Major Minor
Why Study Computer Science at K?
As a computer science student, you will gain a firm foundation in computing and the skills to adapt, explore, and thrive in the ever-changing field.
Balancing theory and application, you will not only learn the technical know-how needed to create and implement technologies, but you will also gain a broader understanding of the societal and environmental implications of technology. With this holistic view of computer science, our students are trained to address today’s most pressing technological challenges.
Starting from the basics, like learning coding languages and data structures, you will learn how to write complex code in advanced software development courses. You will additionally learn how to transfer these skills into specialized fields through courses, such as Cryptography, Parallel Algorithms, Machine Learning, and Computing for Environmental Science.
Our alumni have benefited from learning computer science at a liberal arts college as they develop the ability to critically evaluate complex problems, artfully articulate their ideas, as well as understand how their work fits into the larger picture. These skills—along with the technical capabilities they learned in their coursework and their Senior Integrated Project—set our graduates apart and position them for lifelong success.
What can you do with a computer science degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our computer science alumni.
Careers
- Software Engineer
- IT Business Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Lead Developer
- Web Developer
Employers
- Maestro
- Goldman Sachs
- Atomic Object
- Accenture
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- Dartmouth
- University of Virginia
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Boise State University
Program Spotlights
At K, you are not alone in your learning
By studying computer science at K, you are joining a strong community of learners. You will benefit from one-on-one mentorship with your professors, who are interested in guiding your professional passions and getting to know you as an individual. The department is also proud of the strong camaraderie between students. Exemplifying this peer support is the Collaboration Center, a tutoring group where advanced students are available to assist you with assignments, studying for exams and helping you navigate K.
Grow alongside your peers
Our students support one another in their personal, professional, and technical growth throughout their four years. This student bond is fostered across campus—especially through the Computer Science Society, a student group for those interested in taking their CS beyond the classroom. The group regularly meets to cooperatively work on interesting projects and develop new technical skills while also creating space for peer mentorship, networking events, and fostering community.
Graduate with the skills to thrive
You will gain tangible skills to jumpstart your career by completing your Senior Integrated Project (SIP). Typically, computer science majors either conduct independent research—often through Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)—or complete and reflect upon an internship in industry. For example, Abby Stewart ‘22 interned with Sparrow Health Systems as an applications analyst for her SIP, “Applying a Computer Science Education in Healthcare IT.” She applied her liberal arts background to follow medical practitioners to better create the technological infrastructure needed to improve patient outcomes.
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Derik Torres (He/Him/His)
Majors: Computer Science and Mathematics
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The people in the computer science department are some of the nicest and funniest people in the world.
What is your advice to first-years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
On Wednesdays at 4pm there is Tea Time that various math, physics, and computer science majors go to. This is a great opportunity to talk to professors about courses you are considering and a good way to get to know the fellow computer science majors like me.
What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I have and still participate in the Math and Physics Center as a consultant, a TA for various computer science and Math classes, and am currently working as an intern at Argonne National Laboratory building machine learning models.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
My SIP is an exploration of graphs represented as matrices and their associated decompositional properties.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
My current plan is to go to graduate school and do research in the computational mathematics field. I also one day plan on getting a doctorate in mathematics.
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