B.A. Degree with a Major in Mathematics

The Mathematics major is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to:

1. pursue graduate study in the mathematical sciences;
2. find mathematics-related employment in business or industry upon graduation;
3. teach mathematics at the secondary level; or

4. acquire mathematical tools for use in the physical, social, or life sciences.

Requirements of the Major

A major in Mathematics is achieved by the completion of a minimum of 8 MAT courses at or above the 135 level (excluding 201,202, 203, and 308), plus a collateral CSC course, and a capstone requirement as follows, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:

Required Core Courses

MAT 135, 214, 225, 315, and 330.

For each course waived based on test scores, an additional course above MAT 135 must be completed satisfactorily.

Required Capstone Course

MAT 492 (a 1/4-credit course) or approved research experience

Required Distribution Courses

A minimum of 3 courses chosen from MAT 311, 312, 321, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, and 438 satisfying each of the following four groups.  Courses may satisfy more than one category:
1.  Theoretical: MAT 321, 432, 434, and 436
2.  Applied: MAT 311, 312, 433, and 438
3.  Analysis: MAT 433, 434, 435, and 437
4.  Nonanalysis: MAT 311, 312, 321, 432, 436, and 438

Required Collateral Course

One (1) course credit chosen from the following: CSC 111, 114, 125, 126, 226, or 236

Required Senior-level Courses

At least two (2) course credits chosen from MAT 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, and 438. Each of these courses may also satisfy a distribution requirement as described above.

Exploring the Major

Students considering this major should begin exploring the discipline through some of the required core courses as soon as possible. If they wait until sophomore year, it will be difficult to be accepted into the Mathematics program. An example of a good start in the major would be to complete or waive MAT 125 and MAT 135 during their first year and then to complete or waive MAT 225, 330, 315 and, if time allows, MAT 314, by the end of sophomore year.

Admission to the Major

Each applicant to the major is reviewed and careful consideration of his or her overall performance in the Program is the primary criterion determining admittance.

Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)

Because upper-level course offerings alternate by term and by year, students who complete the required core courses prior to the start of their junior year will have greater flexibility in the design of their programs.

Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major

Students must have a minimum major GPA of 2.0 calculated on MAT courses at the MAT 135 level and higher. Students who wish to complete the capstone experience with an approved research experience will be expected to submit a short paper and give an oral presentation to the faculty based on some focused element of their greater research project.

Other Considerations or Recommendations

In addition to the major requirements described above, it is strongly recommended that majors elect courses from another discipline in which mathematics currently is applied. These electives and the program of study within the Mathematics Program should be determined in consultation with the Academic Advisor according to the student’s interests and professional and educational intentions.

Students interested in gaining certification to teach in the area of Mathematics must double major in Education Studies with a focus in Teaching and Curriculum with Certification.  For more information, see the requirements for majoring in Education Studies with a Concentration in Teaching and Curriculum in the Education Studies section of the catalog.

Mathematics

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