The primary mission of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is to prepare students for participation in professional careers in mathematics, mathematics education, and computer science, while providing service and liberal studies courses for the broader university community. In addition, the department contributes to the continuing education of K-12 teachers in the region. The department also offers a master’s degree in mathematics education.
The study of mathematics develops the critical and analytical skills needed in medicine, law or business, and supports majors such as physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, economics, sociology, or geography. It provides an understanding of the contributions of mathematics to philosophy, the arts, science and technology, and provides an exciting intellectual experience.
Computer science is the study of what is possible through computation. It is also the creative exploration of how to achieve these possibilities. Computers are the ultimate machines because they can be reconfigured (programmed) in an infinite number of ways. A computer science degree provides a deep and thorough understanding of modern computers, from their theoretical limitations to the next great leap in their practical application.
Successful completion of a computer science, mathematics or mathematics education major prepares students for graduate work in mathematics or computer science and for professions in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science and teaching.
This major combines courses in practical programming, computer architecture, networking and algorithm design/analysis with an appropriate background in mathematics and theory of computing. Included are classes covering the latest technologies such as robotics and Internet applications. This major provides the foundation for a rewarding and productive career in industry as well as strong preparation for graduate school.
This major is designed to offer students an education in the important world of Internet and Intranet programming. This course of study emphasizes programming skills while concentrating on the latest concepts, architecture and algorithms for network computation. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer science while focusing on aspects important to the world of network computing.
Students pursuing this degree will have the opportunity to study traditional core courses in mathematics as well as modern applied mathematics courses covering some major topics related to actuarial science and operations research.
SECONDARY EDUCATION MATHEMATICS MAJOR
Completion of the mathematics courses, a teaching minor as well as the professional education sequence lead to certification as a secondary teacher of mathematics.
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers a Master of Science degree in mathematics education. The program continues the professional development of licensed, experienced mathematics teachers by expanding their knowledge base in three domains (mathematics pedagogy and curriculum studies, mathematics content, and educational foundations), enhancing the teachers' awareness of contemporary issues and trends in mathematics education, and preparing teachers to assume leadership roles in their schools and in the larger mathematics education communities. The program serves secondary school mathematics teachers (mathematics majors or minors with teaching certificates in mathematics) and elementary school teachers with a mathematics major/minor and mathematics endorsement. The Master of Science in mathematics education is not a certificate-granting degree; certification and teaching experience in the field are required for admission.