DEPARTMENT OF
Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics and Computer Science at Olivet College
Our mathematics and computer science programs will prepare you for a career in areas as varied as actuarial science, teaching and software development in industries ranging from information technology, to insurance and finance. Mathematics and Computer Science majors are highly employable, as career opportunities in technological fields continue to skyrocket.
If you choose to pursue a math or computer science degree at Olivet College, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge far beyond the classroom. From computer programming and math competitions, to tutoring services, you’ll have multiple opportunities to apply your skills in a real-world professional setting. You’ll also have constant access to your faculty, both in- and outside the classroom. This one-on-one attention combined with our small class sizes ensure you’ll get the attention you need to attain your academic and career goals!
Questions?
Reach out to our admissions team at 1-800-456-7189 or admissions@olivetcollege.edu.
Meet our Math and Computer Science Students
Meet Cecilia Bayne
Senior Cecilia Bayne enjoys a challenge on and off the field.
As captain of the women’s lacrosse team and president of the college’s Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) chapter, Bayne is a mathematics major who gives a whole new meaning to the word “mathlete.”
Learn more about Cecilia
Meet Carlos Barajas
Ever since Carlos Barajas was in high school, he wanted to be a mathematician. Now an Olivet College junior, with a double major in mathematics and computer science, Barajas has big dreams of solving for more than just “x.”
Learn more about Carlos
Meet Jarred Scheese
What are the odds of being in the top 4 percent of actuarial science students vying for a competitive internship at Jackson National Life? For Olivet College junior Jarred Scheese, pretty good.
Jarred is one of only six interns to join Jackson National Life’s actuarial department this summer. With a natural talent for math and a strong work ethic to boot, he’s optimistic he’ll find success.
Read more about Jarred's story
Faculty
Assistant Professor of Physics and Mathematics
Professor Wiedenhoeft earned a bachelor’s and master’s in physics (“diplom physicist”) from the Technische Universitaet Berlin, Germany, and a doctorate in physics from Western Michigan University on the subject of photoionization of atoms. He continued his post-doctoral research at Argonne National Laboratory, outside Chicago, in magnetic micro and nano particles. Before coming to Olivet College, Wiedenhoeft taught physics at Grand Valley State University.
Wiedenhoeft has worked at Olivet College since 2008. He teaches physics and introductory physics courses and associated labs for non-majors, and also several mathematics courses such as nature of mathematics, differential equations and linear algebra.
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Professor Ross Bohms earned his bachelor’s degree from Olivet College in mathematics and a master’s in mathematics from Michigan State University. He teaches courses in nature of mathematics, precalculus, calculus I and II, as well as geometry, discrete mathematics and abstract algebra.
Prior to joining the faculty at Olivet College, Prof. Bohms taught mathematics and physics at Charlotte High School from 1971 to 2008, serving as chair of the department for approximately 30 years.
While a student at Olivet, he was a member of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Sigma Zeta and of the Adelphic Alpha Pi fraternity. He now serves as an advisor for both organizations.
Chair, Mathematics and Computer Science Department; Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science; MIAA Faculty Representative
Professor Peters has earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Lawrence Technology University in Southfield and a master’s degree in mathematical statistics from Wayne State University in Detroit. She also completed additional graduate studies beyond her master’s degree at WSU. While she was there she taught mathematics and received Owen’s Award for excellence in teaching. At Olivet College she currently teaches the courses in calculus sequence, probability, statistics, geometry, advanced calculus and abstract algebra. Peters is also the faculty athletic representative the MIAA and advisor to student organizations Mathletes and Association of Women in Mathematics.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Professor Fredericks has worked at Olivet College since 2002. He teaches a variety of computer courses at Olivet, including introductory and advanced computer information systems, web design and development, spreadsheet/database systems as well as self and community. With extensive knowledge of Adobe Dreamweaver and Flash applications, Fredericks owns and operates his own website design company.
Fredericks has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northwood University, a master's degree in information systems administration from Central Michigan University and certification in the Microsoft Office. Prior to joining Olivet, he worked at Lansing Community College as an academic adviser and Director of Orientation.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Computing and Information Science
Professor Poulson teaches a variety of computer science courses at Olivet College, including introductory courses in computer science, a course in software intellectual property law and the computer science seminar. Poulson has extensive experience in programming and software design and has managed data centers in higher education throughout the United States.
Poulson has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Wyoming, a master’s degree in software engineering from Widener University, a Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law and is licensed by the State Bar of Michigan. His master’s thesis dealt with thwarting a form of cyberterrorism. Poulson has served the college in numerous ways for more than 20 years, including being one of the original authors of the National Science Foundation grant that connected Olivet College to the internet in the mid-1990s and more recently as an adjunct instructor in mathematics and computer science.
