Major in Mathematics

In addition to satisfying general University requirements, all students majoring in mathematics must complete the following core courses: Mathematics 1571, 1572, 2673, 3715, 3720, 3721, 3751, 4896 or 4897H; also STAT 3743 and CSIS 2610. Additional requirements specified for the individual degree programs in mathematics include:

BS Degree Program: Selection of one of the following four tracks:

Traditional Mathematics Track: In addition to the core, MATH 5852, 5822, 5880, 5875 and one of 3760, 3705, or 5845 . The minor course of study must be selected from one of the following disciplines: biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, geology, physics, psychology, statistics, one engineering specialty (from chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical), or a computer science/ statistics minor consisting of STAT 3743, 5817, 5843, and CSIS 2610, 2617, and one more additional CSIS course with 2610 as a prerequisite. The total number of required semester hours of credit in mathematics for this track is 41.

Statistics Track: In addition to the core, MATH 3760, 5845, 5843, 5844 and minor course of study in statistics that would consist of STAT courses 3743, 5817, 5840, 5848 and one of 5846, 5847, or 5849. The total number of required semester hours of credit in mathematics for this track is 38.

Applied Mathematics Track: In addition to the core, MATH 3705, 3760, 5835, 5845 and minor course of study consisting of STAT 3743, 5843, and CSIS 2610, 2617, one computer science course with 2610 prerequisite and one more course in statistics or one more computer science course with 2610 prerequisite. This will give a total of 6 courses in the minor course of study with at least 2 in statistics and at least 3 in computer science. The total number of required semester hours of credit in mathematics for this track is 38.

Quantitative Business Track: In addition to the core, MATH 5845 and 3760; STAT 5817; MGT 3789, ACCT 2602, FIN 3720, MGT 3761, PHIL 2625, CSIS 2610 and 2617, and ECON 2610 and 2630 or ECON 3710 and 3712. These courses also fulfill the requirements of a minor course of study and a portion of the general education requirement. The total number of required semester hours of credit in mathematics for this track is 32.

BA Degree Program: In addition to the core, 12 additional semester hours of mathematics at the upper division level, with at least two at the 4800 level. The minor field of study may be any discipline. The total number of required semester hours of credit in mathematics for this program is 38.

In selecting the appropriate track, the student should consult a department advisor, since certain tracks are to be preferred according to whether the student contemplates graduate study in mathematics or statistics, secondary school teaching, or a career in business, industry or government.

The Traditional Mathematics Track enrolls students seeking classical training in mathematics. Students will study the nature of mathematics in fields such as algebra, real analysis, complex analysis, and topology. Connections to, and generalizations of, earlier formulations of mathematical concepts will constantly occur. Generally, new results in mathematics are developed and proven by those with a Ph.D. in mathematics. Students planning to pursue a Ph.D. will be well prepared for graduate school with this track and should also study at least one of the languages French, Russian, or German.

The Applied Mathematics Track emphasizes areas of mathematics used in government and industry. Students learn mathematical models for the study of physical and computational processes. Mathematical techniques are also used to study uncertainty, scheduling, and decision theory. Many graduates find employment in consulting firms and large corporations where computing and mathematical problem solving skills are valued. Students are also prepared to pursue a master's degree in applied mathematics.

The Statistics Track is for students interested in the analysis of data. Statistical techniques are utilized in many fields of research such as medicine, biology, business, and sociology. Statisticians learn proper methodology for collecting, summarizing, and interpreting data subject to sampling variability. The increase in affordable computing and the ease of statistical software have placed statistical expertise in demand. Generally, students interested in statistics pursue further study at the graduate level, but positions are available for students upon completion of a bachelors degree.

Students enrolled in the Quantitative Business Track will be well prepared to bring quantitative problem solving skills to various fields of business. Students interested in using mathematics and statistics to study logistics or financial and business situations should enroll in this track. By enrolling in this track and carefully planning electives, students will be well prepared to pursue an MBA degree from many programs across the country. Students can also pursue a career in actuarial science, which is concerned with such things as assessing pension plans, mortality rates, and accident rates. Students from this program can find employment in banks, insurance firms, public accounting firms, investment firms, labor unions, government, and large corporations.

The Bachelor of Arts Track is available for students interested in a liberal arts education. This degree is also recommended for students who wish to pursue another discipline, including possibly a double major.

Students receiving transfer credit from another institution for courses in mathematics should consult the department chair to determine how this credit will apply toward the major requirements