Math & Computer Science Department

Western combines rigorous technical coursework with the access and mentorship of a smaller university. Students work closely with faculty and apply mathematics, programming, data analysis, and computing skills through research, collaborative projects, and real-world problem-solving. Western’s location in Gunnison, Colorado, also creates opportunities to connect technical learning with environmental, community, and outdoor-industry applications.

Hands-on learning is integrated into the student experience rather than reserved for senior-level coursework. Students can work on faculty-guided research, collaborative coding and technology projects, internships, and projects that address real-world needs. Past work has included using sensors, programming, and data analysis to study recreation and environmental questions at Hartman Rocks near Gunnison.

Yes. Western’s flexible academic pathways make it possible to combine computing with mathematics and other areas of interest through majors, minors, emphases, and certificates. Students interested in a more specialized technical path can explore areas such as software engineering, information security, applied machine learning, data analytics, and full-stack development.

Computer Science provides a broad foundation in computing, programming, algorithms, and problem-solving. Software Engineering focuses more specifically on designing, developing, and maintaining software systems, while Applied Machine Learning emphasizes using computational and data-driven methods to build systems that learn from data. Students can choose a pathway based on the type of technical problems and careers that interest them most.

Students interested in cybersecurity can pursue Western’s Information Security emphasis, which provides focused preparation in protecting computer systems, networks, and information. Western has also earned recognition as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, providing an additional indicator of the strength of its cybersecurity education.

Yes. Western offers several ways to develop quantitative and data skills, including study in Data Science, Data Analytics, Applied Statistics, Mathematics, and Applied Machine Learning. This allows students to build data expertise around their primary academic and career interests rather than following a single prescribed pathway.

Yes. Mathematics develops quantitative reasoning, modeling, analytical thinking, and complex problem-solving skills that transfer to many fields. Graduates can apply those skills in areas such as data science, actuarial work, finance, technology, research, education, analytics, and graduate study.

Students do not necessarily have to choose between the two. Mathematics and computer science are highly complementary, and Western offers enough flexibility for students to build expertise across both areas through majors, minors, certificates, and related emphases. Combining the disciplines can be especially valuable for students interested in fields such as machine learning, data science, quantitative analysis, algorithms, and research.

Start with the type of problems you want to solve. Computer science offers the broadest foundation in computing; software engineering is well suited to students interested in building and maintaining software systems; cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems and information; and data science emphasizes extracting insights from data. Western’s faculty can help students choose or combine pathways based on their interests and career goals.