Computer Science

Computer science is the study and design of algorithms to solve computational problems.

Majors convert their learning in our classrooms to success in a multitude of careers within an increasingly tech-driven world.

Ashwin Lall , Professor Computer Science, Chair of Computer Science, The Henry Chish…

Dee Ghiloni , Computer Science Academic Administrative Assistant

Embrace Fundamental Theory

Computer science is not about computers but a more universal and profound idea: computation, the use of algorithms to solve complex problems.

Study Deeply

Become proficient in the theory of algorithmic problem solving, understand modern computer systems, and gain experience in a wide range of applications.

Develop Breadth

Students dive into electives such as game design, AI, robotics, data privacy, human-computer interaction, databases, and natural language processing.

Interdisciplinary Applications

Take an introductory course with applications in areas such as the natural sciences, the social sciences, or computing for social good. Learn how electives, including AI (math), natural language processing (linguistics), and game design (creative writing, music composition) connect computing with a variety of disciplines.

Develop Broad Skills

Our majors not only develop technical expertise but also cultivate strong communication skills, enabling them to effectively write and speak to diverse audiences. They excel in teamwork and ethical problem-solving.

Design your own CPU

Explore how modern computer systems are designed. Start with the fundamental building blocks of computation and learn how they synergize for emergent computation. Find the philosophical limits of abstract computational models. Culminate the experience with your own CPU design that runs your own compiled programs.

Community Oriented

Students take part in a number of social activities, including social hours, pumpkin carving contests, game nights, programming contests (both local and travel), Women in Computing events, speaker series, alumni panels, end-of-year department picnic and awards, mentoring by upper-class students, and mock interviews by alumni in the industry.

Jobs as a computer science major

Denison computer science majors have gone on to work as software engineers at Google, IBM, and Facebook, developers at Amazon and Blue Harvest, and analysts at 3M and JP Morgan Chase. Recent alums have also enrolled in graduate programs at universities, including Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, and Duke.

Career communities

Computer science majors often join one or more of our career communities. Some common communities include Technology, Data, and Science and Financial Services, Consulting, and Business.

Career Exploration

Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.

Internships

Explore career paths through an internship (or two!). Recently, Denison computer science interns have worked in software development at Amazon and software engineering at Microsoft.

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Study Abroad

Study in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and cultural agility while building your career network. Conduct research during a semester abroad or complete a summer internship in another country.

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Summer Scholars

Delve into independent research through our Summer Scholars program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses.

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Spotlights

Five tips to get the most out of your college experience

Three semesters in, Caroline Cavalier ’26 has added a major, traveled twice for academics, and tested a career path through an internship.

Son Tran presenting a poster board at a conference in Los Angeles

How an enterprising student and his professor combined to advance AI research

The impressive work of Son Tran ’24 shows what can be achieved through faculty mentorship.

Denison Magazine

Pedagogy perfected

Denison's Teaching Seminar introduces relevant teaching topics, stimulates discussion within the group, and builds community for new faculty members.

A student signs the Computer Science banner on a table lined with rubber ducks. There is a professor and a student sitting behind the table.

Major Day celebrates significant milestone on academic journey

The inaugural event celebrates sophomores who are declaring majors while offering first-year students a one-stop shop of options.

Video game design class embodies spirit of collaboration

The ‘perfect liberal arts course’ teaches game design skills and challenges students to navigate partnerships and constructive criticism.

Prof. Sarah Wolff heading to South Africa as a Fulbright Scholar

Professor Sarah Wolff is passionate about many things – math, mentoring, and marathons.

Career-ready skills gained through a campus job

Nicholas Reichert ‘22 has a campus job in IT where he is learning more about himself and gaining pragmatic skills that will stand him in good stead.

Score high on key performance indicators

A senior describes how his Red Frame experience helped him prepare for the working world.

Breathe easy

When COVID-19 struck, Caileigh Marshall ’19 became part of a national effort to produce the gold standard of respirators for healthcare practitioners.