Mathematics and Computer Science Open Doors to a Quantified World
Mathematics
Mathematics has both an aesthetic and a practical appeal. The
enjoyment of problem-solving, abstract thinking and structural
beauty draws many to mathematics. But the challenge and satisfaction
of using mathematics to solve real-world problems provides an equally
strong draw for others.
Our mathematics program serves both kinds of students. We offer
a strong program of regularly scheduled courses, both theoretical
and applied, and supplement it with departmental or independent
study options tailored to students' individual interests.
Some of our students have pursued graduate studies in mathematics.
Others have become engineers, and many have gone into business.
Actuarial science offers excellent opportunities for employment,
and our students can begin the actuarial examinations while at
Ripon. And our program fulfills state requirements for certification
in secondary school teaching.
Many of our students combine study in mathematics with majors
in other areas such as computer science, physics and business
management. Ripon has 3-2 engineering programs with several universities:
students spend three years at Ripon and two years at an engineering
school, receiving degrees from both institutions. The fact is,
there is very little that can't be done with a good background
in mathematics, particularly when it is combined with a strong
liberal arts background. The opportunities are almost unlimited.
Computer Science
Computer Science is, at heart, the study of algorithms. (An algorithm
is a list of steps taken to accomplish a task.) The application
of algorithms has had an enormous impact on the way people live,
work, play and communicate. Computer hardware, operating system
software, programming languages and data representation techniques
were developed to implement algorithms. The definition and analysis
of algorithms require the use of mathematical techniques. Often
sheer creativity is necessary to develop new algorithms. Computer
Science is a rapidly growing field, particularly in software engineering
and artificial intelligence.
Our computer science program prepares students for both computer-related
careers and graduate study. We offer a strong set of core courses
with emphasis on "hands-on" experiences as well as theoretical
study. Learning by doing is stressed at all levels of the curriculum.
We constantly update our curriculum to reflect changes in the computer
science field.
Students are encouraged to pursue individual interests through
independent studies, internships and departmental studies. Recently,
students have studied fractals, graphics, parallel processing,
artificial intelligence, compiler design and neural networks,
and they have done consultant work in automating scheduling for a printing
firm. We sponsor teams each year to participate in the Association
for Computing Machinery's International Collegiate Programming
contest. Some of our students have become systems analysts, programmers
and teachers. Others are graduate students in computer science.
Many students combine study in computer science with mathematics,
science, business administration or economics. With this broad
background, students have virtually unlimited opportunities.
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