Major Highlights: Computer Science and Mathematics

Professor Lonnie Bowe
Photo Courtesy of concord.edu

Concord University’s liberal arts education strengthens students’ intellectual ability and assists in a variety of fields that workplaces offer in today’s society. Lonnie Bowe, Associate Professor of Computer Science, brings light to the various opportunities one can take advantage of in the Computer Science and Mathematics Department.

    The Computer Science and Mathematics Department offers four degree programs which include: Comprehensive Mathematics, Mathematics with a Minor, Computer Science/Mathematics, and Computer Information Systems. Not only that, but the department also works with the Education Department by offering a program in Mathematics Education.

    Lonnie Bowe discusses the facts of the programs offered and clears up some misconceptions the program carries with it. Concerning the computing side of things, Bowe says, “The first misconception is that we are teaching you how to use computer software like Microsoft Office. The second misconception is that we are teaching people how to repair computers, or to remove viruses.” Bowe goes on to explain that the program doesn’t deal with either of those things because software like that is constantly being updated and/or changed. He says if they teach students the program things associated with that software or how to fix the existing problems, it would be useless within a number of years.

    He explains that the professors of the program focus on giving students a deeper understanding of how computers work. For example, the principles behind computing or the problems it solves and what limitations it possesses. Bowe states, “We teach a problem-solving process that allows us to take large problems, break them into pieces, and then develop solutions to those problems one piece at a time. We also develop skills on how to identify and troubleshoot problems…” Bowe says this type of learning style assists computing majors in learning how to apply principles and create software for computers to make tasks faster. Concerning the importance of computer science, Bowe weighs in saying, “If you want to build Facebook, create video-games, or dare to change the world, computer science is a major for you. If you’ve ever Googled anything, you can thank a computer scientist.”

    Misconceptions do not exist solely in the computing aspect of the program, but they also exist within the mathematics part. Bowe says that a huge misconception about mathematics is that it is just about arithmetic. “It’s not about adding and subtracting, those are very small parts of it. Mathematicians are concerned with huge questions like determining the structure of the universe,” he says. He further explains that mathematicians do a lot of “behind the scenes” things. “Ever use Google Maps while you’re driving or wonder how airlines do scheduling? You can thank mathematics for it. Mathematicians figured out the underlying principles…” Bowe says.

    Bowe describes the department as welcoming and students shouldn’t be afraid of them. He says a lot of students are intimidated by the department because of their past experiences they have had with mathematics. “We’re a friendly bunch and we enjoy getting to know students from outside of the department and getting different perspectives on the material from them,” says Bowe. 

    There aren’t any secrets or tricks that students possess to ultimately lead to their success within the program Bowe says. Students can always ask for help and shouldn’t be afraid to do so. He explains that it is good to confront fears, especially if there’s an interest in the field but that fear is holding you back. Bowe says that he didn’t commit to teaching solely on the love for the material, but he did it because of the interactions he gets with students to help them grow.