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Last Modified: 12/07/06

Enhancing Degree Opportunities in Computer Science and Mathematics For Low Income Students

(Scholarships Funded by the National Science Foundation's CSEMS Program)

In an effort to encourage and enable students who have financial need and who are academically talented to enter the high technology workforce, the National Science Foundation has enacted the Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship Program (CSEMS). To that end, NSF awarded a CSEMS grant to the University of South Dakota departments of computer science and mathematical sciences. One goal of the USD CSEMS program is to increase the numbers of financially disadvantaged students, especially women and minorities, majoring in computer science and mathematics. All recipients of a CSEMS scholarship must:

• be U. S. citizens, nationals, refugee aliens, or permanent resident aliens at the time of application,
• be enrolled full time in a degree program in computer science or mathematics,
• demonstrate academic potential or ability, and
• demonstrate financial need (as defined for undergraduate students by the U. S. Department of Education rules for Federal financial aid, or, for graduate students as defined as eligibility for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need.)

The maximum scholarship award will be $3125 per academic year. In addition to receiving a scholarship, each student will be assigned a faculty mentor and will participate in CSEMS program activities that will enhance the student's educational experience. Scholars who maintain a high academic standard and are active in the CSEMS mentoring and enrichment activities will be awarded subsequent scholarships at least through the Fall 2007, semester.

Computer Science. The study of computer science is relatively young by academic standards, yet the skills it develops are among the most sought after in the job market today. The University of South Dakota was the first school in the state to offer a major in computer science.

The coursework in the department focuses on software engineering, databases, networking, and human-computer interaction. Students learn a variety of programming languages and software environments including C, C++, Java, Visual Basic, Oracle, Unix, and Windows XP. It is a goal of the department to expose students to relevant technologies and help them to develop skills that they will need upon graduation. Both teamwork and presentation skills are incorporated into the coursework.

New students will find that the atmosphere of the department is very informal. Professors are very approachable and always ready to answer questions or give extra help.

Opportunities for students in computer related employment are high at the University and in the surrounding community. The department participates in corporate alliances such as the Oracle Academic Initiative. Internships are encouraged as part of the degree program. For more information about the computer science department, we invite you to check out our website at http://www.usd.edu/csci.

Mathematical Sciences: The Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of South Dakota prides itself in its rich history of providing quality instruction in the classroom and mentoring outside the classroom through undergraduate research opportunities and student organizations. All upper division mathematics classes, as well as calculus classes, are taught by full time mathematics faculty. Students find the department warm and welcoming with faculty willing and eager to assist students in and out of class. Mathematics majors at USD receive a strong background in mathematics. Recent graduates have continued their education pursuing graduate degrees in mathematics (as well as other areas) and pursued career opportunities in various industries. Recently, students have participated in summer internships with NSA and actuarial firms. For more information about the math department, we invite you to check out our website at http://www.usd.edu/math.

If you have any questions, then e-mail Dan Van Peursem at dpeursem@usd.edu.