Computer Science

The mathematics department, with other members of the faculty, coordinates computer science. The interdisciplinary mathematics-computer science major offers students an opportunity to combine these two disciplines, enriching both.

Computer science combines an empirical aspect — which involves implementing specific algorithms—with a theoretical aspect—which involves analysis of abstract processes using methods of applied mathematics. Both aspects of the discipline contribute to understanding what problems are amenable to computer solution and what methods are optimal.

Computing importantly serves academic research no less than commercial enterprise. Moreover, a disciplined exposure to computer science within the context of studies in liberal arts and sciences fosters in the student the development of clarity and precision in analysis, logic, and expression.

Prospective engineers will find that entry to computer engineering curricula can be coordinated through Lawrence’s cooperative 3-2 program with engineering schools, usually with a Lawrence major in physics, mathematics or mathematics-computer science (see Cooperative Degree Programs).

Computing facilities on campus are abundant, offering students the opportunity to work with all major operating systems and programming languages.