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Computer Science Major

School of Science and Engineering

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Computer Science Department

Andrew Watkins
Chair and Associate Professor, Computer Science Department
(440) 826-2396, anwatkin@bw.edu

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OVERVIEW

Today's technology-driven communication relies on the strategic thinking and creative problem solving of computer science professionals.

BW's computer science major is a rigorous program that combines theoretical study in computer science and mathematics with applied learning in areas such as software development, database systems and systems design.

The program provides a strong foundation for addressing current technologies and adapting to new ones as they emerge.

Hands-on learning is inherent to the major. Complex projects provide you with opportunities to gain insights and skills for applying creativity, critical thinking and problem solving to creating solutions for PC, web and mobile platforms. A required senior research project provides insight into how cutting-edge techniques and technologies are explored.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Software engineer
  • Web developer/engineer
  • Computer programmer
  • Database developer
  • Consultant
  • Computer science researcher
  • Three computer science major students work together as a group.

    In and Out of the Classroom

    BW computer science students benefit from small class sizes and learning opportunities to work one-on-one or in small groups with their professors.

  • Image of Knowlton Center

    State-of-the-Art STEM Center

    BW's Knowlton Center provides students with innovative learning experiences in engineering, mathematics, computer science and physics that will enable them to explore cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling and simulation, robotics and optics while connecting with industry leaders.

Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Careers on the Rise

Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Combined BS/MBA

An optional five-year BS/MBA program combines a computer science major with a minor in business administration and an MBA degree. This program prepares graduates for positions in computer and information systems management that require a strong technical background, good communication skills and in-depth understanding of the business world.

Expand Your Studies

Students interested in the computer science major may also be interested in cybersecurity analyst and software engineering.

CURRICULUM

Offered as a major and a minor, computer science prepares you for immediate employment or to enter graduate programs in computer science, operations research, computers in management or other related fields.

The common core of all the programs in BW's computer science department includes programming and problem solving as well as exposure to the mathematics, computer architecture, paradigms and theory that underlie the computing discipline.

The computer science major prepares students to:

  • Apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
  • Analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
  • Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
  • Understand professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
  • Recognize the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
  • Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
  • Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the trade-offs involved in design choices
  • Apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of carrying complexity
Course Catalog

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.

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 annual, renewable scholarships of up to $5,000.

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

ALUMNI SUCCESS

At Baldwin Wallace, you'll experience personal and professional growth in a supportive community that challenges and inspires you to succeed.

Baldwin Wallace has long championed the success of its students. Evidence of this can be seen in the extraordinary achievements of its alumni spread throughout the United States and the world.

Recent BW computer science graduates are finding success in a variety of careers.

Cody GouldCody Gould '21, Associate Technical Consultant, Salesforce. "BW was crucial to my success. The computer science faculty supported and pushed me to not only grasp concepts, but deeply understand them. They helped to garner crucial connections, which led to internships and employment. Internships exposed me to the industry and reinforced concepts from courses."

Jordan SherwinJordan Sherwin '21, Director of IT & Instructor, Trinity High School. "My research with Dr. Yang allowed me to get a better understanding of how to teach computer science to future programmers. I was a member of CS+ with Dr. Krupp, which gave me insight on my career path. BW faculty helped to solidify my decision to work in computer science education."

Sam Kratsas Sam Kratsas '20, Software Engineer, Wunderkind. "My computer science instructors taught not only programming but soft skills: writing, presenting and thinking outside the box. These set me apart in an ever-changing industry. The BW Center for Innovation & Growth also helped to showcase my ideas which led to many opportunities and jumpstarted my career."

Tyler HardyTyler Hardy '19, Software Engineer, Keyfactor. "My professors were always willing to go the extra mile. My thesis helped me to learn how to properly research and critically think through results, and to get better at discussing my work with peers and faculty. My OEConnection internship taught me how to be a professional and that I had what it takes to be a software engineer."

Christen Ford Christen Ford '18, Data Engineering Specialist, Nationwide. "The undergraduate research I did with Dr. Watkins prepared me for graduate study. I focused on database systems, data engineering and machine learning. As a project with the IOT Collaborative, I built a distributed sensor visualization platform for my thesis. I received a M.S. in software engineering from CSU."

FACULTY

Navneet Grant

Assistant Professor
DBA, Information Systems, Cleveland State University

Navneet Grant

Rachelle Kristof Hippler

Coordinator & Professor, Software Engineering
D.Ed., Leadership & Policy Studies, Bowling Green State University

Rachelle Kristof Hippler

Brian Krupp

Associate Professor
D.Eng., Cleveland State University

Brian Krupp

Andrew Watkins

Chair, Computer Science Department
Ph.D, Computer Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK

Andrew Watkins

Full-Time Faculty

Andrew Watkins
Chair and Associate Professor, Computer Science Department
Ph.D., University of Kent, UK

Kenneth Atchinson
Associate Professor
M.S., Kent State University

Navneet Grant
Assistant Professor
DBA, Cleveland State University

Rachelle Kristof Hippler
Coordinator, Software Engineering
Director, UX Research Lab
Professor
D.Ed., Bowling Green State University

Brian Krupp
Associate Professor
D.Eng., Cleveland State University

Adjunct Faculty

Lynda Carter
Lecturer
MBA, Baldwin Wallace University

Nik Molley
Lecturer
MBA, Baldwin Wallace University

Frank E. Shoemaker
Lecturer
M.C.I.S., Cleveland State University

Susan M. Skowronski
Lecturer
M.S., University of Akron

Michele Snell
Lecturer
MBA, Baldwin Wallace University