Welcome to the Department of Computer Science. The underlying and guiding philosophy of the Department of Computer Science and the B.Sc. (Computer Science) programme is to promote scholarship, as well as the search for and the application of scientific knowledge through education, training research and community extension. The Department is committed to pursuing this philosophy through the provision of a world-class programme in Computer Science aimed at training highly skilled and globally-employable computer scientists and conducting cutting-edge research in the field of computer science.

MISSION STATEMENT

To serve as an international center of excellence in the provision of high-quality holistic education, and professional training in computing sciences; as well as serve as a leading center for cutting-edge advanced research and development work in current and emerging subject areas of Computing Science. By integrating faith and learning, it is hoped that graduates will be equipped to exert positive intellectual, moral and professional influence in the practice of Computing Science.

THE RATIONALE

The need for trained computer scientists is one of the challenges that face the rapidly growing Ghanaian economy. The world economy is experiencing the effects of rapid globalization and the impact of the emerging information age characterized by information and communication technologies (ICTs). The role that the Computer Science field and industry can play to support the socio-economic development process has been recognized by governments world-wide including the government of Ghana.

It has also been acknowledged that the world-wide shortage of qualified human resources in the computer field had been one of the main obstacles to the deployment, exploitation and the development of ICTs to accelerate economic and social development. This problem is more felt in the developing countries like Ghana, than is the case in the industrialized countries.

NATIONAL DEMAND FOR THE PROGRAMME

In Ghana, the need for trained personnel of integrity, good work ethics, excellent professional skills and positive human relations to contribute towards the realization of Ghana’s socio-economic development cannot be over-emphasized. Specifically, there is an urgent need in Ghana to meet the short fall in Computer Science graduates with the requisite skills. This programme is, therefore, designed to address the major area of manpower requirements of the nation by preparing qualified youth for Computer Science careers in the public and private sectors of the economy.

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF STUDENTS

The worldwide shortage of computer professionals is a well-known phenomenon. In Ghana, as in other countries, there is an acute shortage of qualified computer personnel.

The market for Computer Science graduates in Ghana and elsewhere is large and growing. Almost every sector needs computer personnel and as such the employment prospects of Computer Science graduates are great in every country including Ghana. Experience from elsewhere shows that graduates in this field are in high demand and most students on this type of programme are normally offered jobs before graduation.

We, therefore, expect a very high demand in Ghana and elsewhere for graduates of the VVU Computer Science programme. Graduates of the programme can go on to pursue professional career in computer science in basically any type of establishment in both the private and the public sector.

Graduates will typically be employed as: systems analysts, computer system administrators, network managers, analyst programmers, software or system developers, software support staff, hardware support staff, computer systems engineers or technicians, business system analysts, among others. The field of computer science has one of the most attractive career advancement prospects in both the private and public sector.

There are also numerous opportunities for pursuing postgraduate studies up to the PhD. Level in the field of computer science in leading universities world-wide. Graduates may also have the opportunity both within and outside Ghana to join R&D teams involved in cutting-edge research and development work in advanced computer systems.

THE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Computer Science Department are:

· To teach students the underlying fundamentals of computer software, computer hardware, computer-related mathematical systems and how computers interact with the rest of society.

· To encourage graduates of the programme to go into self-employment by creating their own computer-based businesses, for example: local and off-shore software development and maintenance; computer hardware system assembling, repair and maintenance and emerging computer services like, mobile, Web-hosting and publishing services, desktop publishing services, information provision services, computer design services, and e-commerce services.

· To create opportunities for students to apply their theoretical knowledge through work-study and practicum programmes;

· To develop in students the ability to think critically and to develop the highest levels of human values;

· To encourage students to appreciate the dignity of labor through work-study program;

· To encourage students to dedicate their lives to leadership in selfless service to God and to humanity through participation in community service.