By Michelle Hines, University Relations
Recognizing the unique needs of a fast-growing, rapidly evolving field, UNCG is establishing a computer science department.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences currently includes three divisions – mathematics, statistics and computer science. Effective July 1, two separate departments will be formed – a Department of Mathematics and Statistics and a Department of Computer Science.
Dr. Alex Chigogidze, current department head for mathematical sciences, will continue as head of mathematics and statistics. Dr. Robert Miller, professor emeritus in chemistry and biochemistry and a former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will serve as interim head of computer science for the next year while the university conducts a national search for a department chairperson.
Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan approved the change in March after mathematical sciences faculty unanimously approved a resolution to separate the departments.
Dr. Timothy Johnston, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the move to create a separate computer science department is logical and timely. Computer science developed in the 1950s and 1960s with its roots in two fields, math and electrical engineering, Johnston said. In subsequent decades, math and computer science began to diverge, and the two disciplines came to have less in common because of their differing research and instructional needs.
“As computer science matured as a separate discipline, it diverged more and more from mathematics,” Johnston said. “And as our computer science division grew and its research base strengthened, it became clear that we should move to establish a separate department.”
The job market for computer science is strong. According to recent U.S. Department of Labor statistics, starting offers averaged $50,820 for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science during 2005, and computer scientists and database administrators are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2014.
UNCG offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in both mathematics and computer science. The computer science program is accredited by the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board, a division of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
The Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics will remain in their current quarters in the Bryan Building until Fall 2007, when both will move to newly renovated space in the Petty Building.
