Mathematics and Computer Science

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Chairperson:  Dr. Liz Brown
Associate Chairperson of Computer Science: Dr. Jeff Kinne
Department Office: Root Hall, A-115
Web site: mathcs.indstate.edu/dept/
E-mail: mathcs@indstate.edu

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers students the opportunity to major or minor in mathematics or computer science, or to major in mathematics teaching or middle school mathematics teaching. In addition, we offer a Middle School Mathematics minor for Elementary Education majors and a Computer Science Teaching minor.  In support of the liberal arts and sciences mission of the college and Indiana State University, the department participates in the Foundational Studies Program, particularly through offering courses in Quantitative Literacy.  The department also participates in the University Honors Program. Students must take the placement examination in order to register for an initial MATH class.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 

Degrees Offered

The undergraduate degree programs offered by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science include a bachelor of science in mathematics, a bachelor of arts in mathematics, a bachelor of science in mathematics teaching, a bachelor of science in middle school mathematics teaching, and a bachelor of science in computer science. Candidates for any of these degrees must successfully complete the University requirement of a minimum of 120 credits, including Foundational Studies course work, as well as the requirements for the major. 

It is expected that students entering departmental degree programs will have completed the following high school mathematics courses: two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of pre-calculus. All prerequisite MATH and CS courses must be completed with a grade of C or better before a student can enroll in any course in the major.

Mathematics 

Mathematics is among the most fascinating of all intellectual disciplines, the purest of all art forms, and the most challenging of games. The study of mathematics is not only exciting, but important; mathematicians have an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to society by helping to solve problems in diverse fields. The degree programs in mathematics provides students with a thorough knowledge of basic theoretical mathematics, as well as initial training in applied areas such as combinatorics, statistics, or actuarial science. A bachelor’s degree in mathematics prepares students for fascinating jobs in statistics, actuarial sciences, mathematical modeling, and cryptography, as well as for graduate school leading to a research career in mathematics or statistics. Major employers of mathematicians include the Department of Defense and other agencies in federal and state governments. Private sector employers include research and testing services, educational services, security and commodity exchanges, management and public relations services, the pharmaceutical industry, banks, insurance companies, and public utilities. A strong background in mathematics is also necessary for research in many areas of computer science, social science, and engineering. Majors complete a culminating experiential learning requirement. 

Mathematics Teaching

Course work in mathematics teaching is based on national standards and designed to help future teachers find creative solutions to the challenges they face in the classroom. Mathematics education students learn the mathematics content needed to be effective teachers in middle and high schools, as well as learn to teach in the larger contexts of mathematics, science, and society. The program gives students many opportunities to practice what they are learning both by working collaboratively with their peers in university courses and through early experiences in schools.  Mathematics teaching majors complete a culminating experiential learning experience through student teaching. Student teaching courses include CIMT 401 and MATH 402. This is a 16-week full-time experience in both a middle school and high school setting. Licensure to teach mathematics in grades 5-12 is granted after successfully completing the two classes successfully and passing the state licensing exams for secondary mathematics.  Students completing the Middle School Mathematics Teaching major and passing the state licensing exams for middle school mathematics can gain licensure to teach mathematics in grades 5-8.

In addition to the Mathematics Teaching Major, the Department offers a Middle School Mathematics Minor for Elementary Education majors.  This minor, in conjunction with the Elementary Education Major and completion of state licensing exams leads to a license to teach mathematics in grades 6-8. 

Computer Science 

Computer science in its essence is a study of the possibilities and limits of computation for problem solving. Computer science requires problem-solving skills, persistence to keep working on a problem until figuring it out, an interest in computer programming, logical thinking, and analytical thought. For the student prepared for these challenges, it is an exciting and dynamic discipline that can lead to excellent job opportunities in business and industry. The major offers concentrations in computing science, data science, and information science.  Computing science has a focus in computer systems and theory, data science has a focus on data science, and information science has a focus on a number of applied areas. The core of the computer science major, and the requirements for the computer science minor, prepare a student with fundamental programming skills and computer science knowledge. Courses are offered in a range of areas, including: databases, networking, operating systems, programming languages, computer architecture, multimedia, artificial intelligence, mobile computing, big data, computer graphics and software engineering. The program also prepares students for the study of computer science at the graduate level.  Computer science majors complete a culminating experiential learning experience through Computer Science 499 Senior Design, where they analyze, design, and develop software applications in a team environment. Students register for this course each of their last two semesters.  

Departmental Opportunities 

The college, in consultation with departments, assigns each student a faculty academic advisor. Majors and minors in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science are encouraged to maintain good contact with their advisor, and are expected to work with their advisor prior to registration each semester. Students who do so are more likely to meet their goals and achieve academic success. Students can find their assigned advisor by consulting the college, the department, or their portal.

The Department also manages the Math Lab, a free tutoring resource for ISU students enrolled in freshman level mathematics and quantitative literacy classes.  Many of the math coaches employed in the Math Lab are majors and minors from the Department.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science maintains a modern Linux computer laboratory that is available for student use, classrooms with Linux computers, and a number of servers that are used for coursework. Graduate students from the department provide academic assistance in the Lab, located in the basement of Root Hall.

Students majoring in computer science can join and participate in the activities of the student association of the Association for Computing Machinery. Students majoring in mathematics and mathematics education can join and participate in the student chapter of the honorary mathematics fraternity, Pi Mu Epsilon. 

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