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Cybersecurity

Mathematics

Mission

The Department of Physical and Computational Sciences offers a rigorous education in Chemistry, Computer Science (including Cybersecurity), Economics, Mathematics, and Physical Science (including pre-engineering), embodying the College’s commitment to teaching and learning. The department fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation, preparing students to address complex scientific and societal challenges. In alignment with the College’s mission to provide a liberal arts education and prepare professionals, the department equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities in an atmosphere of study, work, and service.

The Mathematics Program offers majors designed to provide the student with a broad knowledge of mathematics. Through theory- and application-based coursework, the program prepares students for research in mathematics or a related discipline and focuses on building a foundation for students looking at future careers in business, scientific, or technical fields. This is accomplished through intentionally building a community of collaboration in academics, social responsibility, and engaged teaching.

Students receiving a degree in mathematics will demonstrate their ability, through reading, writing, and presentation, to comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate mathematical and technological concepts and theories. In doing so, they will use the foundational tools of algebra, geometry, logic, and statistics, as well as the tools of mathematics and computer science. These include appropriate notation, terminology, and technical language. The integration of the liberal arts and viewing the application of mathematics to other fields is vital to the program.

 

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will examine techniques of calculus, linear algebra, and their theoretical foundations by supporting and defending conclusions reached by rigorously analyzing applications to various fields.
  2. Students will synthesize mathematical techniques across a variety of subfields of mathematics and its applications; including those of discrete mathematics, algebra, probability theory, statistical methods, analysis, geometry, etc.; as well as support mathematical and logical justifications for arguments in disciplines other than mathematics.
  3. Students will use discipline-specific technological tools to effectively develop and construct mathematical models and to coherently defend and professionally communicate results.

  4. Students will appraise, critique, and author logical proofs and arguments in the foundational areas of mathematics.

     

Economics and Mathematics, Dual Major

This major is designed for students who would like to strengthen their degrees in either mathematics or economics by demonstrating skills in the other discipline . For example, students wishing to attend graduate school in economics or in applied mathematics, but because of any of a number of potential reasons would not be able to complete a double major . Majors will have two advisors, one in each program .

Mathematics

Psychology and Social Work, Dual Major

The dual major in Psychology and Social Work is designed for those students interested in clinical social work or mental health practice . Students completing the dual major must complete all of the Requirements for the Psychology Major with a Human Services or a Scientific Emphasis as listed, plus all of the Requirements for the Major in Social Work.

Social Work

Program Mission Statement and Goals for Social Work

The Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice provides a comprehensive liberal arts education that prepares students for positions in the fields of social work, criminal justice, and human services, while also equipping them with a strong foundation for continued professional growth and post-graduate education. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the department promotes critical thinking, ethical practice, and a strong commitment to service. These programs provide students with the knowledge and skills essential for success in their respective fields, fostering a lasting commitment to service, human dignity, and the advancement of social well-being.

The social work curriculum is designed to acquaint students with the basic values, theories, research techniques, and applied practices of social work; to qualify students for entry-level generalist social work positions in a variety of social work fields requiring professional social work education from an accredited program; and to prepare students for graduate professional study. The mission of the Social Work Program is:

“Based in the context of liberal arts education and the generalist model, the Social Work Program prepares students for beginning-level, professional social work practice in all practice settings. This preparation focuses on assisting the socially and economically oppressed client populations from both urban and rural areas within the tri-state area of the Upper Ohio Valley. Program implementation is founded in a humanizing orientation growing out of the historical roots of social work. It is designed to support the development of a lifelong social conscience and commitment to continual professional development that reflects a respect for human dignity, diversity, and commitment to social justice.”

Goals

The goals of the social work program are stated as follows:

  1. To prepare students for beginning level generalist social work practice within the framework of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
  1. To prepare students to work with populations affected by oppression and discrimination and to advocate for social and economic justice.
  1. To prepare students with a solid educational foundation for graduate education and continued professional growth and development.

The program learning outcomes are stipulated by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE calls them Competencies and Behaviors. We are required to ensure students are competent in all 9 areas and that those competencies are demonstrated through behaviors.

Learning Competencies

  1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  2. Demonstrate professional behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication; Manage personal and professional value conflicts and affective reactions
  3. Use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes
  4. Use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior
  5. Engage in Policy Practice
  6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Psychology and Social Work, Dual Major

The dual major in Psychology and Social Work is designed for those students interested in clinical social work or mental health practice.

Criminal Justice

The minor in Criminal Justice is designed for those students interested in a career in a criminal justice setting, including probation programs, prisons, or the court system.

Social Work Program

Admission to Social Work Program:

During SOWO 120: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, students majoring in social work will begin the process of admission to the Social Work Program . Students must complete admission to the Social Work Program prior to applying for the Senior Field Placement . Information and necessary forms can be obtained from the Department office. In order to be admitted to the Program, the following criteria must be met:

  • Successful completion of SOWO 120: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare and SOWO 150: Social Problems or SOWO 210: Human Diversity .
  • Grade-point average of 2 .0 overall .
  • At least one positive recommendation from: an upper-class social work major in good standing; a previous faculty advisor; a full-time teaching faculty member from outside the department; or a professional social worker .
  • Completion of an essay entitled, “Why I Want to Major in Social Work .”
  • Successful completion of a 50-hour field observation with appropriate documentation from an agency representative (SOWO 160: Field Observation).
  • Completion of a criminal background check .
  • Completion of a formal interview with the Social Work faculty advisors.

Advanced Track Admission Requirements: In addition to those conditions listed above, students applying for admission to the advanced track must supply the following:

  • Grade point average of 2 .5 overall .
  • Two recommendations, with at least one of those from a faculty member from outside the department.
  • Completion of the Professional Development Rubric.

Applicants may be granted full admission, provisional admission, or denied admission . Appeal of the decision can be made through the Social Work Program Director.

Junior-Year Field Experience (Advanced Track only):

Those students who have been successfully admitted to the advanced track and have achieved junior class rank must complete two 50-hour field placement experiences. These experiences provide opportunities for students to apply content covered in SOWO 350/352: Social Work Practice I and II, and expanded preparation for the senior field placement experience. The assignments and paperwork for SOWO 260 must be completed during the fall semester and submitted by the last day of class; those for SOWO 360 must be completed and submitted by May 1, in order to remain in good standing in the advanced track.

Senior-Year Field Experience:

The senior field placement experience occurs during fall semester of the senior year. Students are placed in social service agencies in the surrounding counties/states. Related course work is integrated with the field placement to provide direct application to field experience.

Students can participate in the field placement semester only after having completed all required courses in social work, except SOWO 455 and SOWO 490, which are taken in conjunction with the field placement experience (which includes SOWO 470 and 472). Students must also have an academic record appropriate for retention in the Social Work Program, complete the Application for Field Placement, and file it with the Coordinator of Field Placements. The completed application is reviewed by the faculty of the Social Work department, which grants approval to enroll in the field experience.

Students are not permitted to schedule courses or undertake extra-curricular activities that conflict with the field placement experience.

Application for Licensure:

Many states recognize licensure for social workers at the bachelor degree level (BSW). Students can obtain information about state licensing requirements from the office of the Social Work Program Director.

Advanced Standing in Graduate School:

Graduates of the Social Work Program are eligible for advanced standing in Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited MSW programs. Graduates with advanced standing are exempt from foundation level courses in the MSW degree program, which eliminates up to two semesters of graduate education. In most cases, graduate degrees can be completed in as little as twelve months.

Transfer Students:

Transfer students should contact the office of the Social Work Program Director for assistance in obtaining credit for course work required for the major, to assure that course work is not duplicated, and to obtain information about the Application to the Social Work program. The Program Director works with each transfer student to develop a plan to ensure a smooth transition.