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Department of Mathematical and Computational Science

The Department of Mathematics at Â鶹ֱ²¥ is a collaborative academic community committed to fostering student engagement, problem solving, and communication . The department offers degrees in both Mathematics and Computer Science—with concentrations in Statistics, Actuarial Science, and Applied Mathematics— in order to develop competent and creative thinkers who combine rigorous quantitative reasoning with the Franciscan values for service to the world in a variety of areas of business, government, and education.

Majors offered:

1. BA in Mathematics
2. BS in Mathematics
3. BS in Computer Science
4. BS in Mathematics with a Specialization in Actuarial Science
5. BS in Mathematics with a Specialization in Applied Computer Science
6. BS in Mathematics with a Specialization in Applied Mathematics
7. BS in Mathematics with a Specialization in Statistics

What is the difference between these two options?

• The B.A. in mathematics provides more flexibility in the elective courses from which you can choose. It requires fewer math courses, allowing you to take more science and other courses of interest. You might choose this option if you want to teach in K-12 classrooms or double-major in math and another subject.
• The B.S. in mathematics is focused on the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, and combinations. The emphasis is on logic, scientific inquiry, and numerical and data analysis, approximation, optimization, and decision-making. You might choose this option if you want to work in banking, finance, as an actuary, or in a technical field.

Minors offered: Minor in Mathematics, Minor in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics for Elementary Educators

Core courses:

Mathematics —Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Introduction to Problem Solving and Proofs

Computer Science —Introduction to Programming, Procedural Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming, Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Outcomes:

• PROBLEM SOLVING: Students will be able to state problems carefully, articulate assumptions, understand the importance of precise definitions, reason logically, and apply mathematical and computational tools and thought processes to solve problems in a wide variety of areas.
• COMMUNICATION: Students will be able to effectively and professionally communicate mathematical and computational ideas clearly and coherently both verbally and in writing to audiences of varying sophistication.
• COLLABORATION: Students will be able to effectively collaborate to enhance and support learning, problem solving, and service.
• MODELING: Students will be able to be able to use mathematics and computation as tools to model and analyze real life applications, scenarios, phenomena, and objects
• TECHNOLOGY: Students will be able to competently, creatively, and appropriately use technological tools to solve mathematical and computational problems, and analyze data, and to make informed decisions.
• DISPOSITIONS: Students will be able to approach mathematical and computational problems with curiosity, creativity and self-sufficiency, including persisting in the face of difficulties.
• CONTENT: Students will know, understand, and appreciate key ideas and concepts of mathematics and computer science in both breadth and depth, from a variety of perspectives, and related to a variety of disciplines.

Why choose mathematics at Â鶹ֱ²¥?

The Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at Â鶹ֱ²¥ is a collaborative academic community committed to fostering student engagement, problem solving, and communication. The department offers degrees in both Mathematics and Computer Science—with concentrations in Statistics, Actuarial Science, and Applied Mathematics— in order to develop competent and creative thinkers who combine rigorous quantitative reasoning with the Franciscan values for service to the world in a variety of areas of business, government, and education.

What principally distinguishes our program from our competitors is not what we teach, but how we teach.

• Small class sizes
• Active and collaborative learning
• Use of mastery-based assessment strategies
• High challenge balanced with high support
• Commitment to using free and open resources in place of expensive textbooks
• Integration of the Franciscan Values throughout the curriculum

If you love math, come and enjoy it with us! Our expert faculty will guide you both in and out of the classroom, whether it is discussing various approaches to a problem, offering suggestions or encouragement, and celebrating your successes. You'll discover a community of like-minded peers and a warm, welcoming campus community.

What career paths are available?

According to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment outlook for college graduates with mathematics degrees and training is strong. Here are just a few jobs held by math majors and the percentage increase in employment the BLS expects through 2024.

• Statisticians: 34 percent
• Operations research analysts: 30 percent
• Mathematicians: 21 percent
• Computer systems analyst: 21 percent
• Market research analysts: 19 percent
• Software developers: 17 percent
• Computer and information systems managers: 15 percent
• Financial analysts: 12 percent
• Accountants and auditors: 11 percent
• Database administrator: 11 percent