Mathematics
General Statement: The objectives of the Mathematics Program are (1) to provide training to enable graduates to be employed by any of a number of private industries, government agencies, foundations, and institutions requiring high-level quantitative skills and a highly developed ability to think critically and logically; (2) to provide training to enable graduates to enter graduate school in mathematics or related areas; (3) to provide training to enable graduates to assume careers as teachers of mathematics in secondary schools; (4) to develop proficiency in basic mathematical operations and develop skills in the use of formulas for the solution of problems; (5) to provide science and engineering majors the mathematical skills required by their various programs of study.
Departmental Requirements for Bachelor of Science
Mathematics: 41 Semester Hours
For Mathematics Education: 36 Semester Hours
The curriculum for a B.S. degree in Mathematics consists of a minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. A minimum of 41 (36 for teacher certification candidates) semester hours must be in Mathematics or Statistics, exclusive of MATH 1005, MATH 1115 , MATH 1710 , MATH 1720 , and MATH 1730 with at least 28 (24 for teacher certification candidates) of these being at the 3000 or 4000 level, exclusive of MATH 3710 , MATH 4724 , and MATH 4750 . Note that Computer Science COMP 3900 may be used to satisfy upper level course requirements for the major in Mathematics. The 41 (36) hours in Mathematics are differentiated into a required core and an appropriate specialization. Further requirements include 6 hours (3 hours for teacher certification candidates) of Computer Science and 8 hours of Physics. Also it is strongly recommended that the student include related areas (RA’s) of interest in the program of study. Because of the very tight prerequisite structure, no major program in Mathematics should be started without first consulting a major advisor. No Mathematics or Statistics course in which a grade below C is earned will be counted towards meeting the Mathematics major core requirements.
The Mathematics core consists of a calculus sequence, an introduction to real analysis, courses in linear and abstract algebra, a sequence in either advanced calculus or modern algebra, and a senior project. A methods course in the teaching of mathematics is required for those who are certifying to teach. In addition to successfully completing 41 (36) hours of course work (grade C or above), the major must pass a written comprehensive examination on the core requirements.
Besides the general program where the recommended RA’s (related areas) are pre-medicine, pre-law, etc., there are four options of specialization.
- The pure Mathematics option includes MATH 4310 and MATH 4530 , as well as the three sequences MATH 2500 -MATH 3500 , MATH 4410 -MATH 4420 and MATH 4640 -MATH 4650 in the required core. The recommended RA’s include computer science, physics, and philosophy.
- The applied Mathematics option includes MATH 3120 , MATH 4560 , and MATH 4570 , as well as MATH 4410 -MATH 4420 in the required core. The recommended RA’s include engineering, physics, computer science, and chemistry.
- The statistics option allows the student to use STAT 4210-4220 to satisfy the sequence requirement. The recommended RA’s include pre-actuarial science, general business, sociology, and psychology.
- The secondary mathematics teacher option includes COMP 3010 , STAT 3110, and MATH 3810 , MATH 4410 , MATH 4420 , and MATH 4750 in the required core. Students seeking teacher certification must apply in writing to the College of Education, usually in the sophomore year. At the time of applying they must have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and must have passed the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or the Computer-Based Academic Skills Assessments Test (CBT). Students who have previously earned a 21 on the ACT, 22 on the Enhanced ACT, or a combined 990 on the verbal and mathematics portions of the SAT are exempt from the PPST and the CBT. Formal admission to the Teacher Education Program is a prerequisite for enrolling in upper-division certification courses.
Students must pass PRAXIS II exam before they can enroll in student teaching. Students must complete nine semester hours of enhanced student teaching with an eight-week placement at the secondary level and a seven-week placement at the middle school level. Successful completion of the program results in licensure to teach grades 7-12. For a complete list of requirements for admission to and retention in the Teacher Education Program, see the College of Education section.
Upper-division Admission:
For admission into the upper-division program of the Mathematics major, students must complete all of the requirements listed above under General Education Core. In addition, they must have removed all high school deficiencies, passed all required remedial/developmental courses, and earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on college-level course work. They must also have earned a grade of C or better in MATH 1910 , MATH 1920 and MATH 2110 .
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