Computer and Information Science Program

Chairperson: J. Blackburn-Lynch

Faculty: K. Barnard, M. Blackburn, S. Bolster, L. Gratton, M. Henderson, J.P. Lee, L. Mullins, M. Nakazawa, J. Pearce, J. Rector, R. Roselli, and T. Thesing

Berea’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department is well-known for its caring faculty and strong programs. The Department offers majors in Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and Computer and Information Science, as well as a minor in Computer Science. The Department also supports students in a variety of ways outside of its traditional classroom programs. Each year, many Mathematics and Computer Science students are placed in a wide variety of research and Internship programs. Through the College Labor Program, prospective mathematics teachers are provided opportunities to develop skills in working one-on-one with students in the Developmental Mathematics classroom setting. The Department also regularly invites outside speakers and arranges for students to visit mathematical and computing conferences and sites.

Please see the section on General Education requirements in this Catalog for information on the role of MAT 010, 011, and 012 in the first-year requirements. Placement in or waiver of MAT 010, 011, or 012 is based on test scores.

Computers and information systems now are transforming a wide variety of other fields in unprecedented ways. More and more, Web-site design, database management, and general computational proficiency are becoming critical skills for an ever-widening variety of careers. The Computer and Information Science program emphasizes practical hands-on learning, enhancing the student’s experience by supplementing appropriate theory with practical applications in order to provide the training needed for a wide variety of career opportunities in business, government, and education.

Providing a curriculum designed to develop understanding and skill in the broad discipline of computer and information science, the Computer and Information Science major requires the student to complete a series of core courses and offers the option of a major concentration in Computer Science.

The major in Computer and Information Science is intended to be appropriate for students interested in acquiring skill with computer applications, computer programming, computer hardware, and software-related tools designed for use in the physical, social, or life sciences.

Computer scientists design and develop all types of software from systems infrastructure to application technologies, so the optional Computer Science concentration is recommended for students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in computer science, computational science, software engineering, mobile robotics, or other related fields, or for students interested in employment that requires deep understanding of computer operating systems and/or algorithms. 

A Computer Science minor is recommended for students who wish to supplement a major in another discipline or to enhance their potential employment opportunities. The curriculum of the Computer Science minor seeks to augment the student’s major and General Education courses by developing technically adept graduates who are prepared for a range of modern careers that require computational skills.

Students who complete the major in Computer and Information Science are ineligible for the minor in Computer Science. Those students who wish to pursue more in-depth study focusing on Computer Science should consider the optional major concentration in Computer Science instead.

Additional learning opportunities also are available through Internship, Independent Study, Team Initiated Study, and the College Labor Program.

Major and Minor

• B.A. Degree with a Major in Computer and Information Science
• Minor in Computer Science

 

Mathematics and Computer Science

Programs

• Mathematics Program
• Computer Science Program

Courses

• Mathematics Courses
• Computer Science Courses