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.