Department of Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics
Otterbein’s Department of Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics offers a B.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or Engineering Physics as well as B.A. degrees in Computer Science or Physics.
Mechanical Engineering and Systems Engineering are ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited programs.
Check out this video to learn more about the mission of our department and the Point, where the Department of Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics is housed.
Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I chose to study engineering at Otterbein because of the hands-on experience and individual instruction I knew I would receive at a small school. The Point also provides an incredible learning space and the faculty are very helpful.
Maria Herron ’21
Systems Engineering major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Otterbein has been my second home and the Engineering Department has provided me with the knowledge, tools and experiences needed to be successful after graduation. The size of the department allows for small class sizes with hands-on learning and access to professors who truly want to help you succeed.
Abby Zerkle ’21
Systems Engineering major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I chose to study Mechanical Engineering at Otterbein because of my interest in design and mathematics, as well as the opportunity to take classes at The Point. The Engineering faculty created a welcoming environment and I felt at home from the first day.
Luke Barber ’21
Mechanical Engineering major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Wittman and Professor David Stucki shaped my academic experience by guiding me through many computer science courses. Having people that you can rely on for advice is vital not only for academic success but also for emotional well-being. The value of relationships and mentoring at Otterbein is highly important.
Luis Garcia Soriano, ’23
Computer Science major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Moore and Professor Stucki showed me what it looks like to not be just a good professor, but to be a great professor — one that truly cares about students and all aspects of their wellbeing. They have inspired me to pursue a career of teaching as a professor.
Julia VanLandingham, ’21
Computer Science major
Engineers use their knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and industrial systems to design, test, or produce cost-effective and user-friendly products. A strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and various technological platforms are necessary to be successful in the field.
Computer scientists solve problems with programs. Although they must be aware of the hardware underlying these solutions, they specialize in developing software and manipulating data. The field centers on logical thinking and problem solving.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The Otterbein engineering program is a unique program. It consists of a great faculty who will always strive to help you achieve your goals. Its most important asset is the knowledge that you leave with. The program produces well-rounded engineers who have the choice to excel in the field of their choice
Dassan Jefferson ’19
Systems Engineering
Some of the best experiences I have had with faculty were during the Freshman design projects. This was a time we could work one on one with a project that was real world design experience. With my design experience from projects and education at Otterbein, I have been able to step into my internship and work well with coworkers and even lead projects.
— Trevor Deere, Mechanical Engineering major, Class of 2022
Our students are immersed in hands-on and project-based courses throughout their time at Otterbein. These experiences allow them to apply classroom concepts to real-world problems and prepare them for internships and their career after graduation. Please click here to see example student projects.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
I’m excited to be here at Otterbein where I have the opportunity to combine my experiences as an engineering student, a practicing engineer, and an engineering educator to reshape the way we educate engineering students. My goal is to help students not only master critical technical content, but also to give them the opportunity to consider how to solve technical problems related to that content from the perspective of a practicing engineer. My formal research investigates how engineering education can be improved to not only foster more applicable and authentic experiences for students, but to improve recruitment and retention for diverse students in engineering programs and I’m thrilled to be here at Otterbein and to have found a home in a small department where I feel like students and their learning are truly the top priority for faculty.
Laine Schrewe
Associate Professor, Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Developing the Biomechanics Institute alongside my Health and Sports Sciences (HSS) colleagues has been an incredible experience. We have collaborated on classroom and research projects to immerse our engineering and HSS students in the movement analysis process by using motion capture. Our students collect, process, and analyze data on a variety of motions across different populations for either faculty or student-designed projects. I look forward to creating different research experiences alongside my students so they can develop their problem solving and design skills in a practical yet unique context.
Elena Caruthers, PhD
Associate Professor Engineering
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Working with United Skates of America was a great experience for all of us involved. As a professor, I get to educate students and share my passion for STEM every day. With this project, however, I got the chance to see my students inspire a younger audience with their knowledge and appreciation for STEM. And knowing that their knowledge and passion was something they learned here at Otterbein made it a truly inspirational experience.
Michael Hudoba
Associate Professor, Engineering
Learn more >
Department Features & Student Opportunities
Scholarships
Students who are looking for financial support can apply to various scholarships specific to majors in Engineering, Computer Science, and other STEM fields.
Engineering Facilities
Our facilities include modern classrooms, Manufacturing, Automation, Electrical, and Thermal Sciences labs, and a MakerSpace with a wood shop, metal shop, and rapid prototyping equipment.
Computer Science Facilities
Our labs, conveniently located on campus and at The Point, have all the computational resources you might need, including a dual-boot environment for Windows and Linux.
Student Organizations
Join the Society of Women Engineers or the Computer Science Club to connect with your peers and professors, broaden your skills and interests, or just to play laser tag.
Community Involvement
Students organize STEM outreach activities at local schools and use their design skills to create products for organizations in need, including the Otterbein Community Garden.
Internship Opportunities
We work with Student Success & Career Development staff to connect majors with real-world, paid internships on campus and with corporate partners at The Point.
Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics Department News
National Media Recognize Otterbein University for Programs and Values
News - September 18, 2023
Otterbein University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Otterbein has…
Fast Track Innovation Fund Lets Community Shape Otterbein’s Growth
News - July 31, 2023
Otterbein University is using an innovative approach to grow enrollment and revenue by “crowd sourcing” ideas from its own community and investing in the best ideas with $1 million approved by the Board of Trustees. Under the Fast Track Innovation Fund initiative, seven projects proposed by Otterbein faculty and staff in May have been funded and are already being implemented on campus. “This investment in Otterbein’s future demonstrates our trustees’ commitment to allowing every member of our community to be heard…
Five Questions with a Rubik’s Cube Speedcuber
News - July 13, 2023
By Erica Bush ’25 In 1977, one of the most popular toys of all time was released: the Rubik’s Cube. July 13 is Rubik Day, a day to enjoy the Rubik’s Cube and celebrate the birthday of Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Rubik’s Cube. A classic three-by-three Rubik’s Cube has over 43 quintillion possible combinations to be solved. Despite this, all Rubik’s Cubes can be solved in 30 or less moves. Kyle Miller, an Otterbein sophomore studying computer science…Programs of Study in Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics
The Department of Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics has partnered with some of the country’s largest and most respected companies, including Honda and Nestle PTC, as well as locally-based companies such as Worthington Industries and LakeShore Cryotronics to form an Industrial Advisory Board. Members of the board have advised the engineering faculty and administration in curriculum development and have provided students with connections to internships and professional engineering societies, including the International Society of Automation.
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