Why study Computer Science at MC?
Computing drives innovation in the sciences, ranging from medical research to climate change modeling to military applications and everything in between. It’s a discipline that touches almost everything we do. The Computer Science major develops foundational problem-solving skills that lead to success in a wide range of disciplines. In Maryville College classrooms, Computer Science majors learn to use mathematical and computational thinking to solve real-world problems by combining proficiency in programming with an understanding of systems and algorithms. Outside the classroom, students can extend their expertise by joining clubs like MC3D, where 3D printing is explored, and the Computer Programming Team that prepares students to compete against their peers at other institutions. Diverse opportunities await our students – we welcome you to begin your path with us!
Meet a Current Scot
Christian Goethert
Hometown: Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Computer Science wasn’t Christian’s first choice of major, but after an introductory course, he was hooked. He finds the field “very engaging due to the deep problem solving, thorough analysis, and creativity involved” and describes the careful planning and constant reworking required as being a mixture of engineering and art. His goal is to attend graduate school and teach at the high school or college level.
Christian is a member of the Computer Science Club, which recently placed first and second in a regional programming contest, and has completed internships at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He also performs with Maryville College’s instrumental ensembles. “It was important for me to learn in a place where you can tell that teachers care about their students, and even the students care about each other,” he says.
Meet a Recent Grad
Nathan Keough ’24
Currently: Software Engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Nathan arrived at Maryville College with a motivation for the study of computer science and a curiosity about the liberal arts. The Scots Science Scholars program – with its opportunities to engage in faculty-led projects and connect with like-minded peers – also was a strong pull for him. During his sophomore year, Nathan was accepted into a cooperative education program with the Department of Defense in Maryland, gaining experience on projects related to national security. Now at ORNL, his research focuses on key technologies such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and product development to further national security.
“Long term, I aspire to build software products that are deployed to solve real-world problems, lead my own projects, and contribute to the advancement of bleeding-edge science and technology for the United States Department of Energy,” he said.
