One of the cultural divides often witnessed between computer science educators and their students is in perceptions of the importance of mathematics in computing. Most computer science educators feel mathematics is important to their students; many students dislike math and are reluctant to view it as important to non-scientific computing.

Here are references that argue the importance of mathematics in computer science education.

From Communications of the ACM 46, No. 9, (Sept., 2003):

• V.L. Almstrum, "What is the Attraction to Computing?", CACM 46, No. 9 (Sept., 2003), 51 - 55

• K.B. Bruce, R.L.S. Drysdale, C. Kelemen, and Allen Tucker, "Why Math?", CACM 46, No. 9 (Sept., 2003), 41 - 44

• K. Devlin, "Why Universities Require Computer Science Students to take Math", CACM 46, No. 9, (Sept., 2003), 37-39

• P.B. Henderson, "Mathematical Reasoning in Software Engineering Education", CACM 46, No. 9, (Sept., 2003), 45-50

Others:

• D. Baldwin and P.B. Henderson, "The Importance of Mathematics to the Software Practitioner", IEEE Software, 2002 (March/April)

• Other essays by D. Baldwin that discuss mathematics in computing can be found here.

• K. Devlin, Devlin's Angle column (Mathematical Association of America Online): "Do software engineers need mathematics?"

• R. Greenlaw, The Synergy of Computer Science and Mathematics (PowerPoint presentation)