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The Mathematics/Computer Science Program

The Mathematics/Computer Science Program offers a B.A. degree program combining mathematics with computer science, as well as an undergraduate minor. It is designed to introduce students to the principal areas of mathematics and computer science, with an emphasis on applications. Requirements for the major include some choices (for example, discrete mathematics for students aiming toward careers in computing vs. differential equations for students aiming toward careers in mathematics). However, all students acquire a strong foundation in the traditional areas of both disciplines. This serves to distinguish Purchase graduates from others with narrower backgrounds. Classes typically are small. Computer classes include closed labs (scheduled time to work in a computer lab with faculty present to provide guidance).

The Senior Project
The capstone experience is the senior project, a year-long required research project undertaken by each senior in conjunction with a faculty mentor. Many of these projects are prepared for formal presention at the annual Natural Sciences Student Symposium. Topics from recent years include:

• End-to-End Measuring and Monitoring
• Reach-Preservable Spanning Trees
• A Graphical User Interface Using Microsoft Foundation Classes
• Automorphism Group of Product Graphs
• Construction of Firewalls
• Building Games Using Direct X

In addition, many students gain important experiences by taking on responsibilities of network administrator, Web master, and technical assistant for courses and projects in the School. Student work has appeared (or is scheduled to appear) in the Annals of Discrete Math, Graph Theory Notes of NY, and Journal of Computing at Small Colleges.

A Dynamic, Innovative Curriculum
The program undergoes continual review and change. Recent course additions include: an introductory programming course focusing on games; a revised discrete mathematics course with such topics as encryption algorithms; a course on server-side programming, including hands-on lab work using proprietary and Open Source software; an advanced topics course on abstract algebra and point-set topology; a team-taught course on the emerging Web; and a course on robotics. The program provides required courses for general education, as well as required and elective courses for students majoring in natural science disciplines and in new media.

About Our Alumni
Recent graduates of the Mathematics/Computer Science Program are successfully pursuing advanced degrees at such institutions as Columbia University, SUNY Binghamton, and the CUNY Graduate Center, as well as careers in teaching at both the secondary and college level, in the finance industry (Salomon Brothers, Goldman Sachs, Sanford & Bernstein, G.E Capital Finance), and in the computer industry (IBM's T.J. Watson Research Center, IBM's Global Services Division, and several smaller software engineering firms).

Updated July 14, 2006