Southwestern

Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives

Mathematics & Computer Science Department

Mathematics and Computer Science students at Southwestern apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of ways both in and out of the classroom.

From developing an immersive 3D virtual reality game to teach students languages, to creating mathematical models to better understand and improve the campus handicap accessibility routes, to evolving molecules through computer simulations to have specific chemical properties, our students learn to apply theory to real world issues. Along the way, they develop concise and logical patterns of thinking, hone problem-solving skills and learn critical thought processes that carry them throughout life.

With small classes, students are able to have close contact with professors, who often engage with them outside of class in club activities, competitions, and research projects.

Students hang out in the Whitmore Lounge, a space designed for and decorated by students. It’s a place to get support and advice at the various clubs, work together on fascinating research projects, and work as tutors. This supportive community atmosphere has helped Math and CS students not only have a great experience in the Department, but also beyond their four years, go on to great jobs and top graduate schools.

The department offers the following majors and minors:

Majors

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Computational Mathematics

Minors

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science

Students may also major in Physical Science (Dual Degree, “3-2” Engineering Program) which requires 16 hours of Mathematics, or specialize in mathematics education which requires 24 hours.

Department News

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Notables

  • Barbara Anthony, assistant professor of computer science, Rick Denman, professor of mathematics and computer science, and Alison Marr, assistant professor of mathematics, recently had a paper titled “Some Families of Fixed Points for the Eccentric Digraph Operator” published in the Journal of Combinatorial Mathematics and Combinatorial Computing.

  • Math major Nina Freeman participated in an NSF-supported REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) at Texas State University this past summer. The program focused on research projects in discrete mathematics and algebra. Read more about it here.

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