Computer Science grads score in 99th-percentile on national field test

Calvin's 2012 graduating class of computer science majors all scored above
average on the ETS Computer Science Major Field Test. The national exam
measures a student's knowledge in computer programming, discrete structures and
systems. Compared to other school's averages, Calvin students scored at the
99th-percentile, placing the graduating class in the top one-percent
nationally.

"We're a tough program. It's not easy, and students who make it through have
to be pretty strong students, by and large," said Joel Adams, a professor of
computer science at Calvin. "A lot of the students coming in had no background
in computing in high school. So, to me, Calvin has elevated their computing
skills from a very low level coming in to well enough to do well on this
national exam when they exit."

Adams says that he can't remember a computer science or information systems
graduate in recent years who has had trouble finding a job in his or her field
upon graduation. In fact, he recalls quite a few who have had their pick, and
says, there is a lot of work out there to be had.

"We are scratching our heads right now, to say, 'Where can we get more
people?'” said David Dorner, president of DornerWorks, Ltd. in Grand Rapids,
Mich. "We are definitely seeing a need right now [for software developers]."

And Dorner '93 has relied heavily on Calvin grads to fill those needs: almost
half of his employees graduated from his alma mater. He notes a great
attitude, a good work ethic and technical competency among the factors that
make Calvin grads so appealing to employers. He also says the interdisciplinary
approach that Calvin takes, allows students to understand software both as
computer scientists and as engineers.

"Having a bachelor of science from Calvin gives you a well-rounded view of a
stewardly, responsible approach," he said. "It's not only technical competence,
but also how you fit well into the culture of our company and what we are
trying to do."

Mark Lardieri, president of CQL Corp. says he doesn't hesitate hiring Calvin
grads either.

"We find the graduates from Calvin to be serious and to have a very good
understanding of what they want to do long term in their careers," said
Lardieri. "They are passionate about technology, and have been great additions
to our team."

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections and recent
graduation rates suggest that between 2010 and 2020, there will be 3.5
computing jobs for every Computer Science graduate, Adams said.

"With 3.5 jobs per graduate, with current graduation levels, we could double
the number of majors graduating, and there would still be a shortfall," said
Adams. "And most of us find computing to be fun, creative work: if you can
write software, you can change today's world."

In recent years, Calvin computer science grads have landed jobs at Boeing,
Facebook, Google, IBM and Microsoft. They also work in ministries and
government agencies such as Wycliffe Bible Translators, the FBI and the Peace
Corps. Many graduates also purse advanced degrees at top-notch universities,
including Michigan, MIT, Ohio State, Purdue, Stanford, Texas and Wisconsin.

For more information, contact computing@calvin.edu

-end-

Matt Kucinski
Media Relations Manager
Calvin College
msk23@calvin.edu
616.526.8935 (office)
616.307.7429 (cell)
Received on Thu Oct 18 14:03:28 2012