Math and Computer Science

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Mathematics

Berger, Vazquez Landrove, Sweet, Vance

Department Mission Statement

The Mathematics program is designed to give students an opportunity to develop a mathematical foundation as a tool for understanding the world and society in which they live.  The major curriculum allows students to develop their problem solving and deductive reasoning skills and enhances their ability to model the present and predict the future status of systems in a changing world.  

The goal of the Mathematics Department is to give students the opportunity to develop mathematics as a tool applicable throughout their professional and personal lives.  We do this by building a community of learners consisting of students and faculty and by building interdisciplinary relationships with our partner disciplines.  Experiences beyond the classroom, including undergraduate research, give our students a competitive edge in the job market or for graduate school.  

The Mathematics Department offers two majors, Mathematics and Data Science, two minors, Mathematics and Leading and Communicating with Data, and a pre-baccalaureate certificate in Data Analytics.  The department prepares students for graduate study, careers in secondary education, or employment in mathematics-related fields.  The teaching and learning process incorporates modern technology and innovative techniques to assist students in developing critical analytical skills.  Oral and written communication are integrated into the curriculum, so graduates have the ability to effectively communicate technical results. 

Mathematics majors can strengthen their resume by completing a major or minor in a related area.  Suggested disciplines include Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Accounting, Philosophy, Psychology, and Education. 

Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, and Interactive Media

C. Brodie, M. Brodie, Heier, Little

Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Computer Science program areas of study is to provide for majors and non-majors, traditional and part-time students, a learning environment that remains grounded in the liberal arts tradition while incorporating current curriculum standards and computing technologies.  The program strives to ensure that students graduate with a strong general education, a knowledge of computer science sufficient for professional competence or graduate school admission, and an understanding of the ethical issues associated with information technology.  Learning experiences include individual and group activities which emphasize personal growth, critical thinking and communication skills. 

Four majors are offered including Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, and Interactive Media.  Students interested in any of the majors are strongly encouraged to enroll in CmSc 150 and CmSc 155 in their first year.  While completing this core sequence students can, in consultation with their advisors, determine where their interests and abilities lie and decide which major is more appropriate for them.  The program of studies also includes minors in all four areas as well as a certificate program in computer programming. 

Students planning to major or minor in any of the areas are urged to consult members of the department to plan their programs of study.  This is particularly important because the department periodically reviews and changes the curriculum to reflect new technologies and methodologies in the computer science and information systems disciplines. 

The courses offered in the program areas of Computer Science are designed to fulfill the needs of a broad spectrum of students, including non-majors with an interest in computing and the role of computers in modern society.  Students who want a better understanding of computer concepts within the context of business and information systems should consider the course MIS 145 Management Information Systems. 

Departmental Requirements

Courses within the Computer Science Department carry the designation “CmSc” for Computer Science, or “CIS” for Computer Information Systems, or “MIS” for Management Information Systems. 

Computer Engineering

The Division of Natural Science offers a Dual Degree Engineering program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Simpson College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from an approved engineering school.  Simpson currently has dual-degree transfer arrangements with three engineering institutions: Iowa State University in Ames, the Institute of Technology (University of Minnesota) in Minneapolis, and Washington University in St. Louis.  Students in these programs normally spend three years at Simpson College completing all of the Simpson College ECC requirements and required core courses in computer science, followed by two years at an engineering school completing the requirements for the engineering degree.  A Simpson degree may be earned in the fourth year by transferring back credits from the first year of engineering school.  Approved engineering courses may be used to satisfy any remaining electives in the Simpson Computer Science program.  For more information on the Dual Degree Engineering program see the Department of Chemistry and Physics section in this catalog. 

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