Curriculum - majors, minors, and programs

This section provides information about the majors, minors, and emphases within the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. Departmental information and our statements of philosophy are provided below. In addition to the course descriptions for the courses in our major, we offer further information about the following:

Departmental information

The mathematics/computer science department offers three distinct majors: mathematics, computer science, and a joint mathematics/computer science major (please see appropriate sections of this catalog for information on the mathematics and mathematics/computer science majors). Students who declare either the computer science or mathematics major may not also declare the joint mathematics/computer science major as a second major. Students who declare computer science or mathematics/computer science as their major may not declare an information systems major with an emphasis in computer information systems. Those who wish to combine the disciplines of business and computer science may wish to consider the information systems major. Students seeking a mathematics teaching endorsement should consult the education department.

Computer Science - Statement of philosophy

The computer science curriculum integrates three different learning methodologies: design, abstraction, and theory. Design is used in the development of software systems to solve problems. Students become familiar with abstraction through programming assignments and experimentation in laboratory activities. Facility with theory is acquired by manipulating symbolic systems. As recommended by the Association for Computing Machinery, the object-oriented programming language Java functions as the introduction to the course of study in computer science. Programming serves as the vehicle for exploring the recurring fundamental concepts of levels of abstraction, efficiency, completeness, evolution of design, complexity of large problems, consistency, conceptual versus formal models, human and machine communication and reusability.

Students work with various computing environments such as Windows and Linux, along with a variety of programming languages such as C++, Perl, SQL, Scheme, and Visual Basic. Internship experiences, which are recommended for majors, provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge. These may be obtained locally or through one of Central's international program sites, or through the Chicago Metropolitan Center. Course work can also be acquired in several of the international programs. Additional computing resources are accessible through Central's Internet connection and through departmental servers.

No previous computing experience is required before beginning the computer science program. Many computer science majors participate in the international programs along with co-curricular activities. With this computer science background, students are well prepared to pursue either immediate employment or graduate studies.

Mathematics - Statement of philosophy

Mathematics, one of the keystones of the liberal arts, combines the study of patterns and abstract structures with the art of problem-solving. The ability to reason with quantitative information and solve intricate problems is, and will continue to be, a highly-valued skill. No less important is the ability to communicate technical material to a non-technical audience. The mathematics faculty is committed to developing these skills in all of our students.

At the heart of the mathematics major are courses in algebra and real analysis, two of the main branches of contemporary mathematics. All majors study each of these areas. Other course requirements are flexible, allowing students to obtain teacher certification, gain practical experience in an internship or go overseas on one of Central's international programs. During the junior and senior years, the seminar provides a capstone experience in which each student makes oral and written presentations to the entire department. Whether teaching, in graduate school, or in the workplace, graduates with a liberal arts major in mathematics have the tools they need for success.