Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

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Hong Cheng, PhD, Chair

The mission of the department is seven-fold. One is to prepare students for careers in both mathematics and computer science. Another is to prepare students for advanced graduate training in both mathematics and computer science. A third is to prepare elementary, middle school, and secondary teachers in the content areas of mathematics and computer science, which are essential to their bachelor of science in education program (see the section of this catalog for the College of Education and Human Performance). A fourth is to prepare graduate students in the content area of mathematics essential for the master of education degree. A fifth is to provide both minor programs to support a variety of major programs and service courses in mathematics and computer science in support of other departmental major and minor programs. A sixth is to support the general education program. The final mission is to offer developmental courses to prepare students for college-level mathematics.

The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and computer science. The BS in mathematics provides two options: one option offers a curriculum that adheres to the standards of the Mathematical Association of America and relates to students interested in professional or graduate programs requiring extensive math backgrounds. The other option adheres to the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for those preparing to teach in public or private schools and requires completion of a minor in teacher education. The curriculum in the Computer Science degree adheres to the professional standards of the Association for Computer Machinery. The BS in Computer Science includes three options: BS in Computer Science, BS in Computer Science with Computer Game and Animation Design, and BS in Computer Science with Cyber Security and Privacy. While all three options cover computer science core courses, the Game and Animation Design Option focuses on introductory and advanced topics in game programming, animation and simulation design, and mobile app development, and the Cyber Security and Privacy Option focuses on cyber defense, cyber forensics, and privacy related courses. A BSMS program is available that facilitates earning the BS and MS degrees in computer science in five years. The BSMS program allows the students using six graduate credit hours towards their undergraduate degree. Minors in mathematics and computer science are also offered.

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