Program Description

Mathematics and computer science play a role of unprecedented importance in contemporary society. Purchase College students who major in mathematics/computer science are introduced to the principal areas of these disciplines, with an emphasis on applications. While the major requirements include some choices, all students acquire a strong foundation in the standard areas of both disciplines. In addition, students can gain important experiences as teaching assistants for courses, research assistants on projects, technical assistants in the campus technology services department, and by completing off-campus internships. Student work has appeared in the Annals of Discrete Math, Graph Theory Notes of NY, and Journal of Computing at Small Colleges.

Some students choose to double-major in mathematics/computer science and another discipline, such as chemistry, economics, music studio production, new media, or sculpture. Students in many disciplines have also earned minors in mathematics/computer science.

The mathematics/computer science program offers an excellent preparation for graduate work and careers in a wide variety of professions, including teaching, software development, technology support, new media, and financial analysis. Recent graduates have earned or are pursuing advanced degrees at such institutions as Columbia University, Binghamton University, the CUNY Graduate Center, New York University, Pace University, the University of Chicago, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of Pennsylvania. Alumni are also engaged in careers in a variety of fields, including education, software development, and finance.

Program Faculty

Requirements for the Major

• Calculus I, II & III
• Computer Science I & II
• Linear Algebra
• Discrete Mathematics or Differential Equations
• Four upper-level electives in mathematics/computer science; one of these electives may be fulfilled by a tutorial or independent study
• Two science courses
• Mathematics Senior Seminar I & II
• Senior Project

Representative Elective Courses

Abstract Algebra
Computability
Creating Databases for Web Applications
Creating User Interfaces
Games for Change
Graph Theory with Applications
History of Mathematics Seminar
Informatics in Biology and Medicine
Introduction to Physical Computing: Getting Outside the Box
Mobile Media
Networking and Security
Numerical Analysis
Robotics
Social Software
Topics in Advanced Computing
Topics in Advanced Mathematics

Representative Alumni

• Amy Billig ’90, teaches mathematics and computer science at Valhalla High School, Valhalla, N.Y.; cited in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (6th ed.)
• Timothy Bocchi ’93, PhD, City University of New York; assistant professor of mathematics and physics, Alfred State, SUNY College of Technology
• Kerry Bosworth ’99, software engineer, IBM System and Technology Division
• Anthony Delgado ’10, PhD student in mathematics, New York University
• Dane Haliday ’04, NT engineer, IBM
• Aaron Herold ’10, technical support specialist, Valhalla Union Free School District, Valhalla, N.Y.; owner/member, HeroldTec LLC
• Clyde Lingenfelter ’12, Admeld software engineer, Google
• Marvin Littman ’94, associate professor of mathematics, Westchester Community College
• Julia Mosenkova ’04, vice president of process improvement management, application services, and global technology, Deutsche Bank
• Yumiko Muramatsu ’96, vice president and global head of account management in GSAM Operations, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
• Mariusz Sabath ’98, senior software engineer, IBM T.J. Watson Research Center; IBM master inventor with multiple patents
• Michael Schlachter ’05, software engineer, IBM Datacap Software Development Lab
• Kenneth Schoeller ’09, MST in adolescent education, Pace University; math teacher, Science and Technology Entry Program, Purchase College and Iona College; residence director, Pace University
• Helene R. Tyler ’93, PhD, Syracuse University; associate professor of mathematics and computer science, Manhattan College
• Immanuel Utomo ’05, MS, Northeastern University; consultant at Tessella Inc., Newton, Mass.
• William Widulski ’87, MS, Polytechnic University; associate professor of computer science, Westchester Community College; co-author, The Saga of Mathematics: A Brief History

For more information, please visit the math/computer science program site or email sciences@purchase.edu.

Updated Dec. 12, 2012

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