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.
Anna Pobletts ’12 Named to Okta Ventures’ 2026 Identity 25 List
The head of Passwordless at 1Password was honored for her work as an innovator in the AI age.
Three W&L Students Awarded Boren Scholarships for Global Language Study
With the scholarship, the graduating seniors will conduct intensive language studies in Indonesia and Japan.
W&L Students Accepted for Publication at the Gaming and Technology Conference
Trey Custodio ’26 and Sanjog Basnet ’27 explore gaming preferences and behavior.
Brody Sandifer-Williams ’28 and Edison Dokken ’28 Awarded the CIE Arabic Summer Scholarship
Washington and Lee’s Center for International Education awarded funding to the sophomores to study Arabic in Meknes, Morocco, this summer.
W&L to Host “Slices of Research” Program at Salerno Wood Fired Pizza & Taphouse
Newly promoted faculty members will present their research in a PechaKucha format on April 14.
Gabriel Hogan ’27 Co-authors Workshop Paper
In the paper, the junior computer science and business administration double major explored architectural VPN vulnerabilities and the systemic challenges that allow them to persist.
W&L’s Ciel Morrill to Study Abroad with Critical Language Scholarship
The Critical Language Scholarship Program funds a summer of overseas language and cultural immersion.
Micah Tongen ’26 Publishes and Presents Research Paper
The senior presented his work at the Computational Humanities Research Conference.
Career Connections
The W&L network is perhaps most illustrative in the early-career assistance and opportunities our alumni provide to current students.
W&L Without Borders
Brandon Bishop ’26’s journey shows how W&L’s global opportunities, language instruction and fellowships can transform a student’s path.
W&L Students Learn and Network in New York City
Washington and Lee students interested in finance completed valuable summer internships in New York City this summer.
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
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.
Nicholas Gardella
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Gardella’s teaching and research is primarily focused on introductory computing and cyber-human systems.
Simon Levy
Professor of Computer Science
- P: 540-458-8419
- 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
Associate 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.
Trevor Stalnaker
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Stalnaker’s teaching and research is primarily focused on introductory computing and software engineering.