King College > Academics > Schools > School of Arts and Sciences > Mathematics and Computer Science

Mathematics and Computer Science

"The problem-solving skills which are learned through math can and are applied to all areas of living. My professors even integrated faith and learning, something uncommon in the field of math. They inspired me to consider pursuing a career in teaching at the college level."

--Jane Scanlan Burns,
Class of '96
Teacher
Covenant Day School
Charlotte, NC

Overview

Mathematics

Students who have completed a mathematics major are well prepared for a variety of jobs in business and industry which are not usually conceived as being related to mathematics. These students have spent four years in courses which have required them to consider a variety of problems in which they need to isolate essential details and proceed in systematic ways to find solutions. The skills they have obtained in this manner are applicable to many non-mathematical situations. Furthermore, in mathematics, perhaps more than in any other discipline, students see the need for concise, unambiguous communication. This awareness is of great value in any job which requires communication with others.

Computer Science

The Computer Science major provides the student an opportunity to study computer science as part of a liberal arts program. The computer scientist generally designs computers and the software that runs them, develops information technologies and develops principles for applying computers to new uses. Their jobs are characterized by a higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation than most other computer professionals. They are employed by private industry and educational institutions in areas ranging from complexity theory, to hardware design to programming language design in fields as different as physics research and computer games.

Career Possibilities

Students who major in Mathematics or Computer Science may look to careers in teaching and research, computer-related work from programming to sales or design, operations research, and statistics and actuarial analysis. In addition, students who have completed a mathematics major are well prepared for a variety of jobs in business and industry which are not usually conceived as being related to mathematics. These students have spent four years in courses that have required them to consider a variety of problems in which they need to isolate essential details and proceed in systematic ways to find solutions. The skills they have obtained in this manner are applicable to many non-mathematical situations. Furthermore, in mathematics, perhaps more than in any other discipline, students practice concise, unambiguous communication; this skill is of great value in any job that requires communication with others.

Computer scientists design computers and the software that runs them, and develop information technologies and principles for applying computers to new uses. Their jobs are characterized by a higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation than most other computer professionals. They are employed by private industry and educational institutions in areas ranging from complexity theory to hardware design to programming language design in fields as diverse as physics research and computer gaming.

Computer Resources

Computer resources are available through labs located in White Hall, Sells Hall, the Student Center, and the E.W. King Library. Students enrolled in academic programs that require advanced computing will be expected to purchase their own personal computers and appropriate software.