Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Haberlin Hall and Swords Hall
508-793-3374
Fax: 508-793-3088
Chair: Eric Ruggieri
Computer Science Coordinator: Zack Fitzsimmons
Statistics Coordinator: Shannon Stock
Academic Administrative Assistant: Charlene Dacey
Watch this video to learn about the Mathematics Major and/or Statistics Minor.
To learn about the Major or Minor in Computer Science, watch this video.
Information on our programs
Computer Science
Major, Minor
Computer scientists study fundamental questions about knowledge and computation: how to gather information, store it, transform it, and learn from it. Computational thinking permeates nearly every modern human endeavor, and computing plays a key role in recent advances in mathematics, natural sciences, economics, and many other fields. Students learn much more than computer programming — they apply computational ideas to solve problems, examine ethical issues at the intersection of computing and society, and study the theoretical and practical limits of computation.
Program Highlights
Informed by the ACM/IEEE Computer Science Curricula, students gain an education that offers breadth across computer science and depth in areas of interest. Our computer science faculty's scholarship in a variety of research areas enhances the classroom experience, enabling the program to offer courses in diverse areas:
- Computer programming, data structures, and analysis of algorithms
- Logic and discrete mathematics
- Programming languages theory, design, implementation, and translation
- Networks, operating systems, and computer architecture
- Computer vision, graphics, and data mining
- Ethical issues in computer science
Learning Computer Science Within an Inclusive Environment
The computer science program empowers students to be informed and active participants in the study of computation, one of the most fundamental and dynamic areas of human inquiry. This mission is attained through rigorous study of the core principles of computer science, and it is sustained by a liberal arts approach to cultivating the habits of the mind needed for lifelong learning, for clear thinking, and for active and meaningful engagement as a member of society.
While our educational focus is computer science, we seek to provide a friendly and dynamic atmosphere that nurtures a diverse community. We actively welcome students from a variety of backgrounds and those without any prior experience in computer science. The study of computer science complements many other disciplines, and we encourage students to combine the pursuit of a computer science major or minor with study in other departments. Additionally, our program is structured to provide an atmosphere of academic and social collaboration between faculty and students, enhanced by extracurricular activities, including:
- Math and Computer Science Club
- Off-campus social outings
- Collaborative group projects
- Workshops for introductory courses led by students further in the program
As Holy Cross computer science faculty, we recognize the existence of structural inequality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and we understand that student experiences of access and opportunities to succeed are systematically affected by social factors including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. In seeking to build an inclusive computer science program, we make the following commitments:
— We will listen with respect to student concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and will not react with defensive responses.
— In all revisions to the computer science curriculum, and in our role as teachers, we will respect diverse social identities and backgrounds and take measures to promote equity.
— We will conduct an annual anonymous student experience survey with questions about program diversity, equity, and inclusion. This survey will be open to all computer science majors and minors, and all other students taking computer science courses.
— We will host an annual listening session to learn about student experiences in the computer science program and courses.
— We will meet annually to review our program’s efforts and of the commitments described here. A summary will be shared with students.
The above statement is endorsed by the permanent members of the Computer Science Faculty:
Laurie Smith King, Professor
Constance Royden, Professor
Kevin Walsh, Associate Professor
Zack Fitzsimmons, Assistant Professor
Ting Gu, Assistant Professor
Computer science majors, courses and interest are on the rise at Holy Cross, where students, faculty and alumni are finding new opportunities and advantages. Read more »
Mathematics
Major
Mathematics is a fundamental and dynamic area of human endeavor. It is the language of the sciences and social sciences, and in our increasingly technology-driven society, it is part of our daily public discourse. As a part of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, students in the mathematics program become knowledgeable and sophisticated learners, able to think and work independently, able to work productively in concert with their peers, and able to communicate effectively.
The primary goal of the programs in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Holy Cross is to enable students to become active participants in the study of fundamental and dynamic areas of human endeavor. The mathematics program is informed by other disciplines and seeks out ways that mathematics has an impact on the world at large. With a faculty of active scholars, many of whom are engaged in nationally-funded research, students in the mathematics program become logical problem solvers. With appropriate course selections, math majors can graduate prepared for graduate studies, medical or law school, careers in education, insurance, national security, finance, banking, and business.
Program Highlights
All majors are educated in central areas of mathematics including calculus, multi-variable calculus, mathematical structures, linear algebra, real analysis, and modern algebra. Majors then choose a path through upper-level courses based on their interest, choosing courses from these areas:
- Analysis
- Algebra
- Geometry and Topology
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
Developing a Deep Understanding of Mathematics
The mathematics major at Holy Cross reflects a liberal arts perspective of delving beyond the simple understanding of subject matter to understanding why it matters. Students develop deep knowledge of the content they study and build an ability to see how to apply that knowledge to impact change in society. Our rigorous program provides both a breadth and depth of knowledge in undergraduate mathematics, while providing the opportunity for students to pursue a path of interest. For example, students interested in actuarial work can take a range of courses to prepare them for the preliminary actuarial exams and develop the modeling skills sought by employers.
Teachers and Scholars
Faculty in the mathematics program are all active scholars in a range of fields including several theoretical areas in geometry, topology, algebra, and analysis as well as various applied areas in differential equations and statistics. Faculty publish original mathematical research in journals, author undergraduate and graduate textbooks, are supported by a variety of research and teaching grants, and serve the profession as reviewers, editors, and society leaders. Students are invited to join faculty in multiple outreach events, including tutoring services provided to local Worcester children and providing professional development training to local teachers.
Professor John Little is a co-author of "Ideals, Varieties, and Algorithms: An Introduction to Computational Algebraic Geometry and Commutative Algebra," perhaps the most respected undergraduate text on this topic that is also consulted by scientists outside of mathematics.
As Holy Cross Mathematics and Statistics faculty, we recognize the existence of structural inequality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and we understand that student experiences and opportunities to succeed are systematically affected by social factors including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. In seeking to build an inclusive Mathematics and Statistics program, we make the following commitments:
— In line with College-wide initiatives, we will pay special attention to questions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring decisions and work to increase the diversity of our faculty.
— We will foster an environment where all faculty are welcomed and mentored and get the support they need to build their academic records and succeed in all aspects of their careers.
— We will listen with respect to student concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and will not react with defensive responses.
— We will conduct an annual anonymous student experience survey with questions about program diversity, equity, and inclusion. This survey will be open to all mathematics and statistics majors and minors, and all other students taking mathematics and statistics courses.
— We will host an annual listening session to learn about student experiences in the mathematics and statistics courses.
— We will educate ourselves by studying relevant literature and research focusing on the experiences of students from diverse social identities and backgrounds in STEM courses. This study will help inform any revisions to the mathematics and statistics curriculum.
— We will perform an annual review of our program’s efforts and of the commitments described here. A summary of this review will be shared with students.
Statistics
Minor
Statistics is the science of drawing insight from the data that has come to pervade all aspects of our lives in the modern world. It is a large and increasingly important part of the mathematical sciences with numerous connections to other fields of study.
Our statistics minor teaches a way of thinking that identifies patterns in data and draws inferences from those patterns. We focus on developing students’ understanding of how and why statistical techniques work as well as developing skill in applying them in modern software packages. This solid knowledge of statistics can be a springboard into interesting and stimulating careers in business, biomedical research and many other areas. The program is set up for maximum flexibility and creates opportunities for integration with popular major programs in areas where statistics is used as a tool.
Program Highlights
Statistics minors take a minimum of six semester courses. At the beginning level, the required courses are Calculus 2 and any of the introductory statistics courses taught in the biology, economics, psychology, sociology or mathematics/computer science departments. The minor requires two intermediate courses in linear models and categorical data analysis and two elective upper-level courses rounding out the minor. These advanced courses will often make connections with the student’s major program and involve using statistical thinking in other areas.
Computing Facilities
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science has extensive dedicated computer resources including:
- a lab-classroom with networked PCs, used by calculus and elementary computer science courses.
- a departmental network of computers running Linux including both desktop machines and thin clients used for computing and advanced mathematics courses.
These labs were recently renovated as part of our state-of-the-art facility for teaching and learning.
Professor Laurie Smith King is co-editor in chief of the ACM magazine, Inroads, a global print publication for professionals interested in advancing computing education. Professor Catherine Roberts (pictured) is executive director of the American Mathematical Society (AMS).
Opportunities for Additional Studies
The 3-2 Program in Engineering provides the opportunity to combine the study of mathematics with training in engineering. Students spend three years as full-time students at Holy Cross and two years as full-time students at Columbia University.