies there were. Seeing all the different pathways makes me want to try everything,” said Vo.
The BS degree takes advantage of the broadness of computer science, exploring an array of fields, such as machine learning, big data analysis, and cybersecurity.
Beneath one of the tents, Angela Murry-Walker, academic adviser in the Computer Science department, raved about the program’s hands-on nature.
“The program is project-based, including ‘work and earn’ internships with underlying computer science components,” said Murry-Walker.
Steve Laing said internships are a great way to get your foot in the door of the tech industry and secure more permanent positions later.
As the fair came to a close, the booths handed out their brochures and flyers, along with free Central Washington University swag. Fair attendees snatched up stickers, water bottles, and chargers. Others took advantage of the fair’s free refreshments.
Overall, Murry-Walker said the fair was a success. She invites interested students to join the BS program in the fall.
“The possibilities are endless.”
Catherine Rasgaitis is web editor of the Thunderword.