The Mathematics/Computer Science program at Purchase offers a Bachelor ofArts degree program combining mathematics with computer science. It is designed to introduce students to the principal areas of mathematics and computer science with an emphasis on applications. The requirements include some choices (for example, discrete mathematics for students aiming towards careers in computing versus differential equations for students aiming towards careers in mathematics). However, all students acquire a strong foundation in the traditional areas of both disciplines. This serves to distinguish Purchase graduates from others with narrower backgrounds. Classes typically are small. Computer classes include closed labs (scheduled time to work in a computer lab with faculty present to provide guidance).

The capstone experience is the senior project, a yearlong required research project undertaken by each senior in conjunction with a faculty mentor. Manyof these projects are prepared for formal presention at the annual NaturalSciences Student Symposium. Topics from recent years include End-to-EndMeasuring and Monitoring, Reach-Preservable Spanning Trees, A Graphical User Interface Using Microsoft Foundation Classes, Automorphism Group of Product Graphs, Construction of Firewalls, and Building Games using Direct X. In addition, many students gain important experiences by taking on responsibilities of network administrator, Web master, and technical assistant for courses and projects in the Division. Student work has appeared (or is scheduled to appear) in the Annals of Discrete Math, Graph Theory Notes of NY, and Journal of Computing at Small Colleges.

The program undergoes continual review and change. Recent course additions include an introductory programming course focusing on games, a revised discrete mathematics course with topics such as encryption algorithms and a course on server-side programming including hands-on lab work using proprietary and Open Source software. A new advanced topics course on abstract algebra and point-set topology is planned. The program provides required courses for general education and required and elective courses for other Natural Science majors and the interdisciplinary new media major. Graduates of the Mathematics/Computer Science Program in recent years are successfully pursuing advanced degrees at institutions such as Columbia Univ., SUNY Binghamton, and the CUNY Graduate Center, careers in teaching at both the secondary and college levels, careers in the finance industry (Salomon Brothers, Goldman Sachs, Sanford & Bernstein, G.E Capital Finance), and careers in the computer industry (IBM's T.J.Watson Research Center, IBM's Global Services Division, and several smaller software engineering firms).