Mathematics/Computer Science Major
Departmental information and a statement of philosophy for computer science or mathematics can be found on the opening page of the curriculum section.
Mathematics/Computer Science credit by proficiency
For information on earning credit by proficiency in mathematics and computer science, please see the "Credit by Proficiency" section of this catalog.
Additional information
The college also offers an information systems major, which combines computer science with accounting and business management courses.
Mathematics/Computer Science Major Requirements (53s.h.)
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Complete all of the following:
- COSC 110Pm Introduction to Computer Science (3)
- COSC 130Pm Data Structures (3)
- COSC 220Pm Software Design (3)
- COSC 245Pm Computer Organization and Architecture (4)
- COSC 330Pm Algorithms (3)
- MATH 131Pm Calculus I (4)
- MATH 132Pm Calculus II (4)
- MATH 210Pm Intro to a Computer Algebra System (1)
- MATH 231Pm Multivariable Calculus (3)
- MATH 240Pm Linear Algebra (4)
- MATH 385P Mathematics/Computer Science Junior Seminar (2)
- MATH 421Pm Abstract Algebra I (3)
- MATH 485P Mathematics/Computer Science Senior Seminar (1)
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Complete one of the following:
- COSC 235Pm Discrete Structures (3)
- MATH 221Pm Foundations of Mathematics (3)
- Complete one of the following MATH electives:
- Complete one of the following COSC electives:
- Complete an additional 6 s.h. of COSC or MATH electives
* Note: For students seeking certification to teach mathematics, the 9 s.h. of total electives should include both MATH 341Pm and MATH 342Pm. When this is impossible to schedule, the 9 s.h. of electives should consist of MATH 105m and 3 s.h. semester hours from the each of the MATH and COSC elective lists above. Also, MATH 310Pm is recommended for a mathematics teaching endorsement. - Complete all requirements for the Communication Skills Endorsement
Communication skills endorsement
The department believes that it is essential that majors in computer science and mathematics are able to speak, read, and write satisfactorily within the discipline. As such, many courses throughout the major include activities that evaluate students' ability to communicate.
The department faculty meet annually to discuss and evaluate each major's communication skills. Students can expect to be evaluated at least once during each academic year. Students whose skills in one or more areas (speaking, reading, and writing) are not sufficient must work with her/his adviser to design an improvement plan.
The final evaluation of a student's communication skills occurs in MATH/COSC 385P Mathematics/Computer Science Junior Seminar (2) and MATH/COSC 485P Mathematics/Computer Science Senior Seminar (1). In these courses, students are required to give two oral presentations and write a paper covering the topic used in the second presentation. Reading, listening and research skills are also covered in these courses.
Typical sequence of courses for the mathematics/computer science major
Freshman year
MATH 131Pm Calculus I
MATH 132Pm Calculus II
COSC 110Pm Introduction to Computer Science
COSC 130Pm Data Structures
MATH 210Pm Introduction to a Computer Algebra System
Central core courses and electives
Sophomore year
COSC 235Pm Discrete Structures or MATH 221Pm Foundations of Mathematics
MATH 240Pm Linear Algebra
COSC 220Pm Software Design
COSC 245P Computer Organization and Architecture
Central core courses and electives
Junior year
COSC 330Pm Algorithms
MATH 385P Mathematics/Computer Science Junior Seminar
MATH 231Pm Multivariable Calculus
Mathematics elective
Computer science elective
Central core courses and electives
Senior year
COSC 485P Mathematics/Computer Science Senior Seminar
MATH 421Pm Abstract Algebra I - Offered on an alternate-year basis
Mathematics or computer science elective
Central core courses and electives
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