Although mathematics is a discipline with ancient roots, the last 250 years have seen mathematics burgeon tremendously. Estimates are that more than 99% of all known mathematics was unknown in the time of Euclid. By the same token, computer science, despite its modern flavor, has its roots in some of the most classical questions of mathematics and logic. Some ancient mathematical advances (for example the Euclidean Algorithm and our base-ten numeral system) contribute to our understanding of issues in computation.

Formal computer science arose as a branch of mathematical logic before the possibility of an actual computer was ever imagined. The classical aspects of both of these subjects are almost philosophical in flavor. The modern aspects are extremely practical; each of these disciplines has much of practical value to offer to other subjects and to the world at large.

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department at St. Joseph's University shapes its mission around both the classical and modern aspects of both of these disciplines. The curricula in both aim to impart four sorts of knowledge:

(1) cultural enrichment (as befits courses at a liberal arts institution, especially a Jesuit one);

(2) training in specific skills that inform the practical sides of these subjects;

(3) professional preparation for those students who will choose careers as mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists, or as educators in these fields; and

(4) experience in research and in independent work at the undergraduate level.

The curricula have a deeper goal, however, than just the communication of specific knowledge. Success in either discipline requires a trained mind, one that can deal with abstractions and think logically and clearly. We in this department believe that such clarity of thought can be taught, and we have designed our curricula with this aim in mind; for a student who is not a strong clear thinker cannot carry away enthusiasm for either subject and cannot continue to learn on his or her own.

Our goal is thus threefold: to impart to our students the specifics, both classical and modern, of these two disciplines; to train our students to be careful, precise, mature thinkers; and to have our students take with them, when they leave, the intellectual preparation they need to apply what they have learned, to communicate it to others, and to continue their education for the rest of their lives.