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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, associate professor of mathematics and computer science
Kathryn Graves, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science; liaison for the dual degree engineering programs
Kathleen Roy, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science
Guanyu Tian, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science
Adam Weyhaupt, interim associate vice-president, Academic Affairs; dean, College of Arts & Sciences, associate professor of mathematics and computer science
Yi Yang, associate professor of mathematics and computer science

Undergraduate Programs

Continuation in the Major

For students to continue in the major the following requirements must be met:

• Minimum GPA of 2.50 in the courses specified below for each major
• Successful completion of BNF 288 , CIS 288 , or MTH 288  during the second semester of sophomore year. Failure to complete this course may prevent the student from registering for future courses.
  • Students who chose to earn more than one degree in the department must submit Portfolio A for each degree. 

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. Louis

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 James McKelvey School of Engineering 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

• Cybersecurity Certificate
• Web Development and Design Certificate

• Applied Mathematics, B.S.
• Computer Science, B.S.
• Cybersecurity, B.S.
• Data Science, B.S.
• General Studies, Applied Mathematics Emphasis, B.A.
• General Studies, Computer Science, B.A.
• General Studies, Management Information Systems, B.A.
• Management Information Systems, B.S.
• Mathematics for Secondary Education, B.S.

• Applied Mathematics Minor
• Bioinformatics Minor
• Computer Science Minor
• Cybersecurity Minor
• Data Analytics Minor
• Management Information Systems Minor

• Mobile App Development and Computer Programming Graduate Certificate

• Computer Science, M.S.
• Cybersecurity, M.S.
• Data Science, M.S.

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