Since its inception, the Science and Mathematics Department has served as an important extension to the professional training of Columbia's students. The curriculum, designed specifically for those concentrating in the performing, visual and communications arts, provides basic scientific instruction and a mastery of mathematics fundamentals. Thus, rational thinking and problem solving are major objectives of the various departmental programs. To prepare students and to integrate various communications majors into the fields of science and mathematics, actual problems encountered in their respective fields are featured in the course work.
Students see clearly that science and mathematics are integral to understanding their world.
The Department strives to introduce new technology to students. The integration of technology such as the World Wide Web into course instruction is an important enhancement of the teaching and learning environment. The curriculum is designed to educate students so that they may participate intelligently in the national debate of such survival concerns. In order for every citizen to understand and participate in discussion of such issues, they must have some level of scientific literacy. The Department provides Columbia's students with a Learning Center staffed by peer tutors and augmented by part-time teaching staff.