Department of Mathematical Sciences

The Department of Mathematical Sciences has programs leading to the Bachelor of Science, the Master of Science, and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The B.S. options in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and teaching are listed below.

Many undergraduate courses are sufficiently basic to be of general interest. Detailed and current information on undergraduate course offerings is available from the department.

The four-year baccalaureate curriculum in mathematics is flexible and can accommodate students desiring to concentrate in mathematics, applied mathematics, or statistics. Programs in these concentrations are designed with the help of faculty advisors.

Mathematics Option

The mathematics option prepares students for graduate work in mathematics. The core of the program is built around three years of analysis, as well as courses in modern and linear algebra. The program is flexible enough to accommodate students who wish to prepare for employment in business, industry, or government as technical analysts or specialists in the area of scientific computing. The core mathematics curriculum taken in conjunction with a secondary emphasis in other subject matter areas will prepare a student for employment as an analyst or computational specialist in those areas.

Applied Mathematics Option

The applied mathematics option is primarily designed to prepare graduates for employment in business, industry, and government. However, an appropriate choice of electives can ensure the student a solid preparation for graduate work in mathematics, statistics, or scientific computing. The program demonstrates the utility of mathematics to solve problems arising in real industrial applications. Graduates will be qualified for professional careers in computational applications of mathematics, statistics, and other related fields.

Mathematics Teaching Option

The teaching option in the mathematics curriculum is designed specifically to prepare students to teach mathematics at the middle school or high school levels. The program includes the mathematics courses for a teaching major and the necessary courses in education which qualify the student for teacher's certification.

Students must consult with an advisor before selecting single or multiple endorsement. Most students opt for multiple subject endorsement, in which case they will complete a teaching minor in an area of their choice. When approved by an advisor, students may opt for a single endorsement in mathematics, in which case they take advanced coursework in mathematics instead of a minor.

Statistics Option

Statisticians are trained in principles of quantitative reasoning. They learn how to discover patterns in data, how to display data, how to construct mathematical models for data, and how to detect biases and uncertainties in data summaries or models. They are trained to design and analyze observational studies, surveys, and scientific experiments. The computer is an essential tool for statistical work.

Statisticians are in demand; successful students should find that job opportunities are excellent. Although positions are available nationwide, the best employment opportunities are found in urban areas, industrial sites, and centers of government. The statistics option prepares students for such positions or for entry into a graduate program in statistics.

Curricula in Mathematics

• Mathematics Option
• Applied Mathematics Option
• Statistics Option
• Mathematics Teaching Option
• Mathematics Minor (Non-Teaching)
• Statistics Minor (Non-Teaching)

MATHEMATICS OPTION

M 171 (or M 181), 172 (or M 182), 221, 273 (or M 283), 274 (or M 284), 242, 333, 381, 382, 416 and STAT 332 are required. In addition, 15 credits from the following list are required: M 328, 330, 348, 349, 421 (STAT 421), 422 (STAT 422), 441, 442, 449, 450, 451, 454, 455, and 494. Six of these fifteen credits must be from M 441, 442, 472, 450, 451, 454, and 455.

PHYS 211 and 212 are required. However, with the agreement of the student's advisor, PHYS 212 may be replaced with a course in another Mematical application area.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Core 2.0 must be completed for graduation.

APPLIED Mathematics OPTION

M 181 (or M 191), 182 (or M 192), 221, 273 (or M 283), 274 (or M 284), 242, 381, 382, 486 and STAT 332 are required. In addition, 18 credits from the following list are required M 328, 330, 333, 348, 349, 431, 421 (STAT 421), 422 (STAT 422), 441, 442, 449, 450, 451, 454, and 455. Twelve of these 18 credits must be from M 348, 349, 441, 442, 450, 451.

PHYS 211, 212, and 213 are required. However, with the agreement of the student's advisor, 212 and 213 may be replaced by a two-course sequence in another mathematical application area.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Core 2.0 must be completed for graduation.

STATISTICS OPTION

M 171, 172, 221, 273, 242, and 441 are required. STAT 338, 410, 412, 421, 422, 446, and either STAT 332 or both STAT 216 and 217 are required.

Math or Stat electives referenced in junior and senior years must be selected from STAT 431, STAT 437, STAT 439, STAT 448, STAT 480, or from courses approved by an advisor.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Core 2.0 must be completed for graduation.

Actuary Profession Bound Students

Actuary profession-bound students are advised to take STAT 421 and STAT 422 during the junior year in order to be prepared for the actuarial exams given during the senior year. For further guidance, see the Actuary Advisor in the Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, 2-214 Wilson Hall.

MATHEMATICS TEACHING OPTION

• Multiple Subject Endorsement
• Single Endorsement

M 171, 172, 273, 274, 242, 328, 329, 428 and STAT 332 are required. PHYS 205 is required as a science course.

For a multiple subject endorsement, six additional credits of electives in mathematics are required. These credits may be chosen from M 221 or any other mathematics or statistics course numbered 300 or above. A teaching minor is required.

For a single endorsement in mathematics, M 221, 381, and nine additional credits of electives are required. These credits may be chosen from any mathematics or statistics course numbered 300 or above.

Multiple Subject Endorsement

Single Endorsement

MATHEMATICS MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

STATISTICS MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

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