Mathematics, B.S.

The B.S. degree options are designed to provide flexibility and adequate preparation for graduate school, while emphasizing mathematical reasoning, modeling, and problem solving, all within the context of preparing the student for a career in mathematics, business, industry, government, or academia. Recommended courses in areas related to mathematics provide the requisite experience and practice in mathematical applications. PHY 201 is highly recommended as the university studies physical science requirement.

Requirements for the Major in Mathematics:

The requirements for both the B.A. and B.S. degrees in Mathematics consist of some common core courses and fulfillment of the requirements of one of several options.

It is strongly recommended that each student majoring in mathematics either complete a minor in a discipline that applies mathematics or elect advanced coursework involving mathematical applications in other disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computer science, geography and geology, economics, information systems and operations management, physics, psychology, sociology and statistics.

Computer Requirement:

To satisfy the computer requirement for the B.S. degree in Mathematics, a student must successfully complete MAT 161 -MAT 162 , MAT 261 , MAT 335 , and MAT 361 .

Oral Communication Requirement:

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.S. degree in Mathematics a student must successfully complete MAT 495 or MAT 499 .

Applied Learning Requirement:

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.S. degree in Mathematics a student must successfully complete one or more of the following: MAT 495 or MAT 499 .

Requirements for a Major in Mathematics for the B.S. Degree:

Core Requirements:

Total: 36 hours

Elective Requirements:

In addition, each student must fulfill the requirements of one of the following options:

Option 1. General Mathematics: (21 hours)

This option provides a broad, traditional perspective of mathematics and its scientific application in addition to depth of study in several areas of mathematics. In addtion to the core requirements, the student must complete:

MAT 375 Combinatorics
MAT 436 Abstract Algebra II
MAT 411 Real Analysis I and
12 additional hours in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the 300-400 level, at least 6 of which must be in mathematics.

Suggested courses for a pure mathematics concentration for those planning to attend a graduate program in mathematics:

Total: 57 hours

Option 2. Applied Mathematics: (21 hours)

This option emphasizes the application and modeling of mathematics to a variety of fields. Career opportunities in business, industry, government and academia involve applications in the natural sciences and engineering, economics, and actuarial science. In addition to the core requirements, the student must complete:

MAT 301 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
MAT 325 Computational Mathematics
MAT 365 Vector Calculus and
12 additional hours in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the 300-400 level, at least 6 of which must be in mathematics.

Suggested concentrations:

Actuarial Science: MAT 381 Introduction to Financial Mathematics , MAT 468 Probability Models with Actuarial Applications , STT 412 Applied Regression and Correlation
Biomathematics: MAT 463 Ordinary Differential Equations , MAT 467 Introduction to Mathematical Biology , BIO 366 Ecology
Mathematical Physics: MAT 367 Principles in Applied Mathematics , MAT 415 Introduction to Complex Variables , MAT 418 Partial Differential Equations I , PHY 201 General Physics I
Optimization: MAT 375 Combinatorics , MAT 376 Introduction to Optimization , MAT 465 Applied Probability
Probability and Statistics: MAT 465 Applied Probability , STT 350 Survey Sampling , STT 411 Design of Experiments and Analysis of Variance , STT 412 Applied Regression and Correlation

Total: 57 hours

Additional Information:

An overall average of “C” (2.00) or better with no grade lower than a “C-” is required for all 300-400-level mathematics or statistics courses counted toward the major.