School of Natural Science and Mathematics

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Interim Dean: Dr. Christine McCauslin

Professors: Dr. Frederick J. Portier, Dr. Melanie B. Butler

Associate Professors: Dr. Brian E. Heinold, Dr. Jonelle Hook (Chair)

Assistant Professors: Rebecca W. Portier, Scott A. Weiss, Athar Rafiq, Dr. Matthew Gerhart, Dr. Ruth Lamprecht

Endowed Professor: Dr. Daniel Salinas Duron

The courses and programs offered by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science are designed to give students an exposure to a wide variety of topics in computer science, cybersecurity, data science, and mathematics. Participation in the program will provide students with firm foundations in theory and application and will give them an appreciation of both the utility and the intellectual attractiveness of the disciplines. Students will acquire the ability to rationally analyze problems of a quantitative nature and apply appropriate methods of solution. Ultimately, the programs seek to develop, in the students, the ability to reason logically, to express ideas with precision, and to apply appropriate problem-solving techniques.

The mathematics curriculum fills the needs of those students who wish to pursue a professional career in mathematics in academia or industry. As an integral part of a liberal arts education, the department seeks to give students a feeling for the spirit and enjoyable nature of mathematics as well as the applications of mathematics in their areas of study.

The computer science curriculum provides a broad overview of computer science as a discipline and gives the student essential technical and analytical skills. Students become proficient in several programming languages and gain experience on multiple computing platforms. Technical issues related to hardware and software are examined. The mathematical foundation is stressed early and practical experience is gained throughout. Graduates of the program will have the skills necessary to work as computer professionals or pursue graduate education.

The BS in Cybersecurity, in concert with the core curriculum, helps fulfill the undergraduate mission of the university by preparing students for challenging and meaningful careers that aid in cyber defense. In particular, the cybersecurity program will develop strong skills in quantitative reasoning, logic, problem-solving, and design along with versatile communication skills and the ability to apply an ethical lens to a broad spectrum of information technology issues. The Cybersecurity degree prepares students for entry level professional practice in cybersecurity in a variety of areas including securing networks and devices, programming, information security, software design, and network operations. The program also provides solid preparation for graduate-level study in these same areas and for certification exams. Graduates of the program will find that they are well-prepared for challenging and meaningful careers in the cybersecurity field.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Mount St. Mary’s develops mathematics majors who:

are proficient in important areas of undergraduate mathematics such as analysis, algebra, and discrete mathematics
have the ability to investigate, clarify, and solve quantitative problems
have the ability to communicate in mathematics with precision and clarity
have the ability to prove mathematical statements using logical reasoning
are prepared for success in graduate study and professional careers in business, industry, government, and teaching

Mount St. Mary’s develops computer science majors who:

are proficient in several sub-disciplines of computer science such as software development, computer architecture, algorithm analysis, and artificial intelligence
have the ability to apply the tools and techniques of computer science to effectively investigate and solve quantitative problems
have the ability to communicate technical ideas from computer science with precision and clarity
are prepared for success in graduate study and professional careers in business, industry, government, and teaching

Mount St. Mary’s develops cybersecurity majors who:

demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts of cybersecurity and computer science, including risk management, system and network security, data management, legal concerns, cryptography, programming, networking, computer architecture, and operating systems
have the ability to apply the tools and techniques of cybersecurity to effectively investigate and solve technical problems
have the ability to communicate technical ideas from cybersecurity with precision and clarity
demonstrate an understanding of the ethical concerns that are part of the cybersecurity field
are prepared for success in graduate study and professional careers in business, industry, government, and teaching

Programs

Major

Double Major

Minor

Department of Psychology

Interim Dean: Dr. Christine McCauslin

Professor: Dr. Mindy S. Korol

Associate Professors: Dr. Jonathan Slezak (Chair), Dr. Robert P. Keefer

Assistant Professors: Dr. Angy J. Kallarackal, Dr. Griffin Rooker

The Department of Psychology offers courses designed to introduce students to the science and profession of psychology and to consider the psychological nature of people in the context of liberal education. In addition to preparing students for graduate training in psychology or related professions, psychology courses also educate in many basic skills important to other professional areas, including business, law, public administration and research. The department requires students to develop and conduct individual research projects as a means of developing these basic skills.

Programs

Major

• Neuroscience, B.S.
• Psychology, B.S.

Minor

• Psychology Minor

Department of Science

Interim Dean: Dr. Christine McCasulin

Professors: Dr. Patricia J. Kreke, Dr. Christine McCasulin, Dr. Danny G. Miles, Jr., Dr. Dana P. Ward

Associate Professors: Dr. Kathryn Dye, Dr. Abigail Kula, Dr. Garth E. Patterson (Chair), Dr. Michael J. Turner

Assistant Professors: Dr. Rosina Bolen, Dr. Susan Mertins, Dr. Patrick M. Lombardi, Dr. Isaac N. Mills

Lecturers: Sarah M. Brown, Anne Marie Lyons

The Department of Science aims to give students an understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques of study in their major fields. More important, we hope to instill in them a spirit of curiosity and habits of thinking objectively and analytically. We also strive to foster an awareness of the relation of the physical and biological sciences to the major problems facing individuals and society, and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to these problems.

Students are assigned as advisees to faculty members in their major fields for counseling related to their general academic progress. Those students interested in attending medical school, dental school, physician assistant school, pharmacy school or veterinary school or pursuing other health professions after graduating from the Mount are encouraged to consult with the health professions advisor (HPA) as soon as possible following enrollment. Working with their faculty advisors and the HPA, students obtain help with appropriate course selection, professional school entrance exam preparation, application materials and guidance, and support for interviews. In addition, the HPA should be consulted for general advising issues regarding professional school selection. Students interested in pursuing a career in nursing should consult with the pre-nursing advisor. Students interested in pursuing graduate training in the sciences should consult with their faculty advisor regarding experiential learning, preparedness and school selection.

Programs

Major

Minor

• Biology Minor
• Chemistry Minor

Dual Degree

• Osteopathic Medicine Dual Degree