Mathematics and Computer Science

Chair Michael Veatch, Russell Bjork, Karl-Dieter Crisman, Irvin Levy, Jonathan Senning, Richard Stout, Russell Tuck.

Math Major

MISSION: The mathematics faculty seek to pursue an inquiry into God’s creation in its mathematical expression and to equip students to use mathematics in careers that give service to God and humankind. The faculty is committed to scholarly work in the areas of pedagogy, mathematical research, philosophical and foundational issues, and finding socially relevant applications, to introducing students to these activities, and to cultivating a dialogue about mathematical issues. They endeavor to help students gain an understanding of a variety of topics in pure and applied mathematics and to develop skills in areas such as problem solving, forming and testing conjectures, writing cogent arguments and applying mathematical results. Students successfully completing a mathematics major are prepared to teach, enter industry or pursue graduate work.

Honors in Mathematics

Seniors who research and write an honors thesis will be eligible to graduate with honors in mathematics. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, candidates will complete a 2- to 4-credit independent study in an area not covered by existing courses, and culminating in an honors thesis of high quality which will be defended orally to departmental faculty during the senior year. The minimum GPA for honors candidates is 3.5 in the major and 3.0 overall. See department faculty for details.

Budapest Semester in Mathematics

This off-campus program provides an opportunity for well-qualified students majoring in mathematics or computer science to study in Budapest, Hungary. Students can take up to 16 credits of electives for the mathematics major. In addition, they may take courses in Hungarian, the culture of Hungary, or topics such as the history of science, philosophy or film analysis. Contact departmental faculty and the Global Education Office.

Computer Science Major

MISSION: Computer science is a discipline that seeks to develop technological solutions to the problems of managing and using information in an age of exponential knowledge growth. Gordon’s program combines technical training with a Christian liberal arts education that seeks to prepare the student for lifelong effectiveness, not just for a first job. Accordingly, the curriculum takes seriously our responsibility as stewards to utilize the gifts God has entrusted to us in ways that are responsible and beneficial. Students completing the computer science major may enter vocations within the computer industry itself or within the various fields that utilize computer technology, or they may go on to do graduate study in computer science.

Honors in Computer Science

Seniors who research and write an honors thesis will be eligible to graduate with honors in computer science. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, candidates will carry out research in an area not covered by existing courses culminating in a significant honors thesis, which will be defended orally to departmental faculty during the senior year. Normally this will be done in the context of a 2- to 4-credit independent study. The minimum GPA for honors candidates is 3.5 in the major and 3.0 overall. See departmental faculty for details.

AIT-Budapest

Students pursuing computer science are encouraged to consider attending AIT-Budapest during their junior or senior year. This 16-20 credit semester-long experience offers a range of courses in foundational CS courses, advanced applications, creative design and entrepreneurship, and humanities courses related to the rich Hungarian cultural heritage (some of which can fulfill core curriculum). Acceptance into the program is by application, and enrollment cannot be guaranteed. See Interdisciplinary/Off-Campus Programs.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

Computer Science

Mathematics