Computer Science
- Degree Type Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Science
- Department Computer Science
- Academic Division The College
- Offerings Major Minor
Computer science at W&L provides a foundation in computing fundamentals, invariant principles and practices of the discipline including analysis, algorithm design and the selection of theoretical models, software and hardware systems, and historical, social, legal and ethical context of computing.
Computer Science
Computing has transformed life. Advances in computing have enabled breakthroughs in genetics, protein modeling, medicine, weather simulations and all scientific fields. Video games and movie graphics are increasingly realistic. Children acquire various skills using fun, educational software. The Internet has revolutionized commerce, transportation and communication. Policies and laws have been reimagined to account for the new world created in cyberspace.
As a general-purpose discipline, computer science attracts students from all types of backgrounds. The projects they work on are limited only by the human imagination. With a solid foundation in computer science, W&L students have the knowledge and skills to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Since computing is integral to so many other disciplines, some students pursue computer science along with another major.
Honors Program
The Honors Program in computer science is an enrichment opportunity for students who demonstrate superior achievement in computer science. Honors work consists of research for and preparation of an honors thesis, followed by a presentation of the completed thesis at a departmental seminar to which the public is invited.
Research and Internship Opportunities
Students may pursue individual or team-based research projects under faculty supervision in many specialized areas, during either the summer or the academic year. Such projects have often led to honors theses and placements in highly selective graduate programs. Our students are encouraged to intern during the summer to gain industry experience at government labs and at small and large companies.
News
Newly promoted faculty members will present their research in a PechaKucha format on Jan. 28.
Bernstein discovered a passion for coding at W&L and has sought out every opportunity to get involved with technology on campus.
After a summer internship with the University of Washington, Yurechko will be pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Oxford.
Jacobs is working as a software engineer at RVO Health.
Yurechko’s award will support her post-graduate studies as the university’s first Marshall Scholar.
Molitor is one of three W&L students selected for the scholarship this spring.
Starting in July, Bishop will participate in a year-long cultural immersion program in Germany.
The Critical Language Scholarship Program funds a summer of overseas language and cultural immersion.
“Myth, Magic, and Madness” will feature a dynamic lineup of creative workshops, dramatic readings and staged productions March 21-22.
Ford Scott ’25 enjoys the intersection of technology and the humanities and has furthered his interests through independent study and internships.
Yurechko ’24 is the university’s first Marshall Scholar.
Tsang’s talk will be held on Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
Sara Sprenkle
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Department Head
On Leave Winter 2025
Sprenkle teaches courses in programming, software development, and upper-level electives in software engineering. Her research focuses on automatically testing web applications to make sure they are behaving properly.
Taha Khan
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
- P: 540-458-4861
- E: tkhan@wlu.edu
Khan teaches Fundamentals of Programming II. His research focuses on computer security, privacy and human-computer interaction, including cybercrime, commercial VPN services privacy, and privacy-centric management of longitudinal data in the personal cloud.
Simon Levy
Professor of Computer Science and Interim Department Head
- P: 540-458-8417
- E: levys@wlu.edu
Levy teaches courses on artificial intelligence, neural networks, and robotics. His current research involves high-fidelity simulation of autonomous aerial vehicles (drones).
Kefu Lu
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
- P: 540-458-8813
- E: klu@wlu.edu
Lu teaches introductory computer science, courses in computer science theory, and upper-level electives in parallel computing and big data analysis from both a data science and computer science perspective. He researches how to best harness the power of complex systems.
Elizabeth Matthews
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Matthews’ research interests include video game design, measuring enjoyment of digital media, and procedural content generation. She teaches courses in programming, software development and video game design.