Associate Professor
M.S., Kent State University
Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Department
Brent Strunk, Chair
(440) 826-5944, bstrunk@bw.edu
OVERVIEW
The fast-paced, innovative career field of software engineering offers outstanding opportunities to apply creativity and strategic thinking to complex technology needs that increase productivity, improve systems and contribute to organizational success.
BW's software engineering major is a rigorous program combining comprehensive coursework and labs.
Developed in coordination with leading software companies, the program teaches you the mechanics of effective software engineering-programming, computer applications, mathematics and database technology. You'll learn to design, analyze and maintain software.
The program provides a strong foundation for addressing current technologies as well as adapting to emerging ones.
A required internship provides real-world experience and resume-enhancing benefits. BW's proximity to Cleveland puts you within a 20-minute drive to outstanding opportunities.
Also impressive is a two-semester required capstone experience. Working with a small team, you will learn to analyze, design, develop, test and maintain large-scale software systems. The projects are mostly from industry partners and give students the opportunity to work on real-world problems. You'll apply strategic thinking, creative brainstorming and problem-solving skills to tackling complex engineering principles.
Career Opportunities
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Software Architect
- Applications/Systems/Web Developer
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Quality Assurance
- Technical Consulting
- IT Project Manager
- Technical Business Analyst
CURRICULUM
Offered as a major and a minor, software engineering prepares you for immediate employment and graduate programs.
The common core of all the programs in BW's computer science department includes programming and problem solving, as well as exposure to the mathematics, computer architecture, paradigms and the theory that underlie the computing discipline.
In addition, software engineering students take requirements, testing and project management courses to better understand the full software development life cycle. A highlight of BW's software engineering program is the capstone project where students complete a two-semester, team-based software engineering project for a client. Software engineering students also complete at least one summer internship.
The software engineering major prepares students to:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- Design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
- Function on multidisciplinary teams
- Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- Understand professional and ethical responsibility
- Communicate effectively
- Understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
- Recognize the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
- Gain knowledge of contemporary issues
- Use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's computer science program.
Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities that include:
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD EXPERIENCES
BW's 20-minute proximity to Cleveland puts you within easy access to technology firms, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Students often secure internships early in their academic careers, sometimes as soon as the summer following freshman year. Most students have multiple internships prior to graduation.
UX RESEARCH AND TESTING EXPERIENCES
BW's User Experience (UX) Research Lab provides experiences for computing students to learn about research and testing that is critical for the success of today's software applications and websites. Using various research methods including observation, interviews, click-stream analysis and eye-tracking, UX researchers help uncover how users feel, think and use technology. Internal and external clients provide projects for BW's UX student researchers to evaluate.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent study offers students enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom for individualized and advanced study. Students work one-on-one with a faculty member.
RESEARCH
In addition to curriculum-based research opportunities, students can get involved with ongoing research through the Faculty Student Collaborative program.
Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program
The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program is open to Ohio residents who are entering Baldwin Wallace in the fall as a first-year student or transfer student and are interested in software engineering. Students are eligible to apply to the program which also offers the Choose Ohio First scholarship, awarding substantial annual, renewable scholarships.
STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Personally and professionally rewarding, student organizations and activities foster skills in leadership and teamwork. Opportunities include:
ACM Student Chapter
This is a chartered student chapter of ACM, the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. This computer club sponsors an annual High School Programming Competition each April at Baldwin Wallace, hosts speakers and organizes several social events, including LAN parties and more.
ACM-W Student Chapter
This is a chartered student chapter of ACM that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion welcoming everyone to our profession. This computer club sponsors Java Hangouts and other events to create a comfortable and supportive computing community for all.
Programming Team
Student teams compete in several intercollegiate programming contests each year.
Cyber Defense Team
This organization is comprised of students interested in network issues. They meet regularly with a faculty member to discuss topics of interest and work on special projects related to computer networks. Members of this group compete in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
Student Achievements
Software engineering students are regularly recognized for their achievements. The UPE National Computer Science Honorary is a national organization for juniors and seniors who have excelled in their computer studies.
At the annual Honors Ceremony in the spring, recognitions include:
- The Anthony and Patricia Lauria Scholarship in Computer Science and Information Systems (in honor of Dr. Anthony Lauria, a professor of mathematics and computer science 1984-2002, and Patricia Kirby Lauria '91).
- The Charles and Elsie Little Scholarship (honoring the parents of Dr. Richard Little, professor of mathematics 1975-2013).
- The Lubrizol Computing Award (funded by the Lubrizol Foundation).
- Outstanding Computing Student Award (in honor of Kenneth Weiss, Jr. who taught at BW 1972-2010).
- Outstanding Senior Awards, which recognize a student in each of the computing majors.
- The Sullivan/Schmidt Prize for Computing (in honor of Chris Sullivan, who was an administrator/adjunct faculty member, and his grandparents).
Study Abroad Boosts Career Marketability
The opportunity to experience another culture and gain an international perspective is invaluable to your professional development and will add to your career options. Benefits include:
- Understanding computing issues from an international perspective
- Expanding cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
- Preparing for an increasingly diverse and international workplace
- Broadening academic horizons
- Improving language skills (although most classes are taught in English)
- Experiencing a different culture
- Building an international network of contacts
ALUMNI SUCCESS
FACULTY
Full-Time Faculty
Kenneth Atchinson
Associate Professor
M.S., Kent State University
Navneet Grant
Assistant Professor
DBA, Cleveland State University
Rachelle Kristof Hippler
Coordinator, Software Engineering
Director, UX Research Lab
Professor
D.Ed., Bowling Green State University
Adjunct Faculty
Lynda Carter
Lecturer
MBA, Baldwin Wallace University
Nik Molley
Lecturer
MBA, Baldwin Wallace University
Susan M. Skowronski
Lecturer
M.S., University of Akron
Michele Snell
Lecturer
MBA, Baldwin Wallace University