Hillsdale needs computer science

Home Opinion Hillsdale needs computer science

The recent announcement of Computer Science Professor Rein Zeller’s retirement presents an awkward discussion to the Hillsdale College community. Few students could mention the fact that he is the resident Computer Science professor, or that the math department commemorated his retirement by dumping the CS program from its course selection.

Hillsdale may not be the next “Silicon Valley,” but the lack of attention given to a CS program at the college is concerning. We cannot ignore that the modern job climate increasingly demands for people who possess basic programming and problem-solving skills. Hillsdale College is not an institution purely focused on getting students jobs, and its resistance to the “degree factory” trend present in American universities is worthy of praise. The Princeton Review lists biology, English, and history as the top three degrees received at this college, demonstrating a focus on both degrees in science and the humanities. “Convinced that it is the best preparation for meeting the challenges of modern life, Hillsdale offers the traditional, classically-based, liberal arts,” Princeton’s profile reads.

This liberal arts concept of a well-rounded student falls on its face when ACT credit makes mathematics an afterthought and computer science is hidden under the stairs like an orphaned wizard. The student body does not demand courses in CS because the faculty does nothing to advertise its presence. A highly-selective institution such as ours cannot ignore the widespread growth of computer-related jobs and education in America. High schools across the country are adding CS courses to their curriculum, even making it required in some cases.

The lack of expansion in the computer science program is partially the result of the campus’ polarized academic climate. The humanities majors are perfectly content to dodge math courses while the average business or science student is still required to attend courses in English, history, religion and philosophy. Yet students of the humanities take for granted the work that goes on to enable word processors, image editing, and web page design. In a few years, no one will even be able to explain what a “disk” is, or why the computer labs are so slow (try rebooting).

This field is not a business add-on or a nerd’s pipe dream. Many non-programmers hold the assumption that CS majors learn a specific language for a single career. The truth is that programmers are trained to pick up any language their employer presents to them. Programming is just as much an art as designing a building, or constructing an argument. People slave for hours trying to design user interfaces for Microsoft and Apple, resulting in countless updates to software used by millions. The code behind computers, ATMs, and card swipes is a field of study in itself, and should not be seen as a disposable accessory of the math or business departments.

If we expect students at Hillsdale to master the liberal arts, then we must recognize the influence of CS on mathematics, geometry, music production, and astronomy. The ability to code is no longer just a skill found in the basements of suburban families. Hillsdale needs a computer science program, even just a minor, to maintain relevance and meet “the challenges of modern life.”