Mathematics, Computer & Information Science Department

Professor: Naresh N. Gupta, Lan Zhao
Associate Professors: Ashok Basawapatna, Jennie D’Ambroise, Maureen Dolan, Myong-hi Nina Kim, Yogesh More, David Ralston, Geta Techanie, Frank Sanacory, Chair, Jeanne Shimizu, Nicholas Werner
Assistant Professors: Renu Balyan, Mohamed Khalefa, Kevin Maritato, Doyoung Park, Shebuti Rayana
Coordinator, Mathematics Redesign Lab: Meredith Bernstein

The Department of Mathematics and Computer & Information Science (Math/CIS) aims to realize the inherent synergies between both disciplines in an effort to serve our students effectively and efficiently.

Mathematics is the universal logic of science and engineering. It is fundamental to exploring the nature of space and time, and is used to describe, analyze and solve problems in the world around us. For some, a passion for mathematics may lead to a life-time of research or teaching. For others, an interest in applied mathematics may lead to a career in business, government or industry across a broad area of operations research or computational mathematics. Some specific areas of math-related employment include mathematical finance, risk management, actuarial science, quality assurance, data analytic, health care administration, energy and transportation systems, and modeling for climate change and sustainability.

The ability to think computationally is an essential skill for every student as technology becomes increasingly pervasive in all aspects of life. The analysis and design of efficient algorithms-that is, sets of rules used for computation-is fundamental to problem solving in both mathematics and computer science. As a computer scientist, one needs to develop and deliver working systems comprised of hardware and software that represent the solution to clients’ real-life problems; therefore, programming is the central activity in systems development. Creating software entails abstraction, encapsulation and modularization, which aid in conceptualization and design of complex systems.

Presently, the Math/CIS department offers three degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Science
Bachelor of Science in Management Information System

All three degree programs provide students with a firm foundation in the fundamentals and endeavor to prepare them as life-long self-learners. Mathematics majors may choose to specialize in either pure mathematics or applied mathematics by appropriate selection of electives in consultation with their advisors. The department also offers minors in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and CIS.

Academic Requirements

Students begin the Mathematics, CIS, or MIS major at a level appropriate to their preparedness. Some students will need to fulfill prerequisite courses before taking the core requirements for Mathematics, CIS, or MIS. Faculty will aid students in devising a plan of study that will reflect each student’s talent and career ambitions.

To graduate with a Mathematics, CIS, or MIS degree, students must earn a grade of C or better in all Math, CIS, and MIS courses applied to the degree.

Students should bring intellectual curiosity, determination, and motivation to the Mathematics, CIS, and MIS majors; faculty will help to open the doors to academic and professional success.

Transfer Students

The department has articulation agreements with several community colleges. Transfer students who have followed a mathematics or computer science curriculum at a two-year college are expected to be able to complete their respective degrees in two years. Upon approval from the chairperson, transfer students may use equivalent courses taken elsewhere in fulfillment of major requirements. They are advised to consult with the chairperson regarding transfer of credits from other institutions. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 28 credits in major required courses at or above the 3000 level at Old Westbury.

Evening Students

Although the majority of the CIS and MIS courses are offered in the evening on a regular basis, students who plan to earn a degree in CIS or MIS by attending only evening classes should note that completion of the degree may take longer than normal due to scheduling constraints. Mathematics majors can fulfill some of the requirements for graduation by attending evening classes. However, the majority of the mathematics courses are offered only during the day.

Computer and Information Science (CIS)

The Computer and Information Science degree at SUNY Old Westbury is a course of study that is both academically rigorous and practically sound. The distinction is important in light of the large gap that exists between most colleges’ curriculum in this field and the needs of the computer industry. Driven by exploding demand for computer and information science graduates in various fields, our curriculum is updated based on the state-of-the-art technology required in current computer science and computing industry.

The CIS degree is unique in its strong emphasis on the areas of data management, Web technologies, computer networks and applied software development. Therefore, all of our majors are required to take the following courses: Software Engineering, Database Management, Internet and Web Technology. Systems Design and Implementation, and Technical Communications. CIS majors may choose to emphasize system software or information systems or computer and network security. The languages of instruction are Java and C++ . Students may learn other languages or software platforms based on the high level courses need.

The total enrollment in each course is limited to maximize the interaction between faculty and students. The material is presented in a closely coordinated series of lectures. Concepts taught in the classroom are reinforced and tested through programming assignments. Students design, implement, and test components of their computer projects in the department’s computing laboratory. To encourage hand-on experiences, the department assigns credits to senior students who obtain internship opportunities.

The CIS department was established in 1979. Its graduates hold positions as application programmers and system analysts, and are employed in the installation and operations of computer networks in various enterprises, including manufacturing, government, and business. Some CIS graduates are also pursuing graduate studies in computer science and/or management information systems.

The internet and web technologies have completely changed the way we conduct our daily lives and have created numerous opportunities for businesses to manage operations more efficiently and serve their customers more effectively. This has created tremendous opportunities for innovations in hardware/software and for tapping the enormous unrealized potential of information technologies for the benefit of society. Our graduates are prepared to participate in these innovative opportunities.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science is to teach students problem solving through abstraction, algorithmic thinking, and system creation. Students learn the fundamentals of programming, object oriented design, and algorithmic principles and apply these in the areas of data management, artificial intelligence, web technologies, computer networks, and applied software development. Our graduates are prepared to develop the software and create the solutions that necessary in a world of ubiquitous computing.

Learning Outcomes:

CIS are expected to demonstrate knowledge of:

Problem Solving through iterative design and algorithmic thinking including
1. Problem Formulation through Abstraction.
2. Expressing solutions Computationally.
3. Analysis and Evaluation of Solution Execution including memory and runtime efficiency.
Principles of object-oriented software engineering as applied to the development of large scale software systems in a team environment.
Effective management of Data.
Understanding of the the internet and developing networked applications.
Understanding the abstracted components and structures that constitute a computer.