Computer Science

• You care about major societal and global challenges and are interested in thoughtfully using computation to address them.
• You want to understand how computation shapes the world around you
• You are interested in creating apps and software to solve real-world problems
• You are excited about using computing technology for creative expression
• You want to create artificial intelligence that betters the world 
• You enjoy applying systematic, logical thinking to complex, impactful problems.

Computer Science (CS) is the art and science of problem solving using computation. A CS education enables you to solve the problems you think are most important, across a wide array of disciplines, not just those someone else thinks are  relevant. It gives you the skills to create and rigorously evaluate technology, not just consume it. A day in a CS classroom might involve building new AI tools and reflecting on their societal impact, researching the needs of prospective users, writing the software that powers the world, proving a proposed algorithm is correct and fast, and algorithmically generating beautiful art. 

Computational problem solving is an integral part of a liberal arts education. In our courses we invite our students to engage at the intersection of computation with the arts, sciences, and social sciences while building skills in algorithmic reasoning, problem-solving, and programming. Through our Responsible Computing program many of our courses address the social impacts of computing technologies and the responsibilities of the designers of computational tools. 

Students who visit our department for a course or two will find themselves with powerful new tools to solve problems in disciplines ranging from physics to sociology to art history. Students who continue with the major will find a welcoming ecosystem of student groups, faculty, and academic support; opportunities for research and advanced projects; key skills to carry into the workforce; and an expansive view of the role of computational technology in the 21st century.

Faculty and Students

The Computer Science Department offers a flexible major in computer science as well as a minor, and our students are involved in exciting computing work inside and outside of our classes. The department currently has 12 faculty members and one assistant in instruction. Many are involved in projects that often involve students.