Computer Science at Barnard: Morgan's Story
Deciding on a major can seem overwhelming considering it is a turning point and an important decision in one’s college career. While some students come in knowing exactly what they want to study at Barnard, others have no idea what academic path they would like to pursue. As someone who came in undecided, I was excited to try new things and explore courses in academic fields I had never ventured into before. After delving into different academic disciplines during my first couple semesters at Barnard ranging from economics to gender studies and political science to mathematics, excitement pulsed through my veins when I finally declared a double major in computer science and sociology. As Barnard is in the process of growing and building its own computer science department, I thought it would be helpful to share my experience for those considering a major in computer science, and to highlight some of the incredible resources I have taken advantage of at both Barnard and Columbia so far that have helped me navigate the major and pursue my interest.
In terms of classes, the first course that counts toward the major is called Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java. I remember walking into a large lecture hall of around 400 hundred students, split between students who were excited to learn their first programming language, students who had prior coding experience but wanted to further develop their skills in college, and others who were testing the waters to see if computer science was even for them. During this course, we learned the basics of algorithmic logic and problem-solving, abstract computer science principles, and how to code in Java. Throughout the semester, we worked on various projects that stretched us as programmers, one of the most memorable was coding a poker game. This year, as a sophomore, the computer science classes I am taking are Discrete Math and Advanced Programming, which continue to challenge and push me to think in ways that I hadn’t before. While I initially came in with the preconception that coding would be an antisocial activity, sitting in the dark staring at a screen all day, I was quickly proved wrong by the computer science atmosphere at Columbia and Barnard. For me, I realized how innovative and creative computer science is and through looking into professor’s research projects, I learned about the ways technology can be used for social good. As a sociology major as well, that certainly heightened my interest. Through this major, I have truly been taught by engaging professors and have found a group of passionate, intellectually stimulated individuals to share this experience with.
While most of my Computer Science classes have been across the street at Columbia, I want to spotlight some of the incredible resources Barnard offers to support students interested in coding and technology. Located on the 5th floor of Milstein library, one of my favorite resources has been the Vagelos Computer Science Center, informally known to students as the math and computer science collaborative space and help room. The room serves as a space for students to collaborate and socialize, made easy by the large tables, whiteboards, blackboards, projectors, and incredibly comfortable green chairs available to the students. Throughout the week, you can find extremely qualified computer science tutoring, staffed by Barnard students who can provide personalized help on anything computer science related. Additionally, several Teaching Assistants (TAs) hold their office hours in this space, so there are almost always resources available for students seeking help.
Another incredible resource I have used is the Athena Digital Design Academy (ADDA). I enrolled in an extracurricular HTML/CSS course on web design and development. We met weekly to learn how to use GitHub and eventually build our own website. I ended up creating a blog where I displayed images of simple dishes I have cooked and recipes I have attempted. Others made websites to share their photography or art portfolios. It was a great way to meet other aspiring developers, and served as an open space to learn our own and ask an instructor any questions we had throughout the process. A resource I have yet to try is the Barnard Design Center located in Milstein library. The design center offers training and resources to work on projects, from prototyping with 3D printers to learning how to sew and embroider fabrics. It is on my bucket list to use this resource before I graduate!
I never imagined that I would be a computer science major but I am so glad that I stumbled into it during my first year. Not only has it challenged me and stretched my capacity intellectually, it has taught me to be a better problem-solver, logical thinker, and creative person. I have found some older computer science majors at Barnard who have been incredible mentors and resources and have given me advice about classes down the road in the major, what professors I should try to take, and how to land internships. Moreover, since computer science is considered a male-dominated field, I am inspired by the Barnard women who are challenging these norms and pursuing their passions. As the Barnard Computer Science Department is growing, I hope to take a computer science class at Barnard in the near future, engage in research with extremely accomplished and wonderful professors, and explore what else the major offers.
-Morgan Zee