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The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers courses and majors in two disciplines, mathematics and computer science. The department recognizes that computers have become more and more pervasive in all aspects of human life and that knowledge of mathematics is desirable and necessary in many disciplines. For that reason a variety of service courses in both mathematics and computer science directed toward the needs of non-majors who will use computers or mathematics as tools in their chosen career areas are offered.
Students may pursue either a bachelor of art or a bachelor of science degree in mathematics or computer science. Students who are thinking of a major in either area must begin their preparation as early as possible, preferably during their freshman year.
The department maintains a computer laboratory with personal computers and several high-performance workstations.
Computer Science
Computer science is the study of the application of computers to people's needs. Computer science involves problem- solving methods and processes that manipulate and transform information. It is the study of the theory, analysis, design, development, and application of computer programs as well as computer systems. Computer science is an interdisciplinary field with roots in mathematics and engineering with applications in many other academic disciplines such as business, science, and art.
The computer science major at Gallaudet offers a student several options. The major is made up of nine core computer science courses that are required of all majors and two computer science electives. The major also requires that the student pick a concentration from mathematics, business, art, psychology, or science. The concentration will depend on a student's needs and interests. However, with the mathematics concentration, the major most closely matches the recommendations of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society and provides the student with the broadest range of opportunities and the best possibility of entering graduate programs in computer science.
Graduates of this program can obtain employment as programmers/analysts, and as scientific or business applications programmers in government or industry. They may also pursue further graduate study and research. Opportunities for computer science students to obtain summer internships are widely available.
Mathematics
One of the oldest academic subjects, mathematics plays an indispensable role in many fields, and new applications of mathematics are continuously being developed. A strong background in mathematics is a requirement for advancement in a large and increasing number of jobs and will give students more flexibility in choosing their careers. A major in mathematics may lead to opportunities in many diverse fields, such as the sciences, engineering, finance, insurance, and education. Opportunities for mathematics majors to obtain summer internships are widely available.
Declaring a Major
Requirements for Admission to a Major in Mathematics or Computer Science
Students must complete or demonstrate the following before declaring a major in Mathematics or Computer Science:
- A letter of interest sent to the Department Chair.
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
- A grade of C or higher in either MAT 205 Calculus II (Mathematics) or CSC 150 Computer Programming II (Computer Science).
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