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Computer Science students work on a project at Hartman's in Gunnison.

Math & Computer Science

Real-World Projects

Real-World Learning Starts Here

At Western, Math and Computer Science students put ideas into practice through projects, research and collaborative experiences that extend beyond the classroom. You’ll explore real questions, develop solutions and build practical skills while working alongside faculty, peers and community partners.

Computer science student at Hartman Rocks retrieving data from a sensor and camera as part of an internship

Building Tech That Matters

Computer Science students use technology to explore problems, create new experiences and make an impact. From developing original video games with classmates to building sensor networks that support public land management, you’ll see how coding, data and technology can be applied in very different ways—and gain valuable experience along the way.

Two computer science students change the batteries on a sensor used to record traffic passing by on the dirt road out at Hartman Rocks as part of their summer internship.

Build, Code and Create at Western’s Game Jam

Western’s student-led Game Jam gives Computer Science students the opportunity to turn an idea into a working video game while building skills in programming, design, collaboration and problem-solving. Students work together under a time constraint to develop original games, gaining hands-on experience with tools used in professional software and game development.

See how Computer Science student Quinn Davis helped build a community around coding through Western’s Game Jam.

Use Technology to Solve Real-World Problems

Through Western’s partnership with the BLM Gunnison Field Office, Computer Science students have helped develop technology to better understand how people use public lands at Hartman Rocks. Students design and deploy sensor systems, collect and analyze environmental data, and explore tools such as machine learning to support smarter land-management decisions. The project gives students experience applying computer science to a real community need while working with faculty and local partners.

Work on Real-World Tech Projects

Put what you learn in the classroom into practice through hands-on computer science projects. You’ll have opportunities to design, build, test and improve technology while tackling real challenges and turning ideas into working solutions. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your problem-solving skills and gain experience with the process of developing technology from concept to completion.

Develop Collaborative Skills

Work alongside faculty, peers and community or industry partners while gaining experience in teamwork, project management and communication. You’ll learn to contribute ideas, share technical knowledge, solve problems as a team and manage responsibilities on a shared timeline—skills that are essential in today’s technology careers.

Refine Your Technical Expertise

Build practical experience across areas such as programming, software development, data analysis and emerging technologies. Hands-on projects give you opportunities to test your knowledge, troubleshoot problems and adapt your approach as you develop functional solutions. This experience helps bridge the gap between computer science theory and real-world application.

Build Your Resume and Portfolio

Graduate with more than coursework. Hands-on computer science projects give you tangible experiences and accomplishments you can discuss with employers and, depending on the project, showcase in a professional portfolio. You’ll be able to demonstrate your technical abilities, problem-solving skills, collaboration and experience applying computer science beyond the classroom.

See Western's students in the news.

  • A student shows CS professor, Sam Micka, around around the computer game he built during the CS club's game demo event.

    Cracking the Code: How Quinn Davis Created Community with Western’s Game Jam

    It was after hours in Western Colorado University’s Quigley Hall on a recent Wednesday, and a couple of dozen students filled their plates from a…
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From the Classroom to the Field

Two students look at a side by side comparison of a graph recorded by a sensor and a corresponding trail cam photo while sitting in a car a retrieving data from the devices which are tracking the traffic coming in and out of Hartman Rocks.

Technology in Action at Hartman Rocks

Western Computer Science students are putting their skills to work at Hartman Rocks through a partnership with the BLM Gunnison Field Office. Using environmental sensors, data analysis and machine learning, students are exploring how technology can help track recreation patterns and inform public land management. Along the way, they gain hands-on experience developing and testing technology in the field while contributing to a project with a real impact in the Gunnison Valley.

Explore More Hands-On Experiences

At Western, Computer Science students gain experience applying what they learn beyond the classroom. Opportunities can range from internships and faculty-led research to community projects and independent development, helping students build technical skills, professional confidence and experience they can carry into their careers.

Here are just a few of the real-world experiences our students have taken part in:

  • Designing and deploying sensor systems to support land management and environmental monitoring

  • Interning with tech startups and local businesses to develop websites, databases, and custom software

  • Analyzing real-world datasets in applied research projects with faculty mentors

  • Building mobile and web applications that serve community or campus needs

  • Presenting at regional and national conferences focused on computing, data science, and emerging technology

A computer science student changes the battery for a trail camera out at Hartman Rocks as part of his internship.

Put Your Skills Into Practice at Western

At Western, Math and Computer Science students have opportunities to take what they learn beyond the classroom through projects, research and hands-on experiences. Explore our programs, meet the faculty or visit campus to see where a Western education can take you.

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