Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Thompson Complex, Central Wing

Office (Mathematics): 357
Phone: (270) 745-3651
Fax: (270) 745-3699
Website (Mathematics): www.wku.edu/math
e-mail (Mathematics): Math@wku.edu  

Office (Computer Science): 137A
Phone: (270) 745-4642
Fax: (270) 745-6449 
Website (Computer Science): cs.wku.edu 
e-mail(Computer Science): cs@wku.edu   

Dr. Peter Hamburger, Head   

Professor Mark Robinson, Assistant Department Head (Mathematics)
Professor David Erbach, Assistant Department Head (Computer Science)

Professor David Neal, Lead Advisor (Mathematics) 
Professor David Erbach, Lead Advisor (Computer Science)

Professors: M. Atici, R. Crawford, D. Erbach, C. Ernst, P. Hamburger, N. Iraniparast, B. Kessler, D. Neal, B. Richmond, T. Richmond, M. Robinson, A. Shindhelm, J. Spraker, W. Weidemann, U. Ziegler
Associate Professors: F. Atici,  J. Gary, D. Lanphier, V. Moody, L. Nguyen, Z. Xia, G. Xing
Assistant Professors: M. Autin,  T. Bhattacharya, B. Csaba, M. Dunkum, A. Emam, J. Gishe,  M. Khenner, Q. Li,  H. Marchionda, T. Olson, A. Por, J. Quiton, R. Schugart, H. Wang, D. Wu, R. Yang
Instructors: R. Ayers, J. Brantley, S. Britt, L. Fitzpatrick, T. Harris, L. Plumlee, L. Rogers, C. Shen, J. Thornton, L. Wells
Transitional Retirees:  J. Barksdale, B. Brunson, L. Pulsinelli                                    

Mathematics and computer science courses at the University are designed with the interests and needs of varying groups of students in mind.

Mathematics majors are available to those planning to pursue careers in secondary and middle grades education as well as to those whose preparation is being directed toward positions in business and industry or toward further work in mathematics at the graduate level. In addition, several courses are offered to meet the demands for the mathematical training of students whose major educational objectives are not directly related to mathematics. Mathematics majors are assigned advisors from among the departmental faculty and are required to consult with these advisors before each registration period.

Computer science remains one of the most exciting and most rapidly growing professions worldwide. The supply of graduates with CS degrees is far exceeded by the demand for professionals at all levels. Such positions include applications programming, systems programming, software and network management, field maintenance and sales, research, and teaching. Many new areas of interest continue to emerge, such as animation, games, and simulation. Computer scientists offer expertise in the effective and efficient use of computers for industry, business, government, research and education.

Recent studies have estimated that the field continues to be among the top two or three in demand. For the last several years, Computer Science graduates with a bachelor’s degree currently have commanded the second-highest starting salary for all undergraduate disciplines, according to the College Placement Council Survey.

According to a report from the Kentucky Department for Employment Services, Computer Support Specialists, Computer Software Engineers and Computer Systems Analysts are the three projected fastest growing occupations.

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University’s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the sub-sections in the chapter entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) General Education Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations.

Students should be aware that some academic programs may require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact the department head.

This department offers the following majors and minors:

• Major:  Mathematics general major for employment in industry and/or graduate studies in mathematics (reference number 728)
• Major:  Mathematics extended major for employment in industry and/or graduate studies in mathematics (reference number 528)
• Major:  Mathematics general major certifiable for teaching secondary level mathematics (reference number 728)
• Major:  Middle grades mathematics (reference number 730)
• Major: Computer Science with concentration in Systems/Scientific Applications (reference number 629)
• Major: Computer Science with Specialty concentration (reference number 629)
• Major: Computer Science with any minor (reference number 629)
• Minor: Mathematics (reference number 417)
• Minor: Computer Science (reference number 341)
• Secondary Education Endorsement: Computer Science

Major in Mathematics
A major in mathematics provides a Bachelor of Arts degree and requires either a minimum of 35 semester hours for a general major with a minor or second major (reference number 728) or a minimum of 48 semester hours for an extended major (reference number 528). The first type of major offers two options: (1) Major for Employment in Industry and/or Graduate Studies in Mathematics; (2) Major Certifiable for Teaching Secondary Level Mathematics.  The second type of major offers the first of these options.  Option 1 students are required to complete both CS 240 and CS 241.  Option 2 students are required to complete either CS 230 or CS 240.

Option 1: Major for Employment in Industry and/or Graduate Studies in Mathematics

(A) General Major (728): The student must complete a minimum of 35 hours of mathematics with a minor or second major giving a total of at least 54 hours (48 unduplicated) with the following requirements:

1. MATH 126-227 (or 122-132-232), 307, 310, 317, 327, 498.
2. 2. At least one of the sequences: MATH 317-417; 329- 429; 331-435; 431-432; 431-450; 405-406.
3. 3. At least 6 hours of 400-level mathematics other than MATH 475.

Other acceptable courses for the general major are MATH 275 (up to 3 hours), 305, 315, 323, 329, 331, 398 (up to 3 hours), 405, 406, 415, 417, 423, 429, 431, 432, 435, 439, 450, 470, 475 (up to 6 hours), and STAT 301.

(B) Extended Major (528): The student must complete a minimum of 48 hours of mathematics with the following requirements:

1. MATH 126-227 (or 122-132-232), 307, 310, 317, 327, 498.
2. 2. At least one of the sequences: MATH 317-417; 329- 429; 331-435; 431-432; 431-450; 405-406.
3. 3. At least 12 hours of 400-level mathematics.

Other acceptable courses for the extended major are MATH 275 (up to 3 hours), 305, 315, 323, 329, 331, 398 (up to 3 hours), 405, 406, 409, 415, 417, 423, 429, 431, 432, 435, 439, 450, 470, 475 (up to 6 hours), and STAT 301.

Option 2: Major Certifiable for Teaching Secondary Level Mathematics
General Certifiable Major (reference number 728): The student must complete a minimum of 35 hours of mathematics with a minor or second major giving a total of at least 54 hours (48 unduplicated) with the following requirements:

1. MATH 126-227 (or 122-132-232), 304, 307, 310, 317, 323, 327, 498; STAT 301. The student must complete these courses before the “professional semester.”
2. At least 3 hours of 400-level mathematics from the following list:  MATH 405, 406, 409, 415, 417, 421, 423, 429, 431, 432, 435, 439, 450, 470.

 Students in this option must have a second major in science and mathematics education (SMED).  In addition, students must attain a grade of “C” or better in each required mathematics course and a 2.5 GPA for all required mathematics courses.

Suggested Program of Study

Suggested Program of Study

Suggested Program of Study

Suggested Program of Study

Major in Middle Grades Mathematics
A major in middle grades mathematics (reference number 730) is for students who plan to teach mathematics in grades 5-9 only.  The degree requires a second major in science and mathematics education (SMED).  Upon successful completion of both majors, the student will receive a Bachelor of Science degree.

The student must complete a minimum of 32.5 hours in mathematics by taking the following required courses:  MATH 117 and 126  OR MATH 126 and 227;  MATH 203 or STAT 301; MATH 205, 206, 304, 308, 403 or 323, 411 or 421, 413, 490.

Students must attain a grade of “C” or better in each required course and must have a 2.5 GPA overall in required mathematics courses.

Minor in Mathematics (Minor for Employment in Industry and/or Graduate Studies in Mathematics)

A minor in mathematics (reference number 417) requires a minimum of 18 semester hours.

The student who elects a minor in mathematics is provided a minor that requires at least eighteen semester hours of mathematics. In addition to the foundational sequence (MATH 126, 227, 307*) this student is required to select two courses from MATH 305, 310, 317, 327, 329, 331, or STAT 301**.

* Students majoring in engineering may replace MATH 307 with MATH 350.

** Students may not count both MATH 329 and STAT 301 in the minor.

Grades K-5 Certification
All students seeking grades K-5 certification must satisfy the general education requirement in mathematics prior to enrolling in the required courses:  MATH 205-206-308.

Computer Science Curriculum and Career Objectives
Courses in the computer science curriculum develop students’ knowledge in both theory and applications. Where appropriate, they will discuss contributions from and to such other fields as mathematics, statistics, electrical engineering, logic, management, etc.

The Systems/Scientific Concentration, Specialty Concentration, and Any Minor option, prepare students for a career in the research and development of computers and their applications. The computer science minor provides a valuable complement to almost any career objective. A student planning to teach in secondary school can earn an endorsement to teach computer science in Kentucky. The graduate degree offers advanced work beyond the undergraduate computer science major. (See the section on Requirements for Computer Science Degree Options for specific course information.)

Student organizations complement the formal coursework. The student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) invites guest speakers, organizes a programming contest for students, and hosts social events throughout the year. The WKU student chapter of the computer science honor society, Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), is the only such chapter in Kentucky. Other more informal groups bring together students interested in specific areas, such as Linux  and its applications, or computer game programming.

The University provides numerous computing laboratories across the campus to which all students have access. In addition, the computer science department has its own laboratories in the new Snell Hall. Some courses are taught in a laboratory environment.

Major in Computer Science
The major in computer science (reference number 629) requires a minimum of 41 semester hours of computer science courses, ENG 307, MATH 126 and an approved second major, minor, or specialty area depending on which of the three concentrations is selected. All CS courses counting toward the CS program major must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. All concentrations require the core: CS 240, 241, 225, 244, 250, 338, 325, 360, 425, 442, and 444. Computer Science electives may include from 0-6 hours of 200-level courses. Adherence to all University Policies as indicated in the WKU catalog section “Academic Information.” Additional requirements are as follows:

Systems/Scientific Applications Concentration

1. Completion of the CS core courses (30.5 credit hrs.)
2. Completion of any other four 400-level CS courses other than CS 405, CS 406
3. An 18 credit hour minor in mathematics (reference number 417) including MATH 126, 227, 307, 310 and STAT 301
4. ENG 307 Technical Writing
5. One year of a laboratory science (designed for Science/Engineering majors)
6. Two additional one-semester science courses (designed for Science/Engineering majors).

Any Minor Option

1. Completion of the CS core courses (30.5 credit hours)
2. Completion of an additional 10.5 hours of CS electives, including 3 hours at the 400 level and another 3 hours at the 300 level or higher.
3. Completion of any additional minor/major.
4. MATH 126 and ENG 307

Specialty Concentration

1. Completion of the CS core courses (30.5 credit hours).
2. Completion of CS 443, Database Management, and CS 450, Computer Networks.
3. An additional 18 hours of specialty courses, developed in consultation with a CS advisor, not used elsewhere on the degree form, 9 hours of which are at the 300 level or above.
4. Completion of an additional 10.5 hours of CS electives, including 3 hours at the 300 level or higher and another 3 hours at the 400 level or higher.
5. MATH 126 and ENG 307.

NOTE: A suggested Program of Study to complete each of the above in four years can be found on the Internet at: http://cs.wku.edu/Undergraduates.htm.

Minor in Computer Science
The following 19 credit-hour program leads to a minor in computer science (reference number 341). All CS courses counting toward the CS program minor must be completed with a grade of “C” or better:

1. Completion of the following 10 credit hours: CS 240, 241, 244 and 338.
2. Completion of at least 9 hours of additional CS classes at the 200-level or above. At least three of these nine hours must be at the 400-level (exclusive of CS 405). At least six of these nine hours must be at the 300-level or above.
3. Completion of at least one calculus course from the following: MATH 119, MATH 122 or MATH 126.

Secondary Endorsement in Computer Science
The preparation program leading to the computer science endorsement of the Kentucky Secondary Education Certificate requires the following course work:

1. College Algebra or above - 3 hours chosen from the following:
• Algebra: MATH 116 or MATH 118
• Calculus: MATH 119, MATH 122 or MATH 126
2. Statistics - 3 hours chosen from the following:
• MATH 203, MATH 329 , ECON 206 or STAT 301
3. Introduction to Computer Science and Applications -3 hours chosen from the following:
• CS 145 Introduction to Computing
• CIS 141 Basic Computer Literacy
4. Computer Programming - 9 hours chosen from state-approved list with help from an education advisor. The following three are recommended:
• CS 230 Introduction to Programming
• CS 240 Computer Science I
• CS 241 Computer Science II

Graduate Degree Programs
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers graduate courses for the Master of Arts and Master of Science in mathematics and the Master of Science in computer science.  Mathematics coursework is also provided for those seeking graduate degrees in elementary or middle grades education.

Several assistantships are available for qualified graduate students.

Additional information on admissions and graduate assistantships for the graduate programs in Mathematics can be obtained from:

Dr. Claus Ernst
Director of Graduate Studies in Mathematics
Phone: (270) 745-6224

The Master of Science in Computer Science is a 33 credit hour program. There are thesis and non-thesis options.

Additional information on admissions and graduate assistantships for the Master of Science in Computer Science can be obtained from:

Dr. David Erbach
Graduate Admission Advisor, Computer Science
Phone: (270) 745-4455