The Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (MCS) offers an undergraduate degree in which the student may select a program in the mathematical and computer sciences. There are three tracks:

• Computational and Applied Mathematics option;
• Computer Sciences option; and
• Statistics option.

Broadly speaking, MCS programs place particular emphasis on the development of applications oriented techniques to enhance the overall attractiveness of MCS majors to a wide range of employers in business and industry. In particular, we utilize a summer "field session" program in Computer Science and the senior capstone experiences in Computational and Applied Mathematics, and Statistics to engage our majors in problems of practical applicability for potential employers. These courses are designed to simulate an industrial job or research environment; in small teams, students work for a client, make weekly reports and present final written and oral reports. The close collaboration with potential employers or CSM professors improves communication between students and the private sector as well as with sponsors from other disciplines on campus.

MCS majors also use a twelve hour block of electives to take additional courses from disciplines of particular interest to them. This "Technical Area of Special Interest" adds flexibility to the program and prepares students for a wide variety of careers.

• Develop technical expertise within mathematics/statistics/computer sciences, by:
  • Designing and implementing systems and solutions within mathematics/statistics/computer sciences.
  • Using appropriate technology as a tool to solve problems in mathematics/statistics/computer sciences.
  • Creating efficient algorithms and well structured programs.
• Develop breadth and depth of knowledge within mathematics/statistics/computer sciences, by:
  • Extending course material to solve original problems.
  • Applying knowledge of mathematics/statistics/computer sciences.
  • Identifying, formulating and solving mathematics/statistics/computer sciences problems.
  • Analyzing and interpreting data.
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of the relationship of mathematics/statistics/computer sciences to other fields, by:
  • Applying mathematics/statistics/computer sciences to solve problems in other fields.
  • Working cooperatively in multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Choosing appropriate technology to solve problems in other disciplines.
• Communicate mathematics/statistics/computer sciences effectively by:
  • Communicating orally.
  • Communicating in writing.
  • Working cooperatively in teams.
  • Creating well documented and well structured programs.
  • Understanding and interpreting written material in mathematics/statistics/computer sciences.

• Avaya Communications
• British Petroleum
• Hewlett-Packard
• IBM
• Lockheed Martin
• Motorola
• Naval Research Laboratory
• Raytheon Systems
• Sun Microsystems
• TRW Space & Electronics
• U.S. Department of the Interior
• XCEL Energies