Computer Science Major

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's computer science program. Internships, field experiences, independent study projects, undergraduate research and co-curricular activities offer real-world learning.

INTERNSHIPS/FIELD EXPERIENCES

BW's 20-minute proximity to Cleveland puts you within easy access to technology firms, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. A high demand for computer science skills often enables students to secure internships early in their academic careers, sometimes as soon as the summer following freshman year. Most students have multiple internships prior to graduation.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study offers students enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom for individualized and advanced study. Students work one-on-one with a faculty member.

RESEARCH

In addition to curriculum-based research opportunities, students can get involved with ongoing research work through the Faculty Student Collaboration program.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Personally and professionally rewarding, student organizations and activities foster skills in leadership and teamwork. Opportunities include:

ACM Student Chapter

This computer club sponsors the annual Baldwin Wallace University High School Programming Competition each April, hosts speakers and organizes several social events, including LAN parties and more.

Programming Team

Student teams compete in several intercollegiate programming contests each year.

Cyber Defense Team

This organization is comprised of students interested in network issues. They meet regularly with a faculty member to discuss topics of interest and work on special projects related to computer networks. Members of this group compete in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program

The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program is open to Ohio residents who are entering Baldwin Wallace in the fall as a first-year student or transfer student and are interested in computer science. Students are eligible to apply to the program which also offers the Choose Ohio First scholarship, awarding substantial annual, renewable scholarships.

Student Achievements

Computer science students are regularly recognized for their achievements. The UPE National Computer Science Honorary is a national organization for juniors and seniors who have excelled in their computer studies.

At the annual Honors Ceremony in the spring, recognitions include:

• The Anthony and Patricia Lauria Scholarship in Computer Science and Information Systems (in honor of Dr. Anthony Lauria, a professor of mathematics and computer science 1984-2002, and Patricia Kirby Lauria '91).
• The Charles and Elsie Little Scholarship (honoring the parents of Dr. Richard Little, professor of mathematics and computer science 1975-2013). The scholarship is designated for computer science majors with a major or minor in mathematics.
• Outstanding Computing Student Award (in honor of Kenneth Weiss, Jr. who taught at BW 1972-2010).
• Outstanding Senior Awards, which recognize a student in each of the computing majors.
• The Sullivan/Schmidt Prize for Computing (in honor of Chris Sullivan, who was an administrator/adjunct faculty member, and his grandparents).

STUDY ABROAD BOOSTS CAREER MARKETABILITY

The opportunity to experience another culture and gain an international perspective is invaluable to your professional development and will add to your career options. Benefits include:

• Understanding computing issues from an international perspective
• Expanding cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
• Preparing for an increasingly diverse and international workplace
• Broadening academic horizons
• Improving language skills (although most classes are taught in English)
• Experiencing a different culture
• Building an international network of contacts