B. S. in Mathematics
Overview
The department strongly encourages mathematics majors to complete a minor in an area of interest. This exposes students to the commonalities between mathematics and other bodies of knowledge and equips Mathematics majors to pursue interdisciplinary graduate studies or careers anchored in Mathematics.
The department also offers mathematics courses for non-majors to help students achieve proficiency in both theoretical and applied mathematical thinking. For students seeking an enhanced mathematical foundation, the minor program introduces the basics of higher-level mathematics. In addition to an intellectual enrichment, a better grasp of mathematical reasoning helps students mature into members of society who possess the quantitative means to make sense of, function in, and act upon the world they inhabit.
The department also offers physics, chemistry and physical science courses designed to teach students the essential laws and principles that explain and/or predict a wide variety of natural phenomena. These courses impart the empirical and conceptual methodologies that define scientific epistemology. An understanding of physical laws sheds light on the building blocks of the natural world and, as such, is helpful in understanding all animate and inanimate systems encountered in other branches of science. The content and methods taught in these courses help to mold a mindset capable of using a rational framework for questioning received wisdom and formulating new ideas.
To be eligible for acceptance into the degree program, the student must have completed MA201, and must have earned a grade of “C” or better. NOTE: Although an internship is not required, it is strongly recommended.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Curriculum Requirements
The Core Curriculum (50-53 hours)
Please reference the Core Curriculum Requirements
In addition to the other Core Curriculum requirements, the following are specific core requirements:
| MA152 | Trigonometry and Precalculus | 3 |
MA152: Or demonstrated proficiency in the subject.
Major Program Requirements (42 hours)
Any two from among the following: (6 hours)
| MA235 | History of Mathematics | 3 |
| MA305 | Advanced Statistics | 3 |
| MA335 | Advanced Calculus | 3 |
| MA340 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MA350 | Probability | 3 |
MA405
| | |
MA410
| | |
MA415
| | |
| MA420 | Geometry | 3 |
MA435
| | |
| CS325 | Logic and Algorithms | 3 |
Other Courses (30-33 hours)
Students complete one of the following course combinations to meet the remainder of the 120 hours required for the degree:
Option One
| PY201 | General Physics I | 4 |
| And | |
| PY202 | General Physics II | 4 |
| And | |
| General Electives | 22-25 |
Option Two
| CH105 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| And | |
| CH106 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| And | |
| General Electives | 22-25 |
Option Three
| Two lab-based Biology courses at the 200 level or higher | 8 |
| And | |
| General Electives | 22-25 |