Mathematics (BS)
The increasing complexity of society has made the mathematical sciences important for solving problems in the social sciences and management as well as in the sciences. In addition, the pure mathematical areas continue to appeal to many as an intellectual discipline, an art form, or a game. The major in Mathematics is designed to provide a strong background in various mathematical areas and their applications.
Through her choice of courses and majors in our Department, a student may prepare for graduate work or a career in mathematics – either pure or computational - statistics, biostatistics, mathematical finance, bioinformatics, actuarial science, or teaching. There are many opportunities for students who are interested in combining mathematics with other disciplines.
Joint or double majors are available between Mathematics and Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Management, and Psychology. Other fields may also be fruitfully combined with mathematics. Students interested in such majors should consult with the chairs of the departments involved.
Program Requirements:
The major in Mathematics begins with
Other required courses are
MATH 211: normally taken in the sophomore year
MATH 118: sophomore or junior year
MATH 310, MATH 321: junior or senior year
CS 112: may be taken as early as the first year; students should plan on taking it in the first two years. With the approval of the department, another programming course may be substituted for CS 112
In addition, Mathematics majors must take either
and two more Mathematics courses from
Finally, at least four semester hours of independent learning (for students entering prior to September 2014) or the Capstone (for students entering September 2014 or later) must be completed in Mathematics. MATH 390 may be used to satisfy the Capstone requirement. It is Departmental policy that courses required for a major or minor should not be taken pass/fail.
The Student Learning Outcomes for the Mathematics major are:
- Knowledge of the basic concepts and techniques in core content areas of mathematics and in elementary statistics;
- Understanding of the basic concepts and techniques in core content areas of mathematics and in elementary statistics and ability to translate that theory to other disciplines;
- Ability to apply the basic concepts and techniques in core content areas of mathematics and in elementary statistics to solve routine homework problems;
- Ability to use logical reasoning and analysis to solve more complex problems, including the ability to select from, use and interpret various mathematical approaches.