
Computer Science Major
Learn how to ask important questions, and how to find their answers, through a Computer
Science major. Computer Science is a tool for inquiry. It is an interdisciplinary
field that serves as a foundation for answering modern research questions. Studying
computer science at Washington College, you learn critical problem-solving alongside
programming. Our faculty deeply consider their teaching methods and how best to help
students learn how to know what they need. The department is invested in innovative
teaching methods, running active learning classrooms full of hands-on activities and
groupwork. As part of their coursework, students work in groups, give presentations,
and pursue proposal-based projects. Courses teach students how to approach problems
across disciplines in a variety of scenarios. We have an extra emphasis on teamwork,
communication, and interdisciplinary connections, combining knowledge of the discipline
with technical skills.
Computer science majors receive advising to set them up for success during their college
career and after graduation. By intentionally considering what they want to do after
Washington, they take courses that will help them achieve those goals. One-on-one
research opportunities with faculty, internships, and access to the labs, jobs, and
opportunities around campus all allow students to explore their interests outside
coursework and contextualize concepts learned in the classroom. Students bring existing
interests to their projects and exercise agency during their coursework, providing
them with the opportunity to engage in topics of their own interest and cross-disciplinary
content that further increases opportunities after graduation. Faculty members model
processes to show students how to figure out how to approach new problems and identify
potential solutions.
Majoring in computer science, you will learn how to think algorithmically, the basics
of how modern computers work, and the theory of computation. You can learn about artificial
intelligence, computer graphics, and cybersecurity. You can suggest topics for special
topics courses. Ultimately, students will complete a Senior Capstone Experience (SCE),
which includes a prototype (computer program), a written thesis, and an oral presentation.
Our computer science faculty are dedicated to innovative teaching. Not only are they
pushing you to think beyond the problem in front of you, faculty are committed to
steering you toward the kinds of knowledge you are interested in learning and tools
you need to succeed. The major’s flexibility combined with faculty mentoring makes
it easy for you to double major in another subject that interests you.

Michelle Ly '21
Columbia, Maryland • Captivation Software, LLC"Because I was able to get a liberal arts education, I was able to get into these pockets of communities. I was able to go to events at the Rose O’Neill Literary House, go to theatre events, and listen to visiting speakers on campus for computer science. I was able to interact with very different people over time and get these different aspects and perspectives of life and education. I fell into these different fields that fit into each other at times.”