The course offerings in computer science prepare you for professional employment or continued study in graduate school.
Students normally begin with the introductory course in computer science and programming. This is followed by intermediate courses that cover the basic issues of hardware and software. Students learn a variety of high-level programming languages (including C/C++ and Scheme), assembly language, the UNIX operating system, object-oriented programming and gain familiarity with the university and departmental computer hardware.
Many areas of theoretical and applied computer science are covered in the advanced courses. Majors take courses in the theory of computation and analysis of algorithms. The department offers applied courses in database theory, operating systems and artificial intelligence. For students interested in computer languages, course offerings include compiler design and the theory of programming languages.
Computer science students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering may choose to participate in Ohio Wesleyan's 3-2 engineering program. Under this option, a student completes a specially-designed computer science major in three years and then transfers to one of several participating engineering schools for two additional years. Upon successfully completing this five-year course of study, the student receives a computer science degree from Ohio Wesleyan and an engineering degree from the engineering school. Participating schools currently include Case Western Reserve University, Rensselaer Polytechnic University, and Washington University in St. Louis.
Undergraduate research, performed under the mentorship of expert faculty, is a central component of The OWU Connection. We offer many ways for you to explore an existing problem or develop a new avenue of discovery. You can do independent work with a faculty member, apply for grant funding for a project, or take part in the 10-week Summer Science Research Program or the NSF-funded REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates).
Recent topics of independent studies include operations research, computer graphics, neural networks, and quality control.
Students in all majors have a variety of opportunities to travel and gain a global perspective.
Computer Science students pursue Travel-Learning classes, OWU Connection Grants, Internships, and special projects that can take them anywhere in the world.
Apply your classroom learning to real problems and build your connections to the professional world with internships.
OWU's Computer Science majors have interned across the country, from high-tech start-ups to Facebook.
OWU faculty are outstanding scholars and researchers—and passionate teachers. They will push you, challenge you, inspire you, and work with you on your own research and creative projects.
They can even pack a 3-minute lecture with ideas, insight, and imagination. Check out our unique I³ lectures.
OWU students have several opportunities every year to compete in their areas of expertise (computer programming or mathematics) with students at other colleges. At the 2022 HackOHI/O 24-hour innovation and coding marathon held at Ohio State University, Computer Science and Data Analytics major Dhruv Sekhawat '26 and his team won first place in their challenge. Above, David Shakarashvili '24 and Rachel Leslie '23 participate at the OWU Programming Contest.
The department recently acquired an eight-processor, Linux-based parallel/distributed computing cluster. Plans are underway to develop uses of the cluster in courses and research. In addition, access to high-performance computing facilities for instructional and research purposes is readily available through the Ohio Supercomputer Center.
The department operates the X-Lab, a growing laboratory of networked Linux workstations. The X-Lab provides computer science and mathematics students and faculty with a modern UNIX workstation computing environment in which to carry out projects connected with courses, independent studies, and advanced topics. Students with X-Lab accounts have 24-hour access to the lab, and experienced students regularly help administer and maintain the lab, helping test and install software, determine lab policies, suggest lab upgrades, etc.
Especially strong students are invited to participate in the departmental distinction program. Students work for a year on an independent study, and write and present a paper. This experience is appropriate for students preparing to enter graduate school. Recent honors graduates have attended Cornell University, University of Wisconsin, Rice University and others.
Lan is a Software Engineer at Facebook in Menlo Park, California. He completed two summer internships at Facebook and a departmental honors research project.
Ohio Wesleyan Students Travel to Japan to Study 'Space Exploration': Past, Present, and Future'
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Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes Research in Physics, Astronomy
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OWU students and faculty traveled to Alaska to study climate change and mathematical modeling.
Ever wanted to try your hand at computer science? Let Ghostbusters help you. A 3-minute lecture with Ohio Wesleyan University Computer Science Professor Sean McCulloch.
David Shakarashvili ’24 and Rachel Leslie ’23 participate on the Pro-Gamers team at the OWU Programming Contest.
Ohio Wesleyan 2015 graduate Ibrahim Saeed came from Karachi to study computer science and economics.
Computer Science major Khayyam Zubair '17 describes his summer research project with Professor Sean McCulloch.
