Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Dean: Dr. Christine McCauslin
Professors: Dr. Melanie B. Butler
Associate Professors: Dr. Brian E. Heinold, Dr. Jonelle Hook (Chair)
Assistant Professors: Scott A. Weiss, Athar Rafiq, Dr. Matthew Gerhart, Dr. Ruth Lamprecht, Dr. Jonathan McCurdy, Dr. Nadun Kulasekera Mudiyanselage, Dr. Margaret Leary
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 these programs 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 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 science professionals or pursue graduate education.
The cybersecurity curriculum, 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.
The data science curriculum weaves together traditional curriculum in statistics, mathematics and computer science along with curriculum related to current data science techniques. The program offers foundational and practical understanding of computer programming, data privacy and security, high performance computing techniques, as well as management and governance fundamentals. Application areas within the curriculum framework enable students to explore a variety of cross-disciplinary application domains in order to prepare for data science careers within specific domains. Current application areas include Analytics for Business, Computational Science, Data Engineering, Operations Research, and Cyber Analytics. Graduates of the program will be well prepared to assess technical, social and ethical challenges and to create and adapt to the future of a data-driven workplace.
The mathematics curriculum provides a rigorous foundation in theoretical and applied mathematics. Foundational courses in analysis, discrete mathematics, and abstract algebra are supplemented with electives in various branches of mathematics including graph theory, number theory, probability, operations research, and numerical methods. 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 mathematics program will develop strong skills in logical and quantitative reasoning. Students will be able to communicate abstract and technical ideas with precision and clarity. Graduates of the program will be well prepared to work as industry mathematicians, educators, or pursue graduate education.
A unique aspect to our programs is the ability to double major without overloading semesters. There is overlap between content of the programs and several courses can be double counted. For a student who majors in two of our programs, the number of credits in any given semester is at most 16. Students can double major in: Computer Science and Cybersecurity (64 credits), Computer Science and Data Science (65 credits), Data Science and Mathematics (65 credits), Data Science and Cybersecurity (67 credits), Computer Science and Mathematics (69 credits).
Student Learning Outcomes:
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.
Mount St. Mary’s develops data science majors who:
- are proficient in fundamental sub-disciplines of data science and understand statistical concepts that form the theoretical underpinnings of data science including probability distributions, the central limit theorem, and hypothesis testing.
- demonstrate knowledge of machine learning algorithms that apply the theoretical underpinnings to solve typical data science tasks, such as regression, classification, and prediction.
- have the ability to apply the tools and techniques of exploratory data analysis and machine learning in real world scenarios.
- are prepared for success in graduate study and professional careers in business, industry, government, and teaching.
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.
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Department of Psychology
Dean: Dr. Christine McCauslin
Professor: Dr. Mindy S. Korol
Associate Professors: Dr. Jonathan Slezak (Chair)
Assistant Professors: Dr. Minxuan He, Dr. Angy J. Kallarackal, Dr. Peter Kearns, Dr. Griffin Rooker, Dr. Amie Severino
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.
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Department of Science
Dean: Dr. Christine McCasulin
Professors: Dr. Patricia J. Kreke, Dr. Christine McCasulin, Dr. Danny G. Miles, Jr., Dr. Dana P. Ward (Chair)
Associate Professors: Dr. Abigail Kula, Dr. Michael J. Turner, Dr. Patrick M. Lombardi, Dr. Isaac N. Mills
Assistant Professors: Dr. William Mills, Dr. Sarah Krueger, Dr. Rachel Hartnett, Dr. Eric Sakowski, Dr. Kaitlyn E. Stepler, Dr. Kari Taylor-Burt, Dr. Amie Severino, Dr. Geraldine Vilmen
Lecturers: Sarah M. Brown, Annette Weintraub
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.
Science Department Policy on Retaking Courses
At times students may need to retake a course to achieve a more desirable grade and to continue to successfully progress through their major. If a student wishes to take the same course for a third time, the student must seek special permission from the Department Chair, Dean, and Director of Advising. If permitted, the student will need to work with the Director of Advising, and/or a Mount Student Success Coach to create a performance improvement plan that outlines a specific strategy for how the student will work to achieve a grade sufficient to continue their studies within their major. Students should understand that repeating coursework multiple times delays their academic progress, making it difficult or impossible to graduate in a 4-year timeframe.
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Dual Degree