Academics
Mathematics and Computer Science > Requirements
Mathematics Major
The mathematics major combines conceptual and theoretical ideas with computational techniques and applications of mathematics. When appropriate, courses use technology and the department’s computer laboratory to facilitate exploration and understanding in a cooperative setting. Majors are prepared to pursue careers that emphasize applications of mathematics, careers in teaching, and graduate study in mathematics.
The minimum requirements for all students majoring in mathematics are satisfactory completion of the following:
Mathematics 110, 111, 210, 230, 231, 311, 330, and Computer Science 112 (or the Honors sequence, Mathematics 115, 116, instead of Mathematics 110, 111).
One of the following sequences:
(1) Mathematics 331 and another mathematics course numbered 300 or above; or
(2) Mathematics 350, 351.
The senior studies course or senior thesis in mathematics.
In addition, one course from the following is required: Physics 120, Philosophy 265, Economics 330, or any Computer Science course numbered 212 or above.
Internship credit may not be counted toward the major.
Most majors who plan careers in mathematics elect more than the minimum number of courses that are required. A reading knowledge of a foreign language is strongly recommended for students who plan to attend graduate school.
Mathematics Minor
Requirements include the following: Mathematics 110, 111, 210, 230, and either Mathematics 214 or 231; one mathematics course numbered 300 or above; Computer Science 112.
The department encourages students interested in the actuarial profession to prepare for the examinations administered by the Society of Actuaries for certification as an Associate or Fellow in that professional organization. Students interested in the actuarial profession should elect Mathematics 110, 111 (or 115, 116), 210, 230, and 231 along with Mathematics 314, 350, 351.
Computer Science Major
The Computer Science major is designed to prepare students, within a liberal arts setting, for careers or graduate work in the field of computer science. The curriculum emphasizes core fundamentals, object-oriented programming and design, Web-centric computing, and important application domains as well as theoretical results. Instruction takes advantage of a wide range of computer technology to facilitate learning and exploration. The departmental labs are fully-networked, providing Windows, Macintosh, and Linux computing environments. Students interested in the major are strongly encouraged to begin their studies during their first year.
The minimum requirements for the major in Computer Science are as follows:
Successful completion of Mathematics 110 and 230, as well as Computer Science 112, 212, 213, 217, 318, 336, and 417.
The senior seminar (Computer Science 488 or 489) or senior thesis in Computer Science.
Successful completion of two additional courses in Computer Science from the following list: 214 and any course numbered 300 or above. Internship credit may not be counted toward the major.
Recommended (but not required) are the following: Mathematics 111, 150 (or 350 and 351 for a stronger theoretical background), 231, 314, and 375; Philosophy 265. Students interested in attending graduate school in computer science are strongly encouraged to take Computer Science 434 and 461.
Computer Science Minor
The minor in Computer Science requires the student to successfully complete Mathematics 110 and 230 as well as Computer Science 112, 212, 213, 217, and one of 312, 318, or 336.