Mathematics B.A.
The Mathematics major is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to:
- pursue graduate study in the mathematical sciences;
- find mathematics-related employment in business or industry upon graduation;
- teach mathematics at the secondary level; or
- acquire mathematical tools for use in the physical, social, or life sciences.
Degree Requirements
A major in Mathematics is achieved by the completion of a minimum of 8 MAT courses at or above the 135 level (excluding MAT 201, MAT 202, MAT 203, and MAT 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 | Calculus I | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 214 | Linear Algebra | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 225 | Calculus II | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 315 | Fundamental Concepts of Math | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 330 | Calculus III | 1 Course Credit |
NOTE: For each course waived based on test scores, an additional course above MAT 135 must be completed satisfactorily.
Required Capstone Course
| MAT 426 | Math Lit: Rdg & Communication | 1 Course Credit |
| | or | |
| | Approved research experience | |
Required Distribution Courses
A minimum of 3 courses chosen from
| MAT 311 | Probability | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 312 | Operations Research | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 321 | Foundations of Geometry | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 432 | Abstract Algebra | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 433 | Numerical Analysis (CSC) | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 434 | Real Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 435 | Complex Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 436 | Topology | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 437 | Differential Equations | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 438 | Statistics | 1 Course Credit |
Courses must satisfy each of the following four groups.
Courses may satisfy more than one category:
Theoretical:
| MAT 321 | Foundations of Geometry | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 432 | Abstract Algebra | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 434 | Real Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 436 | Topology | 1 Course Credit |
Applied:
| MAT 311 | Probability | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 312 | Operations Research | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 433 | Numerical Analysis (CSC) | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 438 | Statistics | 1 Course Credit |
Analysis:
| MAT 433 | Numerical Analysis (CSC) | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 434 | Real Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 435 | Complex Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 437 | Differential Equations | 1 Course Credit |
Nonanalysis:
| MAT 311 | Probability | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 312 | Operations Research | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 321 | Foundations of Geometry | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 432 | Abstract Algebra | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 436 | Topology | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 438 | Statistics | 1 Course Credit |
Required Collateral Course
One (1) course credit chosen from the following:
| CSC 111 | Storytelling-Comp Animation | 1 Course Credit |
| CSC 114/BUS 114 | Business App & Prog (BUS) | 1 Course Credit |
| CSC 124 | Building Better Apps | 1 Course Credit |
| CSC 126 | Intro to Robotics | 1 Course Credit |
| CSC 226 | Software Design & Implement | 1 Course Credit |
| CSC 236 | Data Structures | 1 Course Credit |
Required Senior-level Courses
At least two (2) course credits chosen from
| MAT 432 | Abstract Algebra | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 433 | Numerical Analysis (CSC) | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 434 | Real Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 435 | Complex Analysis | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 436 | Topology | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 437 | Differential Equations | 1 Course Credit |
| MAT 438 | Statistics | 1 Course Credit |
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, MAT 330, MAT 315 and, if time allows, MAT 214, 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.