2018-2019 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog 
    
    May 13, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences


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The department of mathematics and computer science offers the bachelor of science degree with majors in applied mathematics, mathematics for secondary education, bioinformatics, computer science, cybersecurity, and management information systems. The degree in applied mathematics can be readily combined with a dual degree in engineering from the University of Missouri - Kansas City or Washington University in St. Louis.

Students may also choose minors in applied mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics and management information systems. Students pursuing a major in applied mathematics, computer science or management information systems may also choose a concentration in cybersecurity. The department of mathematics and computer science, together with the department of fine arts, also offers a certificate in website development and design. The department also offers a concentration and a certificate in cybersecurity.

Graduate students may earn a master of science degree in computer science, or instructional design and technology. See the graduate programs section of this catalog.

The rigorous curriculum in each program emphasizes thinking analytically, solving problems, and communicating effectively. Specifically, through its programs, the department seeks to

  • acquaint students with current developments in bioinformatics, computer science, cybersecurity, management information systems, applied mathematics, mathematics education, and instructional design and technology;
  • equip graduates with essential knowledge and skills to secure professional positions in their fields; and
  • prepare students for successful transitions from the classroom to the workplace.

To achieve these objectives, the department encourages students to interact with faculty by providing individual advising and creating an environment that is conducive to continued professional growth. With the assistance of the department, students may pursue their professional goals through internships and research.

If a student intending to major in the department is not ready for placement into MTH 150 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry I) upon matriculation, the student must meet the following minimum grade requirements in the prerequisite courses:

  • If placed into MTH 091 , the student must earn a grade of at least A- to progress to MTH 095 .
  • If placed into MTH 095 , the student must earn a grade of at least A- to progress to MTH 105  and/or CIS 160 .
  • If placed into MTH 105 , the student must earn a grade of at least B- to progress to MTH 150 .
  • If placed Into MTH 110 , the student must earn a grade of at least B- to progress to MTH 150 .

A student pursuing a major in the department must earn a grade of B- or better in CIS 160  to progress to CIS 161 , and in CIS 161  to progress to CIS 210  and above.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is to provide its students with the expertise to become leaders and innovators in their chosen area of study and to produce graduates who will be successful and valued professionals, be committed to lifelong learning, make positive contributions to society, communicate effectively, work well with others, act ethically and value truth and diversity.

Faculty

Mary Abkemeier, professor of mathematics and computer science and chairperson of the department of mathematics and computer science; director of the master of science in computer science
Zahid Anwar, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science
Samantha Eidson, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science
Nancy English, associate professor emeritus of mathematics and computer science
Kathryn Graves, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science; liaison for the dual degree engineering programs
M. Elizabeth Newton, professor of mathematics and computer science
Bahareh Rahmani, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science
Kathleen Roy, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science
Guanyu Tian, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science
Adam Weyhaupt, dean, College of Arts & Sciences, associate professor of mathematics and computer science
Yi Yang, associate professor of mathematics and computer science


Undergraduate Programs


Major Approval

Major approval is required during the second semester of the sophomore year, or after the completion of 45 credit hours at Fontbonne. For transfer students, major approval is required after completing the equivalent of one full semester (a minimum of 12 credits) at Fontbonne.

Students are required to earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in the courses specified below along with the submission of their Portfolio A to continue in their major program at the time of application for major approval.

Applied Mathematics and Mathematics for Secondary Education Majors:


Management Information Science Major:


Note:


For transfer students, who did not take these courses at Fontbonne University, 12 credit hours of appropriate coursework will be stipulated by the faculty of the department. The department reserves the right to administer a test in the appropriate discipline for acceptance into its major programs when deemed necessary.

Majors in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (with the exception of Mathematics for Secondary Education majors - see Major in Mathematics for Secondary Education section of this catalog) must have an overall GPA of 2.0 as well as a 2.0 GPA in the major required coursework in order to earn a BS Degree. To earn a minor from this department, students must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor required coursework.

Advanced Placement

An entering student who scores three, four or five on the Advanced Placement (AP) Test will receive equivalent placement and university credit. For students who score a three, four or five on the Calculus AB Examination, four credit hours are awarded for MTH 150 . For students who score a three, four or five on the Calculus BC Examination, eight credit hours are awarded for MTH 150  and MTH 151 . For students who score a three, four or five on the Computer Science A Examination, credit may be given for a comparable computer science course per the agreement of the department. For students who score a three, four or five on the Statistics Examination, three credit hours are awarded for MTH 151 .


The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers two master of science degrees: Computer Science and Instructional Design and Technology.

Academic Policies and Regulations

For detailed information on academic policies and regulations, including information relative to grade definitions, satisfactory progress, transfer of credit, etc., please refer to the graduate program information section in this catalog.

Dual Undergraduate/Graduate Enrollment

For detailed information on dual undergraduate/graduate enrollment, please refer to the graduate program information section in this catalog.

Educator’s Discount

Please refer to the graduate program information section in this catalog for detailed information on discounts.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is to provide its students with the expertise to become leaders and innovators in their chosen area of study and to produce graduates who will be successful and valued professionals, be committed to lifelong learning, make positive contributions to society, communicate effectively, work well with others, act ethically and value truth and diversity.

Dual Degree Program in Engineering with the University of Missouri-Kansas City or with Washington University in St. LouisS

Fontbonne University students may choose a dual degree program of study in collaboration with either the School of Computing and Engineering at the University of Missouri-Kansas City or the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis. This program may be combined with any major, but is most easily achieved in conjunction with a major in applied mathematics or in biology. Because of the many engineering avenues, students must work closely with the dual degree advisor to map out a curriculum plan. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of B+ (3.25 on a 4.0 scale) or better, both overall and in science and mathematics courses, is required for admission to the engineering schools. Applicants with lower GPAs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon satisfactory completion of both programs, the student will be awarded bachelor of science degrees from both Fontbonne University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City or from both Fontbonne University and Washington University in St. Louis.

Programs

    Undergraduate CertificateUndergraduate MajorUndergraduate MinorGraduate CertificateGraduate Major

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