Vision Statement:
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is to be the best by continuously enhancing the teaching and learning environment, improving the quality of education through instruction and research, and providing quality service to our students and other constituents. Mission Statement:
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science mission is to provide an educational environment responsible for producing highly skilled, competent and well prepared computer scientists, mathematicians, and teachers to enter professional careers, pursue degrees beyond the baccalaureate level, and live productively in a global, culturally diverse, and technologically advanced society.
Objectives
The objectives of the Department are:
1. To provide a wide variety of courses in mathematics and computer science to meet the needs of the university population;
2. To review the course offerings of the department periodically and to ensure that the curricula provide adequate training in all areas necessary to prepare students for graduate work, teaching, and employment in areas related to their major;
3. To provide for high standards in courses which will prepare students with the necessary tools to be successful in society;
4. To provide the kind of atmosphere in classes which will encourage students to be self-starting, self-directed, and creative in their thinking; and
5. To encourage faculty and students to seek continuous collaboration that will improve the department generally, and specifically improve the quality of instruction and research. Program Offerings
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the following major areas: Computer Science, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and Mathematics and Computer Science (Double Major).
Program Requirements
Students majoring in Mathematics or Computer Science must complete the degree requirements as outlined in the Catalog. Majors and minors are required to have at least a “C” in all required Mathematics or Computer Science courses included in their curriculum.
Students who entered the University or declared a major in Mathematics or Computer Science, prior to Fall 2014, may complete the degree requirements in the 2014-2016 Catalog. However, students who entered the University or declared a major in Mathematics or Computer Science, effective Fall 2014, must complete the degree requirements as outlined in the 2014-2016 Catalog.
Major and Minor Programs
The mission of our major programs is to achieve national prominence by providing outstanding education and research training to our students and prepare them for productive careers in industry, academia, and government, and to live productively in a global, culturally diverse and technologically advanced society.
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Computer Science Program-The major in Computer Science prepares a student for employment in business, industry, or government and for further study in computer science or a cognate field. The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET; www.abet.org.
The Computer Science Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve within a few years of graduation. They are based on the needs of program constituencies, mission of the department/university, and program criteria. The career and professional accomplishments require a depth of knowledge, breadth of experiences and an attitude of professionalism.
Program Educational Objectives:Within a few years of graduation, the graduates of the Computer Science Program are expected to attain the following:
1. Apply general and computing specific knowledge and skills to pursue computing related careers in teaching, industry, and government.
2. Demonstrate an individual desire and commitment to remain technically current with and adaptive to, changing technologies through continuous learning and self-improvement.
3. Demonstrate independent thinking, function effectively in team- oriented settings, and maintain a high level of performance in a professional/industrial environment.
4. Communicate effectively in a professional/industrial environment. 5. Perform ethically and professionally in business, industry and
society.
6. Attain increasing levels of responsibility and leadership in one’s chosen career field.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Computer Science Program, graduates will have the ability:
a) To apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
b) To analyze a problem and to identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution. c) To design, implement and evaluate a computer-based
system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
d) To function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
e) To understand professional, ethical and social responsibilities.
f) To communicate both verbally and in writing.
g) To analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society, including ethical, legal, security and global policy issues.
h) To describe the role of professional societies and the benefits of graduate study.
i) To use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices.
j) To apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
k) To apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
Mathematics Program-The major in Mathematics provides the student with a good preparation for graduate study in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, or operations research as well as for many industrial positions as a mathematical analyst/programmer. With electives in business, this major is excellent preparation for actuarial careers.
The Mathematics curriculum is also designed to provide students with opportunity to study areas of application such as economics, natural sciences, and psychology which will deepen their understanding of the role of mathematics.
Objectives
The objectives of the Mathematics program are:
1. To produce graduates who are able to apply mathematical concepts and principles independently;
2. To produce graduates who are able to recognize and construct proofs; 3. To produce graduates who are able to understand the
interrelationship of the different branches of mathematics studied (algebra, analysis, geometry, number theory);
4. To produce graduates who are able to appreciate the historical, philosophical, and cultural significance of mathematics covered in the curriculum; and
5. To produce graduates who are able to pursue graduate study or careers in business, industry, or government .
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Mathematics Program, graduates will have the ability:
a. To formulate, analyze and solve application problems for various real-life situations by using concepts from several areas of mathematics, statistics and operations research, and other disciplines.
b. To use technology, computer programs and algorithms in problem solving activities to investigate solution by graphical and numerical methods.
177 involving statistical data, mathematical patterns and
structures.
d. To recognize, construct proofs and critically analyze proposed proofs in mathematics.
e. To appreciate and analyze professional issues and significance of mathematics in the historical, philosophical, and cultural context.
f. To perform independent and collaborative research in mathematics or other disciplines by applying advanced mathematical concepts, and presenting results in a written report and oral or poster presentation before peer and faculty members.
Mathematics Program - The major in the Mathematics Education provides the necessary preparation for secondary school mathematics teaching. When supplemented with a computer science minor, it is sufficient preparation for many jobs in industry as a mathematical analyst or programmer. This program is adequate preparation for graduate work in Mathematics or Mathematics Education. The Mathematics Education Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Objectives
The objectives of the Mathematics Education program are: 1. To produce graduates who are able to appreciate the
historical, philosophical, and cultural significance of mathematics covered in the curriculum.
2. To produce graduates who are able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the processes of mathematical problem solving and show an appreciation for mathematical rigor and inquiry by using reasoning and proof.
3. To produce graduates who are able to communicate mathematical thinking - orally and in writing- to peers, faculty and others, in order to make distinctions and make connections between and among mathematical ideas, in order to build mathematical understanding.
4. To produce graduates who are able to embrace technology as a vital tool for teaching and learning mathematics and use varied representations of mathematical ideas to deepen and extend mathematical understanding, when teaching mathematics.
5. To produce graduates who are able to support a positive disposition toward mathematical processes, mathematical content and mathematical pedagogy.
6. To produce graduates who are able to demonstrate a sufficient depth of knowledge in the seven content areas of secondary mathematics
– knowledge of numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, calculus, discrete mathematics, data analysis & probability, and measurement - in order to provide the competence necessary for teaching secondary mathematics.
7. To produce graduates who are able to use process, content and pedagogical skills to provide experiences in mathematics classrooms that will increase students’ knowledge of mathematics.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Mathematics Education Program, graduates will have the ability:
a) To apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.
b) To develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs.
c) To select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof.
d) To communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to students, faculty, and others.
e) To use the language and notations of mathematics to express ideas precisely.
f) To recognize and apply mathematics in various contexts, both within and outside of mathematics.
h) To use spreadsheets, dynamics graphing tools, computer algebra systems, statistical packages, graphing calculators, data- collection devices, and presentation software.
i) To employ and make use of stimulating curricula
j) To plan, implement and assess mathematics activities to ensure that they promote and extend students’ understanding of mathematics.
k) To understand the role of assessment in shaping instruction.
l) To analyze student errors and use that information to plan appropriate instruction.
m) To recognize and use appropriate assessment tools that are both standards-based and that address a variety of student learning styles and abilities.
n) To be committed to developing lessons and units that address appropriate learning goals, including those that address, local, state, and national mathematics standards. Minor in Computer Science Minors in Computer Science must satisfactorily complete each of the following Mathematics and Computer Science courses with at least a “C”:
M153 or M158, M 163 or M 168, M208 or M309, M215, CS 160, CS 170, and CS 260. (twenty-four or twenty-six semester hours).
Minor in Mathematics Minors in Mathematics must satisfactorily complete the following Mathematics and Computer Science courses with at least a “C”: M153 or M158, M 163 or M 168, M207 or M305, M208
or M309, M215, M306, M314, and CS160 or an approved programming language. (twenty-five or twenty-seven semester hours).
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Double Major in Mathematics and Computer Science A double major in mathematics and computer science is the fulfillment of the degree requirements in both majors concurrently. To earn a degree with a double major in mathematics and computer science, the student must fulfill all of the requirements of both degree programs. A double major in mathematics and computer science does not imply a dual degree in mathematics and computer science. One diploma will be awarded, but a notation recognizing the completion of a second major will be posted on the students permanent academic record. To be eligible to pursue a double major in mathematics and computer science, a student must have completed a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of course work with a minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA. As a minimum, the course work must include CS160, CS170, M158, M168, and M215. The student must have a “B” average (3.000) in all mathematics and computer science courses that have been taken. Under special circumstances, the Department Chair may waive these requirements. To initiate a double major, a student should contact the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and complete the appropriate forms with the Registrars Office.