Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems Department
Chairperson: Christine Benson
Faculty: Joni Adkins, Ajay Bandi, Scott Bell, Judy Clark, Russell Euler, Kurtis Fink, Brian Haile, Carolyn Hardy, Douglas Hawley, Christina Heintz, Justin Hoffmeier, Lynda Hollingsworth, Na Li, Diana Linville, Cheryl Gregorson Malm, Gary McDonald, Merry McDonald, David Monismith, Michael Rogers, Jawad Sadek, Matthew Schieber, Mary Shepherd, Eddie Smith, Carol Spradling, Csilla Tasi, David Vlieger, Jennifer Wall, Han Yu, Nancy Zeliff
Statement of Mission
The mission of the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems is to provide programs through which students learn to solve problems and gain professional competence in the areas of mathematics, computer science, and information systems. In addition to courses supporting our majors, we offer general education and service courses that reflect the pivotal role of mathematics, computer science and information systems in all disciplines. The goal of each major is to provide a sufficiently focused curriculum to enable each student to compete successfully in the job market, while also providing sufficient breadth to facilitate lifelong learning, whether that learning continues through formal graduate study or on-the-job experiences. Each major offers the student opportunities to obtain thorough knowledge of the field of study, develop the professional competencies to communicate that knowledge, and acquire a value system to make sound decisions regarding the issues that confront professionals in the work place.
Degree Programs
The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Information Systems offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and the Bachelor of Science degrees in the areas of mathematics, computer science, interactive digital media, management information systems and business technology. For students interested in teaching mathematics or business and economics, in grades 9-12, the department offers the Bachelor of Science in Education degree with majors in mathematics education and business education. In addition, there are minors in accounting information systems, business education (as well as non-degree business technology and information systems programs), computer applications, computer networking, computer science, data management, geographic information systems, interactive digital media, marketing and cooperative education, mathematics education (grades 9-12), mathematics education (middle school), statistics, and systems management.
Students in the mathematics major develop their abilities to interpret, solve, and explain problems. Through a balanced selection of coursework from both pure and applied mathematics students expand their understanding of how data analysis and mathematical modeling impact aspects of contemporary society. Education majors also learn how to help students understand these aspects of mathematics. Students who incorporate preparatory work in actuarial science into a mathematics major (with possible economics minor) can choose courses leading to VEE credit from the Society of Actuaries in Economics, Corporate Finance, and Applied Statistical Methods, as well as courses preparing them for three actuarial exams (administered by the Society of Actuaries).
The focus of the computer science major is software design and implementation. The program also provides a solid background in the fundamental principles of computer networks, computer organization, database systems, operating systems and programming languages.
Interactive digital media students will possess cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills in areas that deal with visual aesthetic understanding and communication, integrated with technological knowledge. Students in the computer science programming concentration will design and implement computer programs, and explore the additional topics of computer organization, networking, database development and other computer technologies.
Students in the management information systems program develop a solid, interrelated combination of business knowledge and applied computer technology skills. This combination makes graduates suited for a variety of information technology careers.
Business technology and business education students develop technology and computer-related skills as well as interpersonal, decision making, and analytical skills. Graduates will effectively assist organizations with business, computer, and technology operations. Additionally, education majors learn to motivate students to develop these same skills and attributes.
In all of these programs, students learn fundamental concepts while engaging in activities similar to those encountered in the workplace. Small classes taught by full-time faculty using active learning instructional paradigms focus on the student’s learning process, with the teacher’s role that of guide, facilitator and mentor.
All of these programs are supported by a wide variety of computing facilities ranging from local area networks of microcomputers to campus--wide access to an international network of computing services.
Test-Out Policy
Undergraduate students may test out of certain lower division courses in mathematics. Examinations are available each trimester. See the department chairperson for courses that are available for test-out.
Students may challenge their placement in MATH 17080 Math Skills by taking a combined modules test and showing mastery (80% proficiency) in each of the 10 modules of instruction. Students will be required to enroll in 17-080 Math Skills to complete instruction in those modules for which proficiency is not achieved. Students should contact the department for additional details.
Developmental Mathematics
MATH 17080 - MATH 17089 Math Skills is required of students with an ACT Mathematics score of 20 or below. Students must achieve mastery (80%) in each of 10 modules of instruction prior to enrolling in a college-level mathematics course. Evidence of mastery may be shown through successful completion of each module in the MATH 17080 - MATH 17089 course or through successful completion of a proctored proficiency examination indicating 80% mastery in each of the 10 modules of instruction.
Senior Assessment
For each of the majors in the Computer Science or Information Systems area, a senior-level major field assessment must be completed by each student.
Non-Degree Programs
The Computer Science and Information Systems area offers a two-year business technology program. On the successful completion of a program, the student is awarded a certificate. Unless otherwise noted, all courses in this program are fully accredited and may be applied to a degree program should a student later decide to complete a college degree. A student must maintain a “C” average. All non-degree programs in the Computer Science and Information Systems area require CSIS 44130 Computers and Information Technology, as a prerequisite course as required by course descriptions.