Mathematics, Computer Science & Physics

Grow your analytical and logical abilities through our quality programs of study.

Student writing math equations on a window

As a student in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science & Physics, you'll address problems and produce solutions. You'll learn to define the problem clearly, to evaluate and choose an appropriate solution strategy, to study, specify, design, implement, test and document that solution, to work in a team oriented environment and to communicate a solution to colleagues and the general public.

The programs in this department are designed to provide students with the skills necessary for successful and productive careers in business, industry, government, research, or continued studies in the sciences.

Applied Sciences

The Applied Sciences major offers students an interdisciplinary approach to the sciences. Students take a foundation of courses within different disciplines of the sciences before eventually declaring their two focus areas in any of the following fields: biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, forensics, health and exercise science, or mathematics.

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Business Information Science

The need for technology and information systems experts that are schooled in data analytics continues to grow. This major is designed for students seeking management positions in technological and data driven areas.

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Computer Science

Receive not only the technological skills needed for a career in programming, technology, and computers, but also the communication skills and ethics needed to succeed.

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Computer Security & Forensics

As our lives transition to digital spaces with increasing speed, the need for crime solvers versed in the language, design, and theory of computers and related technologies is increasing rapidly.

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Engineering (3/2)

Our program provides students with a solid foundation in theoretical and applied mathematics and contemporary physics, providing the skills necessary for a successful and productive career in a variety of settings.

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Information Technology

By gaining a broad knowledge of technological applications, information technology majors can enter careers that bring practicality and creativity to computer installations, both in hardware and software.

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Mathematics

Gain a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied mathematics, while being exposed to various vocational areas in the field.

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Secondary Education

The demand for professional mathematics teachers and leaders is growing. As part of our secondary education coursework, you’ll study various areas of mathematics and become qualified to teach in grades 7-12.

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The WU advantage

Practical experience

The content you'll learn in class can be directly applied to the field whether you land a career in math, IT, physics, or computer science.

Experienced faculty

You'll study alongside faculty with real-world experience in their field. Harness this expertise to land amazing internship and career opportunities.

Quality facilities

You'll study in the recently renovated Stewart Science Hall. You can access the newly renovated computer labs where you'll complete class assignments and work independently or in groups.

Student Outcomes and Objectives for BS in Computer Science

Student Outcome (1)

Students will be able to design, develop, document, and test software using current techniques.

Student Objectives for Outcome (1)

Students will:

Write programs utilizing modern software languages and software development tools.
Build various-sized projects using object-oriented programming principles effectively.
Create software solutions to problems using several programming languages.
Create appropriate documentation for the design, development and testing of software.
Create and query data structures and database information.

Student Outcome (2)

Students will understand the fundamentals of computer architecture and computing theory.

Student Objectives for Outcome (2)

Students will:

Demonstrate understanding of both the practical and theoretical bases of computer science.
Understand CPU architecture and the structure and use of hardware and networks.
Apply a variety of fundamental algorithm design techniques to computational problems.
Assess relative time and space complexities of algorithmic solutions and find the sources of possible improvement.
Create working system programs in assembly language.

Student Outcome (3)

Students will be able to solve problems working in group settings.

Student Objectives for Outcome (3)

Students will:

Knowledge of current SW engineering methods and practices, and their appropriate application.
Successful implementation of teamwork behavior and policies in a large class project.
Ability to be flexible in a changing systems design environment.
The development of an appropriate cost-effective solution to a business scenario.

Student Outcome (4)

Students will demonstrate the ability to give presentations and write technical reports.

Student Objectives for Outcome (4)

Students will:

Develop a research project or program to be delivered to faculty.
Demonstrate adequate oral presentation delivery.
Provide adequate written presentation.
Observe good practice regarding spelling and grammar.
Apply their abilities in an actual job position, working as an intern.

Student Outcome (5)

Students will demonstrate understanding of the importance of social and ethical issues related dent Create working system programs in assembly language to the profession.

Student Objectives for Outcome (5)

Students will:

Understand privacy issues for personal data.
Understand and appropriately apply copyright, licensing, and digital rights management policies.
Understand and adhere to Waynesburg University cheating and plagiarism policies.
Understand ethical issues in computer science from many viewpoints: philosophical, legal, financial, governmental, and Christian.

Student Outcome (6)

Depending on the student’s specific choice of concentration within the BS program, students will demonstrate an ability to apply their knowledge of computer science to specific areas of computer science.

Student Objectives for Outcome (6)

Students will successfully resolve computer-related projects and/or problems in one or more of the following areas:

Software development and mathematical programming.
Cybersecurity and digital forensics.
Information technology and web development.
An area they choose (via research and faculty mentoring).

Student Outcomes and Objectives for BS in Mathematics

Student Outcome (1)

Students will be able to understand mathematical foundations. This translates to the following outcomes.

Student Objectives for Outcome (1)

Students will:

Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical foundations of mathematics.
Exhibit an ability to use various types of proof techniques.
Make mathematical conjectures and support or refute those conjectures.

Student Outcome (2)

Students will be able to apply their mathematical knowledge to solve various types of problems.

Student Objectives for Outcome (2)

Students will:

Apply mathematical theory to model and solve problems dealing with physical, natural and societal problems.
Recognize mathematical ideas embedded in other contexts.
Become proficient in several areas and levels of mathematics including algebra, functions, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics.

Student Outcome (3)

Students will be able to apply their mathematical knowledge using various technological tools.

Student Objectives for Outcome (3)

Students will:

Choose various technology platforms that are appropriate for mathematical computing and investigations.
Use technology to solve computational problems, including simulation and visualization of mathematical models.

Student Outcome (4)

Student Outcome (5)

Students will exhibit the ability to present mathematical thought and processes to others.

Student Objectives for Outcome (5)

Students will:

Extract proper information from various data sources.
Express research questions in statistical terms and the select appropriate statistical techniques in given contexts.
Applying statistical procedures and modeling approaches to a wide variety of real-life problems.

Student Outcome (6)

If a student is a Mathematics Secondary Education major he/she will be able to exhibit additional learning outcomes.

Student Objectives for Outcome (6)

Students will demonstrate:

Their knowledge of content knowledge for secondary schools.
How to communicate the solution of problems to various ages of students.
The ability to use higher level mathematics concepts in the secondary school classroom.
The use of technology appropriate for the age and learning level of the students.
The proper ways of assessing mathematical learning for secondary school students.

Student Outcome (7)

If a student is an Engineering 3/2 Mathematics major, he/she will be able to exhibit additional learning outcomes to enable entrance in an engineering program.

Student Objectives for Outcome (7)

Students will obtain: