“Many people need to learn computer science concepts and how to apply them. If you are a social scientist, you need computing skills. If you’re a physicist you will rely on computing."
— Arun Sood, professor of computer science
Arun Sood, a professor of computer science, says students from many different majors can benefit from taking computer science classes.
Current trends suggest that many future jobs will require some computing skills and having those skills will set students apart in their careers, a Mason Engineering professor says.
“Computer science courses enrich students’ educational experience, introduce them to new problem-solving approaches, and increase their job prospects,” says Arun Sood, a professor in the Department of Computer Science.
“Many people need to learn computer science concepts and how to apply them. If you are a social scientist, you need computing skills. If you’re a physicist you will rely on computing,” says Sood, who is retiring this spring. His research focuses on cybersecurity using resilience and restoration techniques, which resulted in six Mason patents and a university spinoff––SCIT Labs, Inc.
Sood is so convinced of the value of computing and the application of those skills that, when he was chair of the computer science department from 2003 to 2006, he began a bachelor of science program in applied computer science.
The degree is designed for students who want to develop expertise in computer science and another discipline. Currently, the program has four concentrations: bioinformatics, computer game design, geography, and software engineering. Students can pursue graduate studies in either computer science or their other discipline.
The best computer science students are eager to “explore and go beyond what they are already familiar with,” Sood says. “They learn analytical skills, as well as programming skills.”
He’s looking forward to the new School of Computing. “It’s a great idea. There’s a trend at other universities to create schools of computing.”
Huzefa Rangwala, chair and professor in the Department of Computer Science, says, “In the future, I imagine the School of Computing will develop several computing-oriented programs integrated across multiple disciplines at the university.
“Computing is ubiquitous and designing these educational programs, courses, and experiences for students that fulfill their interests along with key computing skills are needed today,” Rangwala says. “Arun needs to be commended for his vision towards these multi-disciplinary programs more than a decade ago.”