Computer Science and Mathematics majors at Valparaiso University have a wide variety of interests. Besides studying for this major, they have second majors and minors that they study and they are involved in many different campus organizations. The following 'snapshots' of some of our current majors give a sense of the breadth of their interests.
Kelly Roth
Minor: Mathematics
Graduates: 2010
Why did you choose to be a computer science major?
I bacame interested in computers at a young age and I started to do webdesign. When I was trying to figure out what I wanted to major in, computer science seemed fitting to my interests and also seemed to provide several great career options.
What are your career plans after graduation?
Use my computer science education to obtain a successful career in some field that interests me.
What extra-carricular activities do you participate in at Valpo?
Kappa Delta, Green Peas
Jenny Reusz
Major: Secondary Math Education
Minor: Music, CC Associate
Graduates: 2009
Why did you choose to be a mathematics/secondary education major?
I chose to be a math major because I have always really enjoyed solving math problems. I like math because you can always get the right answer (theoretically), and because it is a collaborative subject. I also like math because everything connects and it is beautiful!
What are your career plans after graduation?
To be a high school math teacher.
What extra-carricular activities do you participate in at Valpo?
VU Chorale, dancing, theatre, St. T's Groupie.
Jared Erickson
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Chemistry
Graduates: 2009
Why did you choose to be a math major?
Math was always my best subject in school, and it's fun.
What are your career plans after graduation?
I don't know what I want to do for a career, but I might go to graduate school.
What extra-carricular activities do you participate in at Valpo?
I play in the concert band.
Chris Wagner
Major(s): Physics, Mathematics
Minor:
Graduates: 2009
Why did you choose to be a math major?
I enjoy math. I like solving problems and puzzles.
What are your career plans after graduation?
I plan on going to graduate school for physics.
What extra-carricular activities do you participate in at Valpo?
Society of Physics Students.
Minors: Liberal Arts in Business, Applied Statistics, Mathematics
Graduates: 2008
Why did you choose to be a computer science major?
I originally began as a business student and a computer science minor. Over time, I realized I really enjoyed my work in the CS department, so I changed my major to CS and used my business credits to apply toward some new minors.
Describe your internship/co-op/research experience in the program.
This semester I have started working with Professor Glass on his research grant project. We will be working with North Carolina A&T.
What are your career plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue a master's degree and look for a career in computer programming.
What extra-carricular activities do you participate in at Valpo?
I am involved in the ACM.