Computer Science

Mathematics is a liberal art fundamental to a true education, and Computer Science is its modern cousin. The study of Mathematics and Computer Science trains students in analytical thinking and problem solving. Graduates of the department are active in an extraordinarily wide range of careers. The department offers a bachelor of science degree in mathematics with pure and applied concentrations. The department offers a bachelor of science in Computer Science. A bachelors of arts in Mathematics, a bachelor of arts in Computer Science, a minor in Mathematics, and a minor in Computer Science are also available.

Faculty

Chris Jones, PhD, Professor, Chair

Anastasia Chavez, PhD, Assistant Professor

Andrew Conner, PhD, Associate Professor

Udayan Das, PhD, Associate Professor

Charles R. Hamaker, PhD, Professor Emeritus

Satbir Malhi, PhD, Assistant Professor

Victoria Noquez, PhD, Assistant Professor

Kathryn F. Porter, PhD, Professor Emerita

Jim Sauerberg, PhD, Professor

Lidia R. Luquet, PhD, Professor Emerita

Jane R. Sangwine-Yager, PhD, Professor Emerita

Learning Outcomes

When they have completed a mathematics major, students will be able to:

WRITE, ANALYZE, DEBUG, and APPLY computer programs to computational problem solving and data analysis.
UNDERSTAND the architecture and design of computing systems ranging from PC architecture to computer networks and cloud based systems.
COMMUNICATE algorithmic and computational ideas and concepts correctly and clearly in both oral and written forms using logical reasoning and appropriate terminology and symbolic representation.
UNDERSTAND the ethical complexities behind computational and programmatic choices and implementations, and the ways that computational solutions affect communities, especially disadvantaged communities, and society at large.
UNDERSTAND how computational methods and techniques can be applied towards solving real world problems.

Major Requirements

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and two concentrations for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics: Pure and Applied. The department also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science.

A student wishing to major in mathematics or computer science should have a strong interest in the field and normally a background of four years of high school mathematics (two years of algebra, one year of geometry and one year of pre-calculus or equivalent).

Prerequisite Grade

Any course listed in this department with a prerequisite requires a grade of C- or better in the prerequisite course.

Suggested Four-Year Program

First-year students should take MATH 137 and MATH 238 and CS 121 . Failure to take these courses in the first year may make it difficult to complete the major in four years. It is also recommended for first-year students intending to major in math to enroll in PHYSI 151 , PHYSI 151L , PHYSI 152 , PHYSI 152L or CHEM 110 , CHEM 110L , CHEM 230 , CHEM 230L . Those interested in developing a four-year program of study toward a major in mathematics or computer science may consult any department faculty member.

Minor Requirements

Normally, a student minoring in math or computer science is expected to have a background of four years of high school mathematics (two years of algebra, one year of geometry and one year of precalculus or equivalent). Students may not complete both the mathematics major with computer science emphasis and the computer science minor.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Computer Science, BS

Bachelor of Arts

Computer Science, BA

Minor

Computer Science Minor

Certificate

Computer Science Certificate